Signs of Balding at 20

It’s natural to lose some hair every day. But if you’re in your 20s and are losing more than you used to or noticing that your hair is looking a little thin, it can be a bit alarming.

We get it. It’s a little early to be going bald. But, the fact is that about 25% of men start experiencing hair loss before they hit their thirties so you’re not alone.

Below are some tell-tale signs of balding at 20 to look out for and how to deal with early hair loss.

5 Signs Of Hair Loss And Balding At 20

Receding Hairline

One of the things you may start to notice is that your hairline looks a bit further back than it used to be. Most men’s hair starts to recede after thirty, so if you’re seeing a change in your twenties, then it is, unfortunately, a sign of balding.

In most cases, the receding hairline forms the appearance of the letter ‘V’ and is known to be the Widow’s peak. But, as it continues to recede, your hairline may start to look more like an ‘M’ as the hair around the temples is often the first to go.

Receding hairlines are caused by aging, changes in hormones, family history, or even stress.

Increased Shedding

Did you know that we lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day? You’ll notice stray hairs coming out in the shower or while brushing your hair. But, if it’s looking like an excessive amount or your hair is coming out in small clumps, then this is a sign of balding.

Eventually, more and more hair will begin falling out and your scalp will be more visible.

Increased hair shedding often happens due to stress. In addition, men have high levels of androgen in their bodies, which can just naturally cause hair loss. Luckily, there are anti-androgen medications you can take if this is the cause of your shedding.

Thinning Around The Crown

When you notice signs of thinning near the crown, it’s likely you’re in the early stages of balding at 20.

You may find that the hair on the sides of your head remains at a consistent length and texture while you have a loss of hair at the crown as well as a receding hairline.

Hair Becomes Difficult To Style

Hair loss means that you lose volume. And as a result, your old ways of styling may not work or look as flattering as they used to. Your hair may fall in a different direction or not stay in the position you want it in, changing the style of your hair.

The second that you notice that your hair is becoming difficult to style or it’s changed its ways in terms of styling, it’s usually a sign of hair loss or thinning.

Prone To Sunburn On Scalp

The last sign of balding in your 20s is if you’re experiencing more sunburn on your scalp. This means that your hair isn’t as thick as it used to be and isn’t protecting your scalp well anymore.

If you are getting more scalp sunburns, you need to start taking other measures, like wearing a hat or cap, to protect your scalp while you’re outside.

Why Is My Hair Thinning At 20?

Right, so now that we know the signs to look out for, what causes hair thinning at 20 for males?

Male Pattern Baldness

A common cause of hair thinning at 20 is male pattern baldness (MPB), also known as androgenic alopecia.

This is a mix of hormonal and genetic factors causing your hair to thin between your 20s and 30s. It causes the hair growth cycle to weaken and stops or shortens the production of hair follicles on your head.

Unfortunately, MPB is a permanent condition.

Stress

Young people are usually under a lot of pressure as they start navigating their adult lives. Studying, exams, starting jobs, moving out – there are numerous stressors that men in their 20s could be experiencing.

Luckily, hair loss caused by stress is usually temporary. Your hair should grow back in a few months.

Medical Conditions

There are certain medical conditions that affect the hair follicles and result in balding. These include scalp infections, thyroid disease, and alopecia areata.

With the right treatment, your hair may grow back.

Medications

On the flip side, certain supplements and medications can actually cause hair loss as a side effect.

Medication used to treat cancer, arthritis, heart problems, and much more can have side effects causing your hair to thin or fall out.

Hair Damage

The final cause is the overuse of hot appliances such as a hairdryer. This causes heat damage to your hair and leaves it more prone to falling out and thinning.

When the dry heat from these appliances meets your hair, it causes the shaft and roots to weaken, making it easier for your hair to fall out.

How Do I Deal With Hair Loss At 20?

There are a number of ways you can deal with hair loss.

First off, you could consider a hair transplant. This procedure takes hair that you already have and uses the grafts to populate an area that has thin or no hair at all. This is quite a pricey route to take. Prepare yourself to spend anywhere upwards of $10,000.

Another option is scalp micropigmentation, where you tattoo your scalp to fill in the bald spots (learn more here).

But, if you want to slow down the process and don’t want to break the bank, you can look into purchasing hair growth products or hair loss treatments. There are a variety of shampoos and formulated hair growth serums you can get off the counter that may help stimulate hair growth.

If you feel like stress and anxiety are a big part of what’s causing your hair to thin, try adopting a healthier and more peaceful lifestyle. Cut out the cigarettes and alcohol and substitute them for yoga and drinking water.

And lastly – you can embrace the bald! Often, hair thinning cannot be reversed or stopped. So, it might be time to shave that head and find confidence in your new look!

Conclusion

And that’s that. Hair loss in 20-year-old males is pretty common and it’s not something that should be feared. Keep an eye out for the signs mentioned and see if making any changes to your lifestyle can help slow down the process. But if not, don’t be afraid to rock the shaved look!