Noticeable Hair Loss in Your Early 20s? Here Are Your Options

Although one of the most common causes of hair loss, a condition commonly known as male pattern baldness, usually begins around age 50, sometimes hair loss happens earlier — much earlier. Some people, both men and women, notice that they’re losing hair in their early 20s. 

If you’re concerned about hair loss, don’t guess or panic. Talk with someone who has medical expertise. At NeoGraft Hair Restoration in Westport, Connecticut, Dr. Dana Brownell and her staff can help you understand what’s happening and offer you options. Hair restoration is possible for most people. 

Possible causes of early hair loss

Regardless of gender, quite a few things can lead to thinning hair at a younger-than-expected age. Here are some examples: 

• Genetics: a family history of early hair loss 
• Health problems: chronic conditions like diabetes or some infections
• Medications
• Hormonal shifts: women may lose hair during pregnancy; thyroid problems also could cause hair loss
• Tight hairstyles: for example, very tight buns or cornrows
• Stress: life-changing events may cause thinning hair, though it’s usually temporary

While it’s helpful to understand the underlying cause of your hair loss, it doesn’t change the psychological impact it can have on you. Dr. Brownell and her staff can describe your options and guide you through the decision-making process. 

Common treatments for hair loss

Two drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat hair loss due to male pattern baldness: minoxidil and finasteride. 

Minoxidil is available over the counter, without a prescription, and it’s a cream that you rub onto your scalp twice a day. It may irritate your scalp or cause itchiness or headaches, and it works for some people but not others. 

Finasteride is a prescription medication that you take in pill form, and it may be used alone or in combination with minoxidil. It causes side effects in some people.

The most effective treatment

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), a hair transplant can provide a permanent and natural looking solution to hair loss. At NeoGraft Hair Restoration, our specialty is a specific and advanced type of hair transplant called a follicular unit extraction (FUE). 

Dr. Brownell removes individual hair follicles from the back of your scalp and precisely places them where you notice your hair is thinning. She uses methods and technology that are much faster than manually moving each follicle, and they’re less painful than other transplantation methods. 

The AAD emphasizes that your results depend in large part on the skill of your surgeon. Dr. Brownell is experienced, knowledgeable, and highly skilled in performing hair transplants for adults of all ages. She provides you with an individual treatment plan designed to meet your needs.

If you’d like to learn more about what you can do about noticeable hair loss in your 20s, schedule an appointment at NeoGraft Hair Restoration today.