8 Surprising Reasons Why Young Adults Experience Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common issue faced by many young adults today, and it can be a source of distress and low self-esteem.

Hair fall can occur due to various reasons, ranging from genetics to environmental factors. In this article, we will discuss 11 surprising reasons why young adults may experience hair loss.

These include poor nutrition, hormonal imbalances, stress, medications, genetics, hairstyles, chemical treatments, illness, environmental factors, over-styling and poor sleep habits.

It is essential to identify the underlying cause of hair loss to find the appropriate treatment to restore healthy hair growth. By making positive changes to their lifestyle such as maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress levels, and avoiding excessive hairstyling and chemical treatments, young adults can prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

In the following sections, we will explore these causes of hair fall in more detail.

Reasons for Hair Loss in Adults

Poor Nutrition causes Hair loss (Image source/ Getty Images)

Poor Nutrition

• Lack of protein in the diet can lead to hair loss.
• Vitamin D deficiency can cause hair fall.
• Inadequate intake of essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 can also contribute to hair loss.

Hormonal Imbalance

• Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels in women can cause hair fall.
• Elevated levels of DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone, can lead to androgenetic alopecia in both men and women.
• Insulin resistance, which is common in people with PCOS, can also contribute to hair loss.

Stress

One of the biggest problems for hair loss(Image source/pexels)

• Stress-related hair loss is known as telogen effluvium and typically occurs 2-3 months after a stressful event.
• Chronic stress can also lead to a condition called alopecia areata, which causes hair loss in patches.

Medications

• Chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment can cause hair loss.
• Acne medications like isotretinoin can lead to hair fall as a side effect.
• Anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy can also cause hair loss.

Genetics

• A family history of androgenetic alopecia can increase the likelihood of hair loss in young adults.
• Some rare genetic disorders like trichorrhexis nodosa can also cause hair breakage and loss.

Hairstyles

• Wearing hair extensions or weaves can cause hair fall due to the extra weight on the hair follicles.
• Tight headbands or hats can also lead to hair loss over time.
• Sleeping with hair tied tightly in a bun or ponytail can cause traction alopecia.

Chemical Treatments

• Over-processing hair with harsh chemicals like relaxers or perms can lead to hair damage and loss.
• Using hot tools like straightening irons or curling wands too often can also cause hair breakage and fall.
• Allergic reactions to hair dye or bleach can lead to hair loss.

Illness

• Autoimmune disorders like lupus or alopecia areata can cause hair loss.
• Scalp infections like ringworm or folliculitis can lead to hair fall.
• Chronic diseases like diabetes or thyroid disorders can also contribute to hair loss.

Conclusion

Hair loss is a common concern for young adults, and it can be caused by various factors. Maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress levels, and avoiding excessive hairstyling and chemical treatments can help prevent hair loss.

It is essential to identify the underlying cause of hair loss and seek appropriate treatment to restore healthy hair growth. With proper care and treatment, young adults can prevent and overcome hair loss.