The Signs Of Balding At 20 – How To Identify And Treat Hair Loss

Hair loss is one of the most common conditions worldwide. Losing hair can be devastating at any age, especially among youngsters.

Although we often assume that balding happens as we age, a growing number of people are reporting noticeable hair loss earlier. There can be many causes and signs of balding at 20. While some are avoidable, others inevitable. For example, poor genetics can result in hereditary conditions that make hair loss almost unavoidable.

But that’s not to say you’re helpless, as starting treatment in your early 20s can stop, limit, and prevent future hair loss.

What is Hair loss 

Loss of hair from the scalp or any other body part that can be temporary or permanent is considered hair loss. Usually, hair loss is connected with aging, and research suggests that many men experience noticeable hair loss in their early lives. 

According to a study, up to 20% of men aged between 20 and 30 reported suffering some or significant hair loss. This number steadily increases as men get older, with 50%- 66% (1) of men reporting noticeable hair loss in their 50s and 60s.

Although a receding hairline in young women is less common than in men, hair often forms a vital part of a woman’s identity, especially in her 20s. Additionally, it’s more challenging to diagnose the cause of women’s hair loss, so seeing a receding hairline in your 20s can be confusing and concerning.

Early Signs Of Balding

Different people may have varying signs of balding. Some people might see hair loss that starts at their temples.

Common Signs Of Balding Include

1. Thinning Around Temples

Hair thinning around the temples, head’s crown, or back can be noticed in this condition. Medication and consultation from a health professional or hair specialist are good ideas to resolve this hair condition.

2. Receding Hairline

The term “receding hairline” describes the hair on the front and sides of your head beginning to thin and moving away from the face. M type of hair receding is mainly seen in males. 

3. Thinning On Top Of The Head

The first sign of hair loss can be thinning of hair on the top of the head. This hair loss pattern is pervasive in certain racial groups. The hair fall can be slow in the process. For instance, Asian males are more likely to experience this pattern than a receding hairline, according to a 2012 study (1). 

4. Widening Part

Another type of hair loss causes part of the line, where hair splits on the top of the head, to widen and pull apart.

5. Thinning Across The Whole Head

Some people experience hair loss on the whole part of the head. In this condition, hair loss can be slow or without any shape. 

6. Hair Falls Out In Clumps

Hair loss is usually a slow process. However, there are sometimes noticeable dramatic changes to the hair. Hair can fall out in large clumps instead of thinning and receding in this condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hair loss include

 1. An Itchy Scalp 

And itchy scalp might be a sign of an allergy to shampoo or a skin condition such as scalp eczema, but it’s not a sign of hair loss.

 2. Dandruff 

Dandruff or scalp flaking can indicate a haircare routine or seeing a dermatologist, but they’re not signs of balding.

 3. Dry Hair Or Split Ends

Any medical conditions, nutrition, environmental factors, or haircare products may cause hair loss, but it’s not connected to hair loss.

Common Causes Of Hair Loss

Androgenic alopecia (2) is a common cause of hair loss in all sexes and is sometimes called male pattern baldness. It occurs when hormones disbalance hair growth and cause hair to fall out. Hair loss can follow a shape or pattern like M or O. 

However, it isn’t the only cause of hair loss. Some other factors that can trigger hair loss include the following-

1. Family history
2. Hormonal changes or imbalance
3. Physical injury
4. Thyroid conditions
5. Certain hairstyles or hair treatments
6. Nutritional deficiency
7. Cicatricial alopecia (3)
8. Alopecia areata
9. Telogen effluvium
10. Tinea capitis (4)

Treatment Options

There are many ways to prevent further hair loss and slow the thinning process. New treatment options are being developed and becoming available. These new treatments can help regrow hair. These treatment approaches include the following-

1. Minoxidil (Rogaine)
2. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
3. Topical retinoids
4. Hair transplant
5. Laser light therapy
6. Prescription medications
7. Platelet-rich plasma
8. Stem-cell therapy
9. Follicular unit extraction

When To See A Doctor

See a doctor if hair loss or baldness has any uncomfortable or painful symptoms along with hair loss. These include-

1. Swelling around the areas of baldness.
2. Excessive itchiness or scaling around balding areas.
3. Burning, stinging, or pus discharge around balding areas.
4. Sudden hair loss on other parts of your body.
5. Excessive hair growth on other parts of the body.
6. Sudden changes in weight, including weight loss or weight gain.
7. A recent high fever (over 101°F, or 38°C).
8. Adverse effects from a recent surgery.

Conclusion

Balding is a natural part of aging. But it can be a cause of any health condition or injury. The most important thing to remember is not to panic. In many cases, hair thinning is treatable, preventable, and, in some instances, reversible.

The first step is identifying the signs of balding at 20 and then addressing their root cause. Visit the doctor or dermatologist to address the concerns and receive a formal diagnosis.

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