Few years ago, balding was looked upon as a problem of ageing men. But, today, men as young as 20 something are having ‘mane problems’ of receding hairline and balding. (DC)

Few years ago, balding was looked upon as a problem of ageing men. But, today, men as young as 20 something are having ‘mane problems’ of receding hairline and balding. Hair loss among young men is increasingly prompting questions about what is really behind it. Is it simply genetics and hormones, or are stress, crash diets and gym supplements also playing a role? Rohit Pujari (28), a model cum photographer, who sports a bald look says, “I started losing hair when I was 23. It was embarrassing but I decided to shave off my head and sport a bald look.”

A Common Scenario

Dr. Shailya Gupta, a Dermatologist from Delhi says that hair loss in young men has become a common problem. The most common cause is androgenetic alopecia, or male-pattern hair loss, which is largely genetic. However, genetics aren’t always the whole story. Scalp conditions such as severe dandruff or inflammation can also contribute to hair fall, adding to the problem.

But among all the talks surrounding hair loss, one hormone that gets a lot of attention is DHT aka dihydrotestosterone. DHT is made from testosterone. In men who are genetically susceptible to male-pattern hair loss, DHT acts on certain hair follicles and gradually makes them smaller. The result: these follicles gradually produce thinner, shorter strands. Over time, the hairline may recede, the crown may start to thin and, in advanced cases, the affected follicles may eventually stop producing visible hair.

Dr Shailya adds, “In genetically susceptible individuals, DHT gradually causes susceptible follicles to become smaller, producing progressively finer and shorter hair strands.”

This is why the hair becomes thinner and shorter over time, usually starting at the temples and crown. While some men may notice these changes in their late teens or 20s, others may not experience hair loss until much later.

The Mane Issue

Talking about the age of onset, Dr Vijay Kumar Lingapuram, a Consultant Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon & Aesthetic Physician, Renova Hospitals from Hyderabad says, “The age of onset depends on multiple genetic factors, androgen metabolism and individual follicular sensitivity.” Dr. Vijay also points out that a young man does not necessarily have unusually high testosterone or DHT levels to develop early hair loss; the sensitivity of his hair follicles to DHT can be more important than the amount of these hormones in the body. Family history from either the mother’s or father’s side can increase the risk, as male-pattern baldness is influenced by multiple genes and is not simply inherited from the mother’s side.

Triggers & Causes

Genetics may be the biggest driver of male-pattern hair loss, but young men can also experience increased shedding for several other reasons.

Dr. Vijay explains that there are two different types of hair loss that young men can experience. The first is temporary shedding, which can happen after stress, crash dieting, rapid weight loss, illness or nutritional deficiencies. He says this is called telogen effluvium and usually causes hair to fall from across the scalp, often starting two to three months after the trigger.

The second is male-pattern hair loss, which is genetic and usually causes a slowly receding hairline, thinning at the temples or crown. “The two can also occur together,” he says. For example, a man may already have early genetic hair loss and then suddenly shed more hair after a period of stress or rapid weight loss. This can make his existing hair loss look worse.

Environment Matters

Your hair may be sitting on your head, but your follicles are very much connected to what is happening inside your body. What goes into the body and the physiological environment it creates — can show up on the scalp.

Dr Shailya says, “Hair follicles need adequate protein, calories and micronutrients so restrictive diets and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to shedding.” Poor sleep and prolonged physical or emotional stress can also disturb the hair-growth cycle.

Regular exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet and managing stress can therefore help reduce avoidable hair fall. However, lifestyle changes cannot prevent genetically driven male-pattern baldness.

Know Your Roots

Dr Vijay advises that regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management and gradual, nutritionally balanced weight loss can help reduce avoidable triggers of telogen effluvium.

All in all, hair loss for men in their 20s may not always mean premature baldness. Genetics can be a major factor, but stress, poor nutrition, illness and lifestyle can also trigger extra shedding. The important thing is to notice the early signs, identify the cause and seek the right advice before the problem progresses!

Hair This

• Among 100 Indian men (age 18 to 40) had early-onset androgenetic alopecia, hair loss.

• For many men it began at an average age of 22.9years

• 72% of men reported a family history of male-pattern baldness.

The age of onset depends on multiple genetic factors, androgen metabolism and individual follicular sensitivity.”

— Dr. Vijay Kumar Lingapuram, Consultant Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon & Aesthetic Physician

In genetically susceptible individuals, DHT gradually causes susceptible follicles to become smaller, producing progressively finer and shorter hair strands.”

— Dr. Shailya Gupta, Dermatologist

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