When does hair loss usually start for men and women?
Hair loss can start much earlier than many people expect, and millions notice thinning in their 20s. Genetics, hormone changes, pregnancy, medications, stress and tight hairstyles can raise the risk. It is wise to consider hair restoration as soon as you notice thinning, since PRP can help keep dormant follicles producing but cannot help once follicles are gone.
Stereotypes about hair loss and balding have created a false sense of reality. Most adults associate baldness with old age, but millions of people experience hair thinning in their 20s. If you’re worried about going bald at an early age or losing your hair too soon, there are solutions available to you. Read on to learn about the average age of onset for hair thinning.
Average Age When Adults Start Losing Hair
A male pattern baldness study found that 16% of men aged 18-29 had noticeable hair loss, and that number increased to 53% for men in their 40s. Approximately 40% of women experience hair loss by the age of 50. It is difficult to say when hair loss starts for most adults, but it is safe to say that hair thinning is not uncommon for young adults.
Factors That Increase Risk of Hair Thinning
Genetics and hormonal changes play a large role in hair production. If you have a family history of blandness or hair thinning, you may have a higher risk of early hair loss. Nearly half of pregnant women experience hair loss during their pregnancy, and new research shows a correlation between COVID-19 and increased hair shedding.
Medications, stress, and lifestyle choices can impact your hair growth. If your hair is constantly pulled back into a tight ponytail, you may experience more hair follicle strain than you would with your hair down. Many hair-thinning factors are beyond your control, but you can combat the effects early on.
What Is the Best Age to Start Hair Restoration?
Proactive hair restoration is generally better than reactive hair restoration. The longer you can preserve your hair follicles and hair thickness, the less you’ll have to worry about thinning hair or baldness. Thus, the best age to start hair restoration is as soon as you notice hair thinning.
Many of our clients are in their early 20s and have a family history of hair thinning. They start PRP treatment for hair restoration to excite dormant hair follicles before they die off. PRP is ineffective once the hair follicles are gone, but preventative treatment can keep them in production as long as possible.
Want to find out if you’re a good candidate for PRP hair restoration? Call (248) 216-1008 to schedule your free consultation at Michigan Center For Regenerative Medicine.
Top Signs of Early Hair Loss to Look Out For
From increased hair shedding to a widening part, here are the top seven warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Increased Hair Shedding
It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. However, if you’re noticing significantly more hair on your pillow, in the shower, or in your hairbrush, it may be an early sign of hair loss.
Pay special attention to:
- Clumps of hair coming out during washing
- Noticeably more hair in your brush
- Excessive hair accumulation on clothing or bedding
- Persistent shedding lasting several months
2. A Receding Hairline
For men, hair may begin to thin around the temples, creating an “M” shaped appearance over time. While a mature hairline is a normal part of aging for some individuals, a rapidly receding hairline may indicate male pattern baldness.
3. Thinning at the Crown
Many people first notice hair loss at the crown, or top portion, of the scalp – which often begins subtly and may only become noticeable under bright lighting or in photographs.
4. A Widening Part
Instead of developing a receding hairline like men do, many women notice that their part appears wider than it once did. Hair may seem less dense throughout the scalp, particularly near the crown and top of the head.
5. Slower Hair Growth
Hair follicles affected by certain forms of hair loss can produce shorter, finer hairs over time. As the growth cycle shortens, hair may struggle to achieve its previous length and fullness.
6. Visible Scalp
If your scalp is becoming easier to see despite maintaining the same hairstyle, thinning hair may be the cause.
You may see more of your scalp in these areas:
- Along your part line
- At the crown
- Around the temples
- Under bright lighting
7. Changes in Hair Texture
You may notice that your hair feels finer, weaker, or less voluminous than it once did. Hair strands may become miniaturized, producing thinner hairs that provide less overall coverage.
What Are Some Common Causes of Hair Loss?
Hair loss can result from a variety of factors. Here are nine of the most common ones:
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Aging
- Stress
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Thyroid disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
- Certain medications
- Recent illness or surgery
Because many conditions can contribute to thinning hair, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning treatment.
Hair Thinning Prevention Tips
Early intervention can keep hair thinning to a minimum. This is especially true if you pursue PRP treatment. PRP can ignite the follicles you have left before they die off. Preserve the follicles you have and jumpstart production for dormant follicles. Curious about pricing? Our PRP cost breakdown explains what affects the total.
If you are on medications that may increase your risk of hair thinning, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives. Avoid bleaching your hair or doing anything that may damage your long-term hair health. Use a satin or silk pillowcase to prevent pulling your hair when you sleep.
You Can Reignite Dormant Hair Follicles
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments are one option that may help with hair thinning. PRP treatments for hair restoration revitalize dormant hair follicles on your scalp. PRP uses cells from your own body to stimulate follicles and thicken your hair. Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine has seen tremendous success with PRP hair restoration for qualified candidates.
It’s important to note that PRP cannot grow hair back in bald areas. This treatment requires existing follicles to work properly. That’s why we emphasize success for qualified candidates. We will never recommend PRP if we do not think it will fulfill your needs. Curious about pricing? Our PRP cost breakdown explains what affects the total.
If you have a bald area that you would like to grow hair in, one of the other options listed below may be a better starting point for you. Then, you can explore PRP once you have follicles available.
Hair Restoration Options for Bald Spots
If you have completely bald areas on your scalp, you have the option of getting a follicle transplant, otherwise known as a hair transplant. There are different types of follicle transplants available, but they are all designed to put follicles in places where they’re missing. If you pursue PRP before the follicles die off, you may be able to avoid getting a hair transplant altogether. But if this becomes the right treatment path for you, PRP may be used to support hair growth after transplant.
More Questions Patients Ask
What are the early signs of hair loss?
Early signs of hair loss include increased shedding, a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, a widening part, slower hair growth and a more visible scalp. Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, but clumps in the shower, more hair in your brush or shedding that lasts for months may be an early warning sign.
What causes hair thinning and how is it treated?
Hair thinning can come from genetics, such as male- or female-pattern baldness, certain medications, pregnancy, alopecia areata, aging and hormone changes. Treatment depends on the cause. A hair follicle transplant can fill completely bald areas but is more invasive, while PRP treatment uses your own cells to re-ignite dormant follicles in thinning areas.
Can hair grow back from thinning?
In many cases, PRP may help thinning hair by revitalizing dormant follicles and thickening hair, but it cannot grow hair in completely bald areas because it needs existing follicles. For bald spots, a hair transplant may be a better starting point, with PRP afterward. Hair thinning usually calls for ongoing treatment tailored to your goals.
How can PRP hair restoration help with hair loss?
PRP hair restoration uses your own body to support hair growth, offering men and women an option besides hair transplants. At the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, each session takes about 30 minutes to an hour with no visible scarring. A series of six treatments is typically recommended, and results vary, though many patients see thicker, fuller hair.
By Board-certified Doctors John Santa Ana, DO and Thomas Nabity, MD
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