What Causes Hair Loss at a Young Age?

Hair loss is incredibly common, affecting millions of Americans, including both women and men. While most of us associate hair loss with older age, it can also affect younger people. Understanding the causes of early hair loss is important for finding a restoration therapy that works.

At his Manhasset and Forest Hills, New York practices, E. Jacob Simhaee, MD, helps patients restore thinning hair with state-of-the-art Alma TED® therapy. Here, learn why early hair loss happens and how proactive treatment with Alma TED can help.

Extreme stress

Chronic stress is another relatively common cause of hair loss, as is acute, extreme stress. The physical impact of stress causes chemical changes and disruptions in normal hair growth. Many people with stress-related hair growth notice widespread shedding across the entire scalp. Reducing stress can help reverse the process, particularly when paired with Alma TED® treatment.

Genetics

Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is one of the most common causes of thinning. It is driven by hormones such as testosterone and can affect both men and women. In men, it often begins at the temples or crown, while in women, it appears as overall thinning. This type of hair loss tends to run in families.

Hormonal factors

Among women, hormonal fluctuations can cause hair loss, too, including fluctuations associated with pregnancy, perimenopause, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some birth control methods can also cause hair thinning. 

Certain medical treatments

Certain drugs can interfere with the hair growth cycle. Chemotherapy is widely known to cause significant hair loss, but other medications, including beta-blockers, blood thinners, amphetamines, and Parkinson’s drugs, can also contribute to thinning hair.

Nutritional deficiencies

Like every other part of your body, your hair follicles depend on a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen to function. So-called crash dieting, frequent dieting, and restrictive eating habits can lead to nutritional deficiencies that deprive hair follicles of nutrients and interfere with normal circulation and distribution of oxygen necessary for healthy hair.

Hairstyling habits

Finally, some people experience hair loss because of how they style their hair. Wearing tight braids, using excessive heat, or undergoing harsh chemical treatments like perms and straightening treatments can all damage hair’s structure and lead to problems with follicle activity, increasing the risk of thinning and hair loss over time.

Manage hair loss with Alma TED

Alma TED is a state-of-the-art hair restoration therapy that combines ultrasound energy with targeted air pressure to stimulate underactive hair follicles, promoting natural hair growth without pain or surgery.

This combination improves circulation in the scalp, increasing blood flow so each follicle receives more nutrients and oxygen necessary for follicle health and hair growth. Better blood flow also helps remove wastes that could affect follicle activity. In fact, data show ultrasound energy rejuvenates follicles and promotes healthier hair growth, too.

During treatment, Dr. Simhaee applies ultrasound energy via a special handheld applicator, and each treatment takes about half an hour. There’s no recovery time after treatment, and treatment can be repeated depending on your needs.

Find a solution for your hair loss

Hair loss can have a major impact on self-esteem, confidence, and self-image. To learn how Alma TED can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Simhaee and his team at his Manhasset and Forest Hills, New York, practices today.