I'm 20, is it possible to stop hair loss and regrow my lost hairs ? Which treatment do you recommend for excessive hair loss?

Question

My age is 20 ... I have excessive hairloss for over an year... 2 years ago I had full head of hair... But now I notice that I'm going bald..!!! My father is also bald.. My uncles are bald too.... I know my hairfall is for family reason... I don't want to become bald.. What can I do??? Which type of treatment should I take ???? Plzz help...

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Dear Zibran
Thanks for the question. Normally, hair loss starts between the ages 18-25 in most men. When a man passes his 35-40 age, hair loss usually slows down and after the age of between 50-60, it increases again. This information shows us that the process of hair loss is progressive and throughout life. But there are always exceptions to the rule.That's why It is always more efficient to have a medical examination. But hair transplantation is permanent and always offers successful solutions. I wish you all the best.ozgeergun.com.tr/en/

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Hair loss in men is usually related to genetic causes in most cases.  There is no way to reverse this just as there is no way to reverse aging.  However there are many treatment options.  It is best to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Early hair loss in patients with a strong family history of hair loss is not uncommon. After an evaluation with a hair restoration specialist to rule out other medical issues that may be causing hair loss, multiple treatment options exist for young patients with hair loss. 
Minoxidil topical is a great option and can be safely used by most patients for many years with very few side effects. Finasteride (oral pill) is a very powerful medication for slowing or stopping the progression of hair loss. Another option in young patients is PRP injections, which are performed over a series of treatments using the patient's own blood. Finally, laser/light therapy and other topical treatments are available. Hair transplant may eventually be an option, but not at age 20. I typically recommend that patients are approaching their mid-20's before considering a transplant session.
All the best,

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Based on what you have described, it is very likely that your
hair loss is due to genetics. It is always a good idea to seek medical forms
treatment as soon as possible. This can help limit the extent of baldness. For  example, you may want to talk to a hair
restoration specialist about using Minoxidil (over the counter) or Finasteride
(available as a prescription). Minoxidil increases blood supply to the
follicles. And Finasteride helps block the breakdown of testosterone to DHT
which miniaturizes the follicles.

You may also want to consider a hair restoration procedure at a
future point. Your doctor can recommend an appropriate time once the rate of
your shedding has stabilized.  In the
meantime, adopt healthy lifestyle habits as this will contribute to the overall
health of your follicles.

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

A multi-therapy approach is something you should consider.  Addressing the same symptom with different treatments can have an exponential effect.  Combining Minoxidil, Rogaine, Laser and Cellular Therapy is not out of the question for someone thinning as your as you are.

Joyce Davis, MD · Answer

Without a photo, I would assume that you have thinning at the front of the scalp or at the top.  Most men your age have androgenic (male pattern) hair loss in these areas; starting in the early 20s.  I suggest that you see a board certified dermatologist for prescribing propecia.  It works well in young men and can often regrow significant amounts of hair.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

Here at Austin Hair Graft we recommend combination therapy. Medical management is very important to keep the hair you have at this point. It helps the thin brittle hair to become healthy and full of life. If you use multiple modalities which include Low Level Light therapy, PRP injections, supplements and oral medication this can slow down the signs of balding. If you have lost the bulb of the hair then we will need to discuss Hair restoration using our FUE technique.

Camilo Diaz, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to see patients at 20 that have suffered with ongoing and quite aggressive or fast hair loss. You should speak with your Doctor and seek out a reputable Dermatologist. Treatments available include Minoxidil or PRP to try to slow down the hair loss and get it more under control. 
At this age its not advisable to have Hair Transplant Surgery, certainly not until the hair loss is stable and a patient is around 25 years of age.

Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS · Answer

I just answered a similar question on RealSelf. And I'd like to begin by asking you the same question I asked the other person. How long has this problem persisted?
While male pattern baldness can tend to start early in men, short term hair fall due to change in place may not necessarily be something you should be worried about. 
Of course if you are certain that the problem is progressive and has persisted for long time (few weeks) then it might be best advised to consult with a doctor.
Hope this helps.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

In general, men with genetic hair loss at age 20 have four options:1. MINOXIDIL. This is a topical product you rub on your scalp. Side effects include (for men) more shedding in the first month, headaches, heart palpitations, scalp itching flaking.   This drug helps stop hair loss in 30 % or so of men. 2. FINASTERIDE. This is not a topical medication but rather a "pill". Finasteride stops hair loss in 90% of men and can "improve" hair in 40%. Helps the top of the scalp (called the crown) AND the front too in young men. Side effects are rare but include include mood changes, depression, sexual problems (impotence, decreased sex drive), enlargement of breast tissue, testicular pain and decreased sperm count. 3. LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY. Low level laser can help a small proportion of men get a bit fuller looking hair. There are few if any side effects but these products do not help nearly to same degree as finasteride pills. 4. PLATELET RICH PLASMA. Also called "PRP" this technique works by injecting a patients own blood into the scalp. Side effects include pain of injections. Hair transplants are not an option at age 20 but may be towards 25.

I'm 20, is it possible to stop hair loss and regrow my lost hairs ? Which treatment do you recommend for excessive hair loss?

Answers (13)

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