Why Am I Balding So Early? The Truth About Premature Hair Loss
Is Early Hair Loss Normal?
Losing your hair in your teens or twenties? Yeah, it feels unfair. But guess what — it’s more common than you think. Early balding, or androgenetic alopecia, affects millions of people worldwide, especially guys (though women can experience it too).
Some start noticing a thinning crown or a receding hairline as early as 17 or 18. Not fun. But it’s not necessarily something you caused. Your hair isn’t “betraying” you — it’s just responding to a bunch of factors, some of which are totally out of your hands.
The Main Culprit: Genetics (Thanks, Dad... or Mom)
Male pattern baldness — it runs in the family
If you’ve got close relatives who started balding early — ding ding, that’s your clue. The gene responsible is often inherited from the maternal side, but not always. Hair loss can be passed from either parent.
So yeah, even if your dad had a full head of hair into his 60s, but your uncle on your mom’s side was bald by 25... you might be next in line.
DHT sensitivity: the science-y part
Most early balding is tied to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a hormone derived from testosterone. Some people’s hair follicles are just more sensitive to it. Once DHT binds to those follicles, they shrink over time, producing thinner and shorter hairs, until eventually... nothing grows.
Sounds harsh, right? But it’s a slow process — and knowing it’s DHT-driven helps in terms of treatment.
Lifestyle Triggers That Make It Worse
Stress: your silent enemy
Ever heard of telogen effluvium? It’s a temporary form of hair shedding triggered by extreme stress, illness, or even emotional trauma. If you’ve been through a breakup, lost a job, or pulled all-nighters for finals... yep, your hair might start falling out as a result.
The good news? It can regrow — if the stress eases and your scalp isn’t genetically predisposed to permanent loss.
Diet and deficiencies
Not eating right? Your hair knows. Low protein, vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, or even sudden weight loss can speed up hair loss. Hair’s not essential for survival, so when your body’s struggling, it’s one of the first things to go.
I once dropped 10kg in 3 months on a super low-carb diet. My jeans fit great. My scalp? Not so much.
Other Causes You Might Not Expect
Hairstyles and products
Tight hairstyles — think man buns, braids, even hats worn too tight — can cause something called traction alopecia. It’s not super common, but it’s real.
Also: overusing styling products, gels, or heat tools (hello, flat irons) can damage the hair shaft and make thinning worse.
Medical conditions and hormones
Conditions like thyroid imbalance, lupus, or alopecia areata can also cause early balding. Hormonal imbalances, especially related to testosterone, are big players too.
If your hair loss came on suddenly or in patches, definitely see a dermatologist. Better safe than sorry.
What Can You Do About It?
Treatments that actually work
Minoxidil (Rogaine): over-the-counter foam or liquid you apply daily. Can slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
Finasteride (Propecia): a prescription pill that blocks DHT production — effective but has potential side effects (libido issues for some).
Hair transplants: pricey, but long-lasting.
Low-level laser therapy: newish, not miracle stuff, but some people swear by it.
And some real talk...
Look, not everyone wants to chase hair forever. Some embrace the bald look, and honestly — it can be badass. Think Jason Statham. Vin Diesel. If you own it, it becomes part of your vibe.
Final Thoughts: Early Balding Isn’t the End
So yeah, balding in your 20s sucks. It's a confidence hit, for sure. But you're not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re “less manly” or “aging fast.” It means your hair is reacting to your genes, your environment, or both.
Whether you fight it with every product out there, or shave it all off and walk proud — the key is owning your choice. Hair or no hair, your worth isn’t on your scalp.
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
Well, fellas, worry no more, because a new study has revealed 5ft 8in is the ideal height for a man. Dating app Badoo has revealed the most right-swiped heights based on their users aged 18 to 30.
Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.