Noticeable hair loss is occurring at younger ages. Historically, we reserve hair loss as an issue that happens in older people, particularly men. But, this is not the case anymore. Hair loss seems to be rather prevalent in millennials, yet the reasons for increasing hair loss at a younger age are not entirely clear. Experts suggest that autoimmune conditions, stress, hormones, diet, and common hair treatments are partially to blame.

Millennials are much more likely to try different diets than generations past. Indeed, the nutritional options and information are abundant. What is more, food is more modified and packaged than ever before.

Studies suggest that people who follow a vegetarian and vegan diet may be more likely to struggle with thinning hair. The reason behind this is relatively straightforward as these diets can often lead to deficiencies in key nutrients including protein, zinc, and vitamin D. With vegetarian and vegan diets becoming more commonplace, it is likely that the younger generations are struggling to meet their nutritional needs to support not only hair growth but other important functions as well.

Evidence is mounting that the younger generations are undergoing a significant amount of stress. In a recent report from the American Psychological Association, millennials feel isolated and lonely. What is more, both Millenials and Gen X individuals report higher rates of stress than older generations. The reason behind this is far too complex and still foggy, but the reality is that heightened stress in any form can affect the hair growth cycle.

Stress interferes with the hair growth cycle by shortening the anagen (or growing) phase of the hair growth cycle. Anagen typically lasts anywhere between 4-7 years. At the end of the growth cycle, your hair transitions to a resting state where it eventually sheds and a new follicle begins to grow. When stress levels are chronically high or reach a peak of severity (such as with an extreme event like mourning or a life change), a significant portion of your hair can immediately shift to the resting phase. What this means is that quite a bit of your hair will shed all at once, as stress has disturbed your normal balance in your hair growth cycle. Stress-induced hair loss is often short-lived, but it can become permanent if stress levels are not curbed.

There’s no question that young people are far more likely to experiment with different hairstyles and colors than older folks. And today’s younger generations have a lot more freedom in what they can choose to do with their hair. Yet, it does come at a price. Although chemical hair treatments are more sophisticated and can lead to textural and color changes, these treatments can leave your hair damaged and thin.

Aside from chemical treatments, young people often use hairstyles and extensions that apply a significant amount of tension on their scalp, which can lead to thinning and eventually balding. Given time to heal, people often can overcome hair loss due to excess coloring and styling.

Along with fatigue, hair loss is one of the most common symptoms people with autoimmune conditions experience. Autoimmune conditions are being diagnosed at a higher rate than ever before, and they are diagnosed in a surprising number of young adults. The cause of autoimmune conditions is unknown, but there are various theories for these inflammatory diseases, including environmental stress and an unhealthy gut microbiome.

What we do know is autoimmune conditions often cause an increase of oxidative stress in the body, meaning that it can generate more free radicals affecting various body tissues. Hair follicles are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress, which is why thinning and balding often accompany conditions where there is a significant amount of oxidative stress, such as in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. While autoimmune conditions commonly affect women more than men, both sexes are affected by hair loss. It remains to be seen as to what extent the inflammatory and stress response in the body affects the hair growth cycle.

Before we fully commit to saying the younger people are experiencing more and earlier hair loss than their parents and grandparents, it is important to point out that millennials and Gen X’s may be more aware of hair changes than their elders. Perhaps it is because people are more exposed to hairstyles and hair care today with the ever-present feed of pictures and information in their hands. Or perhaps it is because celebrities set hair expectations that rarely shine the light on common struggles such as postpartum hair loss or hair thinning due to extensions or repeated hair coloring.

Whatever the reason, young people are highly aware of how much hair they have on their head and their hair health. For anyone concerned about keeping their hair healthy and thick, there are several tools you need to employ:

1. Diet - We know diet plays a big role in our hair health. However, certain diets are often necessary for our whole-body health, spiritual beliefs, or other values. To ensure you are getting the nutrients you need for hair growth, it is best to take a hair support supplement such as the Revita Nutraceutical Tablets for Hair Growth Support.
2. Chose your Products Wisely - Young people are bombarded with so many options when it comes to taking care of their hair. And, making a choice on the right hair products is even more complicated if you have an issue like male or female-pattern hair loss. If you have hair loss, look for a proven hair loss regimen. A Hair stimulating shampoo and hair growth topical with Minoxidil or Nanoxidil 5% is usually a good starting point.
3. Reduce stress - Young people report they are more stressed-out than their elders. Therefore, effective coping mechanisms are more important than ever, as your hair health is not the only thing on the line. If you find you are struggling with stress, connect with a person you trust, such as your doctor or an advisor, coach, role model, or therapist to help you find balance in your life.

No matter your age, DS Laboratories is here to help you achieve your hair health goals. Whether you need to correct dry, brittle hair from over-styling, curb dandruff, or help regrow thinning hair, we are here to resolve your hair woes so you can focus on more important and joyful things in life. Talk to one of our product advisors today to see what will best suit your hair needs.