Hair loss in young women is much more common than you might think. Even when there is no genetic history of hair loss in your family, there are a lot of factors that can cause visible (although usually temporary) hair loss in women under 30.
If you think you’re seeing the early stages of hair loss, don’t panic. There is probably a good reason behind the thinning hair.
Normal Hair Loss
It’s important to understand that a certain level of hair loss in young women is completely normal. The average woman in her 20s has around 100,000 hairs on her head. They grow about ½ inch per month, and then after about four years of growth, they fall out. A new one grows in its place, and the whole cycle starts over again.
It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair each day. A few hairs in the sink isn’t cause for concern. But once you start to see larger clumps of hair in your brush and in your drain, you may want to investigate the hair loss.
Causes of Hair Loss in Young Women
Thinning hair in women under 30 can be caused by a variety of factors:
Birth Control
The hormones that suppress ovulation can also cause hair loss, especially if there’s a history of hormone-related hair loss in your family. This hair loss can even start after taking your birth control pills. Certain contraceptives have been linked to hair loss with the biggest factor being the androgen index.
Your Ponytail
Wearing hairstyles that pull on the scalp are a big culprit in young female hair loss. Not only can they give you a headache, but they can damage hair follicles to the point of thinning. Besides tight ponytails, other damaging hairstyles include cornrows and tight braids. Beware! Opt for looser styles from time to time.
Stress
It’s true. The buildup of stress can lead to a lot of health issues, including sudden hair loss in young women. Many women in their 20s notice this during exams, or during a particularly rough stretch of work. If you’ve got a heavy workload, find ways to decompress. It’s one of the best and most natural solutions for hair loss in women.
Diet & Weight Loss
Losing too much weight too fast can greatly increase your risk of hair loss. The reason for this is usually an iron deficiency, one of the most common symptoms to go along with hair loss. If you’ve made a dramatic change in your weight and in the way you eat and your hair is thinning, scale back. Eat more of what you used to, and see if it makes a change in your hair.
When Will the Hair Grow Back?
Most of these problems related to young female hair loss will resolve themselves over time. Assuming it’s not a genetic issue, the hair follicles still work properly, even if they’re not thick at a given moment. Your body will naturally replenish the strands as it recovers.
If you suspect any changes in your hair growth or you think you’re experiencing the early stages of hair loss, it never hurts to talk to your doctor. Sharing details on possible lifestyle factors that could be affecting your hair growth can help pinpoint the issue. A lot of times it comes down to simply modifying your lifestyle. Getting more sleep, staying more organized, and making sure your diet is balanced can help slow down thinning hair in young women in a matter of weeks.
