Millennials are known for being free-thinking and creative. As the generation ages, though, they’re taking note of a new trend — premature hair loss. Millennials worldwide report suffering from hair thinning and loss at earlier ages than older generations. In fact, a recent study in China showed that 60% of college students in their 20s reported signs of balding. Understanding the causes of this premature hair loss is the first step for millennials interested in minimizing or treating thinning hair.
Why Are Millennials Losing Their Hair?
Many millennials grew up assuming that people naturally lost their hair as they got older. That’s true, but regular age-related hair loss isn’t what stylists and doctors report when it comes to millennials. Instead, they’re focusing on other causes driving hair loss in this younger generation.
Diet
Diet is one of the most important factors in determining overall health, and it’s no different when it comes to hair loss. Eating a poor diet can lead to hair that is brittle, dull, or slow to regrow. But it’s not just processed foods and sugars that are bad for hair health. Low-protein diets can also take a toll on hair thickness and growth. When someone develops protein malnutrition, their body pauses the hair growth process. Getting adequate protein can correct this type of hair loss.
Stress
Dealing with regular stress and anxiety can interrupt the hair growth process. Unfortunately, almost half of all millennials worldwide report being stressed out most of the time. It’s not healthy for their physical or mental health, and it’s not healthy for their hair, either. Doctors are hopeful that learning coping techniques to reduce stress may help reverse this type of hair loss.
Over-Styling
From rainbow colors to long extensions, millennials love bold hairstyles. The downside to these popular, high-maintenance looks is that they require aggressive styling. Bleaching and processing are the top styling-related hair loss culprits because they cause brittleness and breakage. Tightly bound styles like buns and braids can also create tension that causes breakage and thinning.
Autoimmune Diseases
An astounding 44% of older millennials suffer from at least one chronic health condition. Many of these millennials suffer from autoimmune problems. Disorders such as thyroid disease and fibromyalgia are directly connected to hair loss because they affect hormone and stress levels in the body. Medications and treatments for these conditions may help delay or prevent hair loss.
Hair loss might be a growing problem for millennials, but there is good news. This generation is more likely to openly discuss and pursue hair loss treatments than their elders were. There’s no need for millennials struggling with thinning hair to feel embarrassed or alone. If you’re ready to discuss hair loss or pursue treatment options, reach out to Custom Hair today. We’re here to listen.
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