In recent years, there seems to be an increase in hair loss reported by millennials. This can be a very distressing experience, especially for young people who are already dealing with the pressures of adulthood.
There are several possible reasons for this.
Increased Stress Levels
The hormones associated with psychological stress have been linked to hair loss.
When you’re under a lot of stress, this can interrupt the normal hair growth cycle and prematurely cause hair follicles to stop growing and start shedding.
Younger people experience more vulnerability to stress due to the factors such as:
- school or work pressure
- financial concerns
- social media
- changes in relationships
- political uncertainty
- underdeveloped coping mechanisms
If you’re struggling with stress, it’s important to learn healthy coping strategies. This could include exercise, meditation, and talking to someone you trust about your stressors.
Poor Diet
The foods we eat can have a significant impact on our overall health, including the health of our hair.
A poor diet full of ultra-processed foods and lacking in fruits and vegetables – common among young people – can lead to nutrient deficiencies that can contribute to hair loss.
A lack of sufficient iron, zinc, proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids in the diet can all lead to hair loss.
To maintain a healthy head of hair, be sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Harmful Hair Care Practices
While we all want to have healthy, shiny hair, the truth is that some of the products and practices we use to achieve this can be damaging to our hair.
This is especially true for millennials, who are more likely to use harsh chemicals, heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can pull on the hair and damage the follicles.
Your hair is especially vulnerable to damage when wet and exposed to heat, so avoid using these styling methods too often.
Misinformed Perception
Another possibility for the increase in hair loss being reported by millennials is that it’s being talked about more.
With the rise of social media, people are exposed to a wider variety of hairstyles and textures than ever before, including celebrities who often set unrealistic standards for beauty.
This can lead to increased anxiety about one’s hair and even hair loss from the stress of constantly comparing oneself to others.
While it’s often thought of as a problem for older men, the truth is that hair loss can happen to anyone at any age. It’s possible that younger generations are not losing more hair at a younger age, but rather, people were misinformed about how soon hair loss and receding could start.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, the best thing to do is talk to a dermatologist or other healthcare professional. They can help you rule out any underlying health conditions and advise how to take care of your hair.