Sudden hair loss- getting worried!

by B

Hi there, I’m an 18 year old male, and have noticed more hair falling out than usual. I have longish, blonde hair- an inch or 2 above my shoulders.

I first noticed a bit more hair than usual on my collar about mid September this year, but didn't give it too much thought. That was a week or 2 before I came to university. I didn't notice anything much for a week or 2, until more hair seemed to come out when I brushed, showered, and ran my hands through my hair. This got worse for a couple of weeks- a lot would come out, especially after showering when I used a hair brush.

I decided to go and see a GP as soon as possible. I was disappointed- he was dismissive- had to quick looks at my hair, to check I didn't have alopecia, and asked about hair loss in my family- which there definitely isn't. Instead of being helpful, he basically said that my hair may not fall out, but I can do absolutely nothing about it either way. After that, I thought it improved slightly- when I pull on some hair, about 1-3 come out, which I’ve read is normal. However it is still fairly bad after showering. And my hair has gotten thinner- when it used to be thick. As I am at university now, I do wash my hair less frequently- every 2-3 days, instead of every day, as before. I'm thinking maybe it is greasier, which makes it look greasier/thinner. Plus, if you do this less frequently, more would come out in a single session. I would wash it more often, but am worried that loads will come out if I do!

I definitely do not have MPB in my family. And this Telogen effluvium sounds the most likely thing. I haven't had any major events (illness/operations... etc) happen recently, though there was the big change in lifestyle when coming to uni. I am a natural worrier, and am depressed sometimes- though not majorly, though it has got on top of me 1/2 times in the past month or so, but that's with all the associated worries of changing your lifestyle like this-- e.g. eating less, later nights, more stress... etc. I'm more relaxed now, but this hair thing is still a worry. Trying to look at it rationally, TE makes sense, maybe because of the recent change in diet and life, and the stress. All these things combined, would they be enough for hair loss to occur, albeit temporarily?

I'd say this has been happening for about a month or so now, maybe 5 weeks. Though I’ve noticed the difference in my hair in the last 2 weeks or so. When I try and confide in people, they just say my hair is way too thick for this to happen, or I have plenty of hair- and to stop worrying. Though I’m sure I know how much hair loss is natural for me. I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle now- just general things; sleeping and eating healthily, and such. But that won't come along straight away. I would really hate to lose my hair- it's my best feature! I have a slightly odd shaped head, and my hair definitely suits me, as I've been told several times.

That's about all I have to say, would appreciate some advice from anyone, whether fellow sufferers or not! And thank you very much for reading, I appreciate it :)


Editor’s Comments,

Very glad to know that you are very optimistic when it comes to hair loss. It’s a very positive approach that all hair loss sufferers need to help overcome any hair loss condition. Congrats on that.

Like you said, stress is indeed a very possible factor for causing sudden hair loss and it can happen out of the blue without you ever expecting it. People within your age group are definitely more prone to unhealthy lifestyle and stress therefore, if you think there are past events that might be a cause of the hair loss, then you might be right.

Although it’s definitely on the right track on been positive, you should also be more attentive from now on because the onset of Pattern Baldness also usually starts to occur around your age during puberty where your male hormones starts to rush up. I understand that you have clearly stated that Male Pattern Baldness is not part of your family trait, but you can never be too sure. It’s definitely very hard to say that everyone in your family tree is free from MPB.

Don’t worry, I am not trying to scare you but just trying to make a point that sometimes things are not what it seems so just be careful and take action immediately if you see symptoms of a receding hair line.

Another point to remember is washing your hair often does not cause more hair loss. Hairs that are already in the end phase (Telogen phase) will come out sooner or later and even if you don’t wash it, it will gradually fall off without you noticing it. While washing your hair will dislodge them sooner due to the friction, not washing it won’t prevent them from falling in larger amounts during the next wash. Washing your hair properly will not cause healthy hairs to fall.

Some frequent stress related hair loss are lack of sleep, poor diet, academic pressure and other unhealthy activities can be a reason behind your hair loss as well so you are really wise to be monitoring your lifestyle, Kudos to that. So don’t worry and be happy and enjoy the best years of your life now! A healthy and fit lifestyles are the best way to prevent any unwanted hair loss.