With people starting to experience hair loss at younger and younger ages, it is clear that hair this is no longer just a problem affecting older people. Historically, men genetically predisposed to hair loss started noticing hair thinning around age 30, and women in their 40s. But today, both men and women are seeing hair fall as young as their early 20s. But why is hair loss on the rise?

Hair Loss and Stress:  Stress is a huge component of hair loss, and despite modern advances which should ease our burdens, people are more stressed than ever before. This causes sebaceous glands to become overactive, leading to irritation and scalp imbalance. It also increases cortisol, which generates destructive enzymes that break down proteins that support hair health, weakening hair follicles. Here's how stress surrounding Covid, inflation, and multiple world crises is heightening our stress levels:

1. In a 2022 poll by the American Psychological Association, 87% of Americans feel stressed due to rising inflation, up from 58% in June 2021.
2. 65% of Americans are stressed about the economy and money, the highest figure in over six years.
3. With 69% of us worried we are on the brink of World War III and 80% concerned about possible cyberattacks or nuclear threats, it is no wonder people need products for hair falling out.

Hair Loss and Covid:  The internet is rife with anecdotes of people reporting more hair loss after Covid. Although the relationship between hair loss and Covid seems like an urban myth, temporary hair loss from Covid, like any fever or illness, is entirely normal. Fortunately, what you may be witnessing is short-term hair shedding rather than actual hair loss! To hasten your return to a fuller mane, use products that encourage hair growth.

Hair Treatments, Styling & Coloring: More people are getting harsh chemical treatments (e.g., perms, relaxers) that can damage hair and contribute to breakage and thinning. Then, they are heat styling, straightening, curling their hair, or wearing hair extensions, which puts stress on the hair follicles. On top of that, more people are coloring their hair than ever before. No longer just moms going to the "beauty shop," men, pre-teens, and millennials are hiding grays and experimenting with bright shades. While coloring your hair doesn't cause hair loss, frequent coloring to keep up with the latest trends can cause breakage, which may seem like hair loss. Step away from the bleach, and use products for hair breakage to strengthen your strands.

Diet and Hair Thinning: Extreme diets which exclude one food type or another lay the groundwork for deficiencies and hair loss. For hair and scalp health, you need a nutrient-rich diet with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin D, to ensure your body has the raw materials to grow healthy hair from within. Pair it with a nutrient-rich hair growth serum for men and women, providing these necessary building blocks to encourage hair growth from without.

Hair Loss and Aging: As our aging population expands due to medical advances, Baby Boomers, soon to be joined by Gen Xers, are seeking ways to look and feel better longer. But, to stay healthy and vital, many take medications for arthritis, heart problems, high blood pressure, etc., that can cause hair loss as a side effect. To hold onto your youthful head of hair well into your golden years, learn about the best hair loss and hair thinning solutions in our blog: Today’s Most Common Hair Problems and Solutions.