Early onset male pattern hair thinning is the typical pattern of male hair thinning appearing much earlier than expected. Today, it is increasingly seen in young men who may have no clear hereditary or family history of hair thinning.
Why Early Onset Hair Thinning Can Be Different
Early onset male pattern hair thinning is not always caused entirely by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As Absolique Trichologist Brisbane, I have seen this type of hair thinning begin as early as age 16. This hair growth story focuses on a 30-year-old client experiencing accelerated male pattern hair thinning.
Typical male pattern hair thinning usually develops slowly from around age 40 onwards. It commonly affects the recession area, top, front and crown of the scalp, but it does not usually affect the back of the head. This back section is known as the terminal area, or “horseshoe”, and is often used as the donor area for hair transplants.
DHT does not typically bind in the terminal area, which appears to be protected in some way. However, microscopic diagnosis at Absolique Hair Health Clinic found an issue in this client’s terminal area. More than 15% of the terminal hair was not growing to its genetic hair form, confirming a diffuse hair thinning problem rather than solely male pattern hair thinning.
This finding opened the door to more treatment options. By looking for underlying causes and addressing them, treatment can be less invasive and may include more natural hair growth treatments and hair loss treatment support options.
Hair Health and Scalp Check
Absolique Hair Health Clinic in Brisbane offers a specialty service called the Hair Health and Scalp Check. This consultation looks at all contributing information to help identify the right choices for each person’s individual hair and scalp concerns. The service costs $270 and includes a detailed assessment designed to give you the information you need before choosing a treatment pathway.
Key Blood Test Findings
In this case, blood testing revealed several important nutritional deficiencies:
- Low B12
- Low Vitamin D
- Low iron storage
These nutrients support hair, skin and nails, but they are also essential for healthy cellular function. When levels are low, the body priorities essential systems, meaning non-essential tissues such as hair, skin and nails may miss out.
- B12 can help support stress response. When B12 is low, it may affect adrenal function and, in turn, thyroid balance.
- Vitamin D is important for immunity, skin and scalp health, and hormone production. Correct levels are especially important when addressing male pattern hair thinning.
- Iron storage, in the form of ferritin, supports cellular function and energy. When iron stores are low, hair growth can be affected.
Low levels of these essential nutrients help explain why diffuse hair thinning was identified. When hair is not growing to its genetic hair type, cellular-level resilience may be reduced. Early onset male pattern hair thinning can also be influenced by environmental exposure to free radicals, as well as hormonal influences from food and personal care products.
Hair Loss vs Hair Thinning
It is important to understand the difference between hair loss and hair thinning. Hair loss refers to physical hair shedding. When shedding is greater than normal daily hair loss, it is known as telogen effluvium, a diffuse type of hair loss that occurs across the scalp.
Hair thinning occurs when the hair strand itself is compromised. This can happen diffusely due to low nutritional levels, or it can occur through miniaturisation in the specific areas affected by male pattern hair thinning. Male pattern hair thinning is not the same as physical hair loss, and this important distinction is often overlooked.
Hair Loss Treatment Approach
Men’s Hair Growth Treatment included both a topical approach and a nutritional regime. The topical component teaches clients how to complete hair loss treatment at home every second day, or three times per week, as part of a regular hair-washing routine.
The nutritional component begins with food first. Supporting nutrition is then added when needed and is guided by individual blood test results. This combination therapy can deliver strong results when followed consistently for the first four months of treatment.
Expected Progress and Ongoing Support
Some clients, including this case, achieve impressive results in the first four months. However, continued work is often needed. An Absolique Trichologist will review progress and guide the next stage of hair growth treatment, usually over another four months.
The full recovery timeframe depends on the level of hair thinning at the start of hair growth treatment. In this case, hair growth treatment is expected to continue for around one year. As the program is completed at home, treatment costs are reduced over time. The more actively a client supports their health and nutrition, the better the potential outcome and the greater the opportunity to save money.
Start Your Hair Health Journey
To begin your hair-health journey, reach out to Trichologist Brisbane and book a free 15-minute phone chat to discuss your concerns. You can also contact Trichologist Brisbane by email at ua.mo1788792406c.euq1788792406ilosb1788792406a@ofn1788792406i1788792406.