How to Prevent Premature Balding

Premature balding can strike as early as age 20.

While balding naturally affects both men and women with age, premature balding can cause hair to begin falling out as early as age 20. According to the authors of "Hair Loss and Replacement for Dummies," approximately 35 percent of men and 15 percent of women suffer from premature balding. If premature balding is common in your family, you may have a genetic predisposition. Take simple steps to ward off the onset of early hair loss.

Things You'll Need

• Multivitamin
• Hat or scarf

Instructions

1. Take a daily multivitamin made specifically for your gender. According to Gersh Kuntzman, author of "Hair!: Mankind's Historic Quest to End Baldness," the biggest cause of premature balding is inadequate nutrition. A multivitamin geared toward your gender will not only provide your body with all the nutrients it needs, it will help balance your hormones as well. Hormone imbalance, another cause of premature balding, is commonly caused by improper nutrition.

2. Avoid hairstyling tools or chemicals. According to the authors of "The Bald Truth," harsh chemicals in hairstyling products damage your hair and add to premature balding. Avoid using hairsprays and dyes, and use shampoo and conditioners with natural ingredients. The high heat from hairstyling tools such as curling irons, straightening irons and blow dryers damage your hair as well.

3. Protect your hair from extended exposure to sunlight, wind, rain or extreme cold. When you are going outside, wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair. The elements damage your hair and dry out its follicles, aiding in premature balding, according to Kuntzman.

4. Protect your hair from exposure to chlorine and salt, which damage hair follicles and dry out roots, contributing to premature balding. Chlorine is common in swimming pools and tap water as a disinfectant. While you cannot avoid showering with tap water, invest in a shower head with a filter to protect your hair. Additionally, avoid getting your hair wet in swimming pools. Ocean water contains high levels of natural salt that will leech moisture from your hair. If you cannot avoid a swimming pool or the ocean, rinse your hair thoroughly with a natural, hydrating conditioner as soon as you are out of the water.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are experiencing severe hair loss at any age, consult with your physician to be sure an underlying illness is not the cause.

References

• "The Bald Truth: The First Complete Guide to Preventing and Treating Hair Loss"; Spencer David Kobren, Diane B. Eisman, Eugene H. Eisman and David Kobren; 2000
• "Hair Loss and Replacement for Dummies"; William R. Rassman, MD; Robert M. Bernstein, MD; Jae P. Pak, MD; and Eric S. Schweiger, MD; 2008
• "Hair!: Mankind's Historic Quest to End Baldness"; Gersh Kuntzman; 2001