November 2008
How hair loss effected me in my 20's
November 9, 2008 by Sam
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I started losing my hair at the age of 19. At the time, I think I was aware that something was going on, but it never really sank in until a couple of years later when I was in University when it was pointed out to me publicly by this asshole whom I haven't seen since my university days over a decade ago, but who left a really negative impact on my self-esteem.
It was at that point when it really hit me that something was wrong. Now at the time I didn't realize that the level of my hair loss was quite minor. But when you're 21 years old, and just finding your way socially with the opposite sex, knowing that you're losing your hair can be very devestating.
I was constantly worried that people were looking at my forehead instead of focusing on my face. I'm sure that had I not given a crap and just pressed ahead with a little bit of youthful swagger it wouldn't have had as much of an impact, but I let it consume me and as a result, I think I lost a lot of opportunities.
I'm now 34 years old, and I have dealt with my hair loss successfully. I have a full head of hair and my goal is to keep what I have. It doesn't bother me as much as it used to anyway, because I realized that I had a lot more things going for me, and that I shouldn't have let the fact that I was losing my hair get in the way of my social life as much I did. But that's neither here nor there.
It did cost me a lot. I'll be frank about it. The biggest impact was that I looked older than I was or felt, and this meant I head less opportunities with women in my 20's. My 30's have been a lot better in this respect, so I can't complain but I know how bad it felt in my 20's so I want to help out anyone in that situation. I have a soft-spot for you if that's your predicament.
I suggest if you're losing your hair in your 20's you do the following:
(1) Find out what your Norwood level is.
(2) Find out what type of hair loss you have (most likely it's androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness).
(3) Use a good DHT blocker (my preference is an internal one).
(4) Use a good laser device (this wasn't available to me in my 20's. It's probably one of the best tools in your fight against hair loss).
(5) If necessary use Toppik or Dermmatch (these are the best hair loss concealers, trust me).
(6) Style your hair well (get a good stylist that's sensitive to your situation and can help you maximize the look of the hair you do have).
(7) Cut down on the sugars!!! This helped me tremendously, and slowed my hair loss. Sugar increases the inflammatory responses in your skin, which can accelerate hair loss.
(8) Take good care of yourself: workout! Participate in sports!
(9) Know your value! I can't stress this enough. Your hair loss should be something that you manage, and then don't think about because you're doing everything you can to deal with it. Be aggressive and don't care about the comments. DO NOT LET PEOPLE KNOW YOUR HAIR LOSS BOTHERS YOU. Girls don't like a man with low self-esteem. Get some swagger and just be confident. This is harder than it sounds, but it can be done. Confidence is gained from successful endeavors. That's why I suggest you get active, workout, and take care of yourself.
(10) Dress well. If you don't know how. LEARN! This is a big one.
(11) Groom yourself!
(12) Don't be reclusive. Throw yourself out there and be social. Practice this. Be like Rocky Balboa and get right back up when you're knocked down. If someone teases you about your hair loss laugh. That's right, laugh, then STRIKE BACK! Everyone can be teased about something. Learn how to take a dis and dish one out while keeping your cool and a smile on your face. Get under OTHER people's skin (without being an asshole, it's tricky but possible). Be the guy that people like to be around. Especially with girls. Know how to tease them! Don't put them on a pedestal. The hottest ladies have their own insecurities. I'm not saying you should be a jerk, but learn how to tease women and not care what they say about you. Women like self-assured men.
Anyway, don't give up. Deal with your hair loss.
Talk to me. I'll help however I can.
Sam