DS age 17 fretting about hair-loss

[Walkingwashingmachine]

My DS thinks his hairline is receding and that overall his hair is falling out. I can't see it myself as he has a thatch of hair you could clean a chimney with, but it is worrying him. It might be Alevel stress. He may or may not be losing it but its not at the stage (if he is) where I could reasonably suggest seeing a doctor. Anyway, leaving aside the reassurance etc that I give him that hes fine, hes not losing his hair and not to worry, are there any practical suggestions that might help that are easy and non medical (if you see what I mean). He has already bought himself rosemary hair oil! Any supplements that aren't too spenny? I've given him Vit D has my nails always grow on holiday but that's as far as we've got. He has a good diet.

Thyroid, low iron, low b12, low vitamin and can all cause thinning hair. Get him a good all round multivitamin and maybe look at Regaine hair growth products -although if it’s not actually thinning that’s an expensive placebo!

Hair and nail supplement.
What are the hairlines like on both sides of his family? Unfortunately my DS started losing hair young, but it’s hereditary.

Good on my side, but my DH starting losing his hair late 20s I think and now doesn't have much. 17 just seemed quite early? How old was your DS?

Id say it started when he was doing A levels, similar age to my DF and DB.

Ok great. I will try the supplements. Does Regaine involve hormones or anything strong? While I happily administer all sorts of chemicals to myself, I'd worry a bit about suggesting that sort of thing to him maybe, particularly as he's only 17.

I think Regaine is Minoxidil, might be worth reading up on that. From bits I’ve read it apparently can cause initial shedding and that might be worse for your son if his hair is actually quite thick. My son started losing at 19. At 25 he’s now done a buzz cut and ruled out meds for now. My husband had very early hair loss (started around 19) so we were expecting it. I think some
mens’ hairlines start to change around 18/19 but they don’t necessarily lose more. Noticed it with my son’s friends. Not to say they might not later but it’s settled for now. All the PP suggestions of diet sound good too - can’t hurt!