My Fine, Straight Hair is Thinning on One Side of My Head!

I am 19 years old and I have fine, straight hair. The hair growing on the right side of my head is significantly thinner than the left side. I don’t remember having this problem as a child, but I have had it for awhile. I used to have such pretty hair, so it’s really upsetting. I think I have had this problem since I was about 11 or 12 years old, which is a pretty young age for hair loss. I remember getting my hair pulled really hard on the right side by a girl when I was in 7th grade, but I don’t know if that is the cause.

Also, I used to wash my hair everyday since about 12 years of age until earlier this year. I stopped after I realized how bad it is for your hair. I’ve been eating pretty healthy for the past 2 years(mostly fruits, veggies, and fish) and I take vitamins. Will that help at all? I switched to an all natural brand of shampoo and conditioner that is made of aloe vera, and I’ve stopped using harsh chemicals, however I still have problems with dry, irritated scalp. I have pretty low self esteem because of this, and I just don’t know what to do. I’m going to see a dermatologist soon, but according to this information, what do you think the cause is and can it be reversed?

Also, do you know of any good hair specialists in my area (Austin, TX)?

I am assuming that you are a male, since you didn’t specify…

Your diet won’t help regrow your hairline, but a healthy diet is always good practice anyway. First, as always, you need a diagnosis. This is likely your genetics, but you are doing the right thing by seeing a dermatologist, particularly with your irritated scalp condition. The genetic balding problem may play a role in the asymmetry, which is common in those going through male patterned hair loss. I don’t have referrals in Austin at this point, but you can review ISHRS.org to find a doctor in your area.

At 19 years old, I wouldn’t rush into a hair transplant surgery to balance out the hairline, but for those readers with a similar problem (that are a bit older than this young man), hairlines that are out-of-balance in men can be easily fixed with hair transplants.