In fact, the primary cause of baldness in young males -- Male Pattern Baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia -- is on account of a combination of genetic as well as hormonal factors. Hormonal imbalance can be caused by kidney malfunction, diabetes, thyroid gland problems or even diseases like lupus. It can also be caused by an increase in testosterone levels, which, in turn, triggers a sharp increase in DHT - a major reason of hair loss.

Similarly, on the genetic front some men are just predisposed to balding and can start at any age. In fact if the person starts balding early the chances are that the degree of balding will be quite high. Balding on the maternal or paternal side are enough to be genetically susceptible to hair loss.

Medication is the second major cause of baldness among young men. A most common problem that teenagers face is acne. They try almost every possible cure to get rid of it. This includes use of drugs that have isotretinoin and lithium. Several young men, who are obese, take diet pills that contain amphetamines; all this medication can cause hair to fall. The other offenders are: anticoagulants, medicines used for gout, excess of vitamin A and antidepressants.

Hair treatment and styling is another big culprit. Treating hair with chemicals or heat to cater to fashion demand is a common reason for hair loss. Coloring, bleaching and straightening are all harsh treatments and can cause hair to break and fall off temporarily. But there is another type of styling that can actually cause permanent hair loss and that is wearing one's hair tightly pulled back so that it places tension on the scalp. Over a long period of time this can damage hair follicles and lead to a condition called traction alopecia.

Sometimes baldness may result from Alopecia Aerata. This is an autoimmune disease, which can affect men at all ages. The result is that the body starts viewing the hair follicles as foreign matter, and starts rejecting them. The young man, before he realizes what is happening, finds a small hairless patch forming on the scalp. This may soon become a large patch leading to complete or partial hair loss.

Poor nutrition is another cause. Hair like other tissues needs proper nourishment. In the absence of proper nutrients like vitamins, minerals and proteins, hair loss is a foregone conclusion. This is especially true of young men who need more nutrition during growing years.

Some young men, who are afflicted by trichotillomania, are themselves to be blamed for this problem. This is not a physiological disorder but a psychological one. But it causes young men to repeatedly pull their hair out leaving bald patches. These patches exist because hair has been physically removed. People with this disorder need a therapist or other professional help.