Hair loss is widespread in adults throughout the UK. The latest statistics state that some 85% of men and 8 million women will experience hair loss at some point during their lives. But did you know that hair loss affects children and teens too?
For teenagers in particular experiencing hair loss and thinning can have a very negative impact on their health and wellbeing, with many suffering from low self-esteem as a result. To shed some light on hair loss during those crucial teenage years, we’re here to provide the answers to the key questions.
As with adults, there are many causes attributed to hair loss and thinning in teenagers. A teenager’s genetic makeup may make them more prone to suffering male or female pattern baldness. Alopecia areata was also found to be a leading cause of hair loss in teens as Alopecia UK explains:
“Alopecia Areata can affect both men and women of any age. In about 50% of cases, it starts in childhood. About 1 in 1000 people have a form of Alopecia Areata, independent of ethnicity. A family history of Alopecia Areata and/or of other autoimmune conditions are present in 10–25% of patients.”
Improper nutrition and associated deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin D were also found to cause or exacerbate hair loss.
The common causes of hair loss in teens don’t end there. Teens may find a thyroid condition, lupus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), medication use (including acne medication), certain hairstyles or treatments, and fungal infections that cause the temporary loss of hair.
Puberty affects the body and mind in many different ways, and with its onset sitting firmly in the teenage years it has often been connected with hair loss. Fluctuating hormone levels both during and after puberty can cause pattern hair loss, with hair shedding primarily from the hairline to form a distinctive M, V or U shape on the crown of the head.
The specific symptoms of teenage hair loss vary from condition to condition. Complete hair loss for instance is associated with alopecia areata whilst lupus, poor diet and damaging hair treatments are more likely to result in hair thinning.
Along with a receding hairline and thinning, teens suffering from hair loss may notice an excessive amount of hair on their pillow or in the shower drain. They may also suffer from a dry, itchy or flaky scalp.
Again, the prognosis all depends on the underlying cause of the hair loss. There are however many steps teenagers can take to stop, slow or even reverse temporary hair loss, and it all begins with their diet. Making sure your teen is eating a healthy, balanced diet will ensure they have the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need to put hair and scalp health first.
Taking supplements has also been found to be effective in remedying hair loss in teenage girls and boys. Opting for looser styles that don’t put unnecessary tension on your head and its follicles is another must for teens with hair loss.
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