Hair loss in teenagers is a typical problem. It can be alarming for a parent as well. However, knowing what can happen and what you can do to prevent it is essential. Teenage hair loss is different from adult male pattern baldness, which usually starts in your late 20s or early 30s. Teenage hair loss usually affects the top of your head, recedes on either side of the crown, and occurs between the ages of 13 and 18. It can last up to seven years or more.
What is teenage hair loss?
Teenage hair loss (also called alopecia areata) is a condition that causes sudden, unexpected patches of baldness in otherwise healthy individuals. It typically affects one side of the scalp before moving across to affect other parts of the head over time. The affected areas often look like they've been rubbed with sandpaper when rubbed gently between two fingers because of the short stubble caused by new hairs growing at different stages of growth (known as trichoptilosis).
The leading cause of teenage hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which accounts for 95% of all cases. AGA causes hair to thin over time, eventually leading to baldness. According to studies, the condition has no known cure, although it can be slowed down with treatments such as minoxidil.
Other causes of teenage hair loss include:
Genetics. If your parents, brothers, or sisters have experienced significant hair loss, you may be at risk for baldness yourself. Genetic factors are thought to account for 80% of cases where early or rapid balding occurs before the age of 30. If a close relative lost their hair in their twenties or thirties, you should visit your doctor for further advice about treatment options.
When to Worry?
Younger children often experience hair loss after being ill or suffering from stress. This is because their bodies are still growing and developing, which can put pressure on their hormones. Teenagers suffering from an illness or undergoing the stresses of growing up may also experience temporary hair loss. However, if your child loses significant amounts of hair over a short period, this could be cause for concern.
How much does my child need?
The amount of hair that your child needs vary from person to person, but it's important to know what is considered normal for kids their age and how much they should be losing at any given time. Children lose around 50-100 strands per day during puberty, but this number increases as they age. Teenagers typically lose about 100-200 strands per day which can result in noticeable thinning in some cases.
Just like adults, teenage hair concerns should be addressed essentially. Problems are easier to pinpoint in the early stages of hair loss. Over-the-counter treatments like
Follixil can help to boost hair growth without adverse effects. As a responsible parent, getting the correct information through
Hair Loss courses, informative videos, and checking experts' advises are the primary steps to solve the issue.
