Teenage Hair Loss: Causes & Treatments

Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional

Seeing your hair thin out or fall out more than usual can totally freak you out, especially when you're a teenager.

Hair loss in teens is common and is one of the worst fears of being a teenager.

You can't help but ask, "Why me?"

We'll look at the causes of adolescent hair loss and share effective hair loss treatment options to help you feel good about yourself again.

Why is My Hair Falling Out as a Teenager?

If you're a teen wondering where all your hair went, you're not alone. Let's look at why this might be happening:

Genetics

Thanks, but no thanks, Mom and Dad. According to the American Hair Loss Association, male or female pattern baldness can kick in as early as your teens. This type of genetic hair loss keeps going, getting a bit worse over time.

Treatment

While there's no magic cure for male pattern baldness, hair loss treatments like Minoxidil may slow it down, but be prepared for side effects. Finasteride? It's not for minors but is effective for adults with pattern baldness.

Traction Alopecia

Tight hairstyles, tight hats, or braids pull on your hair and lead to hair fall. If you notice hair loss, thinning hair, or bald patches where those tight styles are, you've got traction alopecia. It's time to loosen up!

Treatment

Traction alopecia can be reversed. Switching to looser hairstyles and giving your hair some TLC, you can regain what you've lost.

Medications

Some prescription drugs cause hair thinning as a side effect. That pill you pop every morning can mess up hair follicles and make hair fall out. Some medicines that may cause hair loss are:

• Blood Pressure drugs

• Arthritis drugs

• Seizure medications

• Antacids

• Lupus medication

• Diabetes medication

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs

• Chemotherapy drugs

• Birth Control Pills

For more information, read our comprehensive guide on medications that cause hair loss

Treatment

If you suspect that your medication is the culprit for your hair loss, don't worry. You can ask your doctor for alternative treatments without hair loss side effects.

Alopecia Areata

Teenage hair loss can also happen due to an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata. Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss because your immune system mistakenly attacks your healthy hair follicles. This condition is common for teens.

I experienced alopecia areata during my college years, and all it took was a trip to my mom's dermatologist, and my hair grew back.

Treatment

Treatment can include topical steroids or other medications that help stimulate regrowth. My mom's dermatologist gave me a small tube of steroids to apply to my bald patches, and they were gone in weeks.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair thinning due to stress, medications, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic illnesses.

Treatment

Hair loss from telogen effluvium usually returns. All you need to do is identify the trigger or stressor.

Hormonal Imbalance (PCOS and DHT)

Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of hair loss in teenagers. For teenage girls, a condition like PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to hair thinning and even acne - what a bummer. Guys aren't immune to this problem either. Too much DHT or dihydrotestosterone in teenage males may lead to hair loss. DHT is an androgen or sex hormone that is related to body hair growth and can cause hair loss in teenagers.

Treatment

Consult with a healthcare provider for hormonal assessments and potential treatments like metformin or birth control pills, or they may ask you to make lifestyle changes that may help balance hormone levels.

Hair Pulling Disorder (Trichotillomania)

Do you feel a strong urge to pull out your hair? You might have a mental health condition called Trichotillomania. This condition usually begins once teenagers reach 10 to 13 years old.

Treatment

Therapy is key! Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help manage urges, unconscious hair-pulling, and develop healthier coping strategies.

Chemical Treatments

Using hair treatment products with harsh chemicals like bleach, perms, and relaxers can make your hair fall out if done too often or used in the wrong way.

Treatment

Give your hair a break! Talk to a professional stylist who can recommend gentler products or treatments.

Stress

Let's be real: life as a teenager can be super stressful. Between school pressures and dealing with the opposite sex, stress can take a toll on your body and lead to hair loss.

Treatment

Find a way to relax, try meditating, binge-watching, doing sports and hobbies, exercising, hanging out with friends, or getting a scalp massage.

Smoking

Smoking shrinks the blood vessels in your scalp and damages hair follicles over time. Here are steps you can take to regrow your hair after you quit smoking.

Treatment

Quit smoking. It will do wonders for your hair and overall health.

Poor Diet/Poor Nutrition

It's common for teens to have a fast food diet (who doesn't love pizza, burgers, fries, and soda!). But you might be setting yourself up for serious hair shedding if you're not getting enough essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, iron, and zinc.

Treatment

Focus on eating whole foods. Think fruits, veggies, lean proteins - your body (and hair) will thank you! A healthy diet will surely improve hair growth and help recover lost hair. Read our hair vitamins guide to learn what foods to add to your diet.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid conditions can mess with your hormone production and may cause hair loss. Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can disrupt your hair growth cycle.

Treatment

If you suspect thyroid issues are affecting your locks, consult a healthcare provider for testing and treatment options. They may recommend medications like Tapazole.

Shampoos and Styling Tools

Using gentle shampoos and avoiding harsh chemicals can help protect your hair from damage, leading to hair loss. You should also use heat styling tools as little as possible to prevent further damage.

Psychological Impact of Hair Loss in Teens

Coping with hair loss can be tough, no matter your age. Teens may have a harder time and often feel the need to hide their hair loss. If teenage hair loss is left unchecked, this may impact a teen's self-esteem, body image, and social life. It's important to care for both the physical and emotional well-being of a teen experiencing hair loss.

Here are some ways you can cope with this:

• Look for a teenage hair loss support group: Joining a group makes you feel that you're not alone in dealing with hair loss.

• Get support from family and friends: Getting love and support from friends and family goes a long way in helping lessen the emotional impact of hair loss.

• Talk with a therapist: If you're starting to experience mental issues due to hair loss, talking with a therapist can help for sure.

How to Deal with Teenage Hair Loss

Wear a Hat

A hat can be your best friend when dealing with hair loss. It's an easy way to cover up and get sun protection as well. They're pretty stylish too. Just make sure you're hat is too tight, we don't want further hair loss due to traction alopecia. You can check out our summer hats and winter hats articles for the best choices.

Change Your Hairstyle

Did you know that a new hairstyle can make your hair look fuller? Talk to your stylist about haircuts that work well with thinning hair or receding areas. A shorter cut, or adding layers, can make a difference. Check out our guide about the best hairstyles for balding men.

Shave it all off

Whatever the cause of your hair loss, shaving your head can be a game-changer.

I may not have lost my hair in my teens, but I can imagine how it feels. It was no surprise when male pattern baldness began in my early 30s, since my grandfather and dad both went bald and wore wigs. I knew it was just a matter of when for me, but it still freaked me out when it started.

I didn't realize there was no cure for male pattern baldness, so I tried every hair growth product I could find. Some helped maintain my hair, but it wasn't what I wanted, especially when the dreaded horseshoe appeared on my head.

By then, I had learned to accept my baldness and shaved it all off. I have never regretted my decision, and it's been a decade and a half now. All I can say is bald looks better than balding.

Are you scared to go all in? You can try shorter hairstyles if you're in the early stages of male pattern baldness, or try a buzz cut.

If you prefer DIY over a barber, you need a reliable electric shaver for the job. I recommend the FlexSeries Pro from Freebird. It has everything you need in a shaver, like:

• Enhanced four-blade design with independent foils

• A powerful adaptive motor that adjusts based on hair thickness

• A travel lock

• Long 90-minute battery life

• IPX7 waterproofing

• Anti-slip coating and rubber grips

• Larger hair capture chamber

• Two-part blade system for easier cleaning

You also get freebies worth $60

• Upgraded Precision Clipper

• 3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards

• Advanced Nose & Ear Trimmer

• Micro Cleaning Brush

Ask your mom or dad to buy a FlexSeries Pro, or if $ is outside your budget, you can buy the FlexSeries Classic for only $.

Here's our guide on how to shave your head and a beginner's guide for baldies that will be useful on your bald head journey.

The Bottom Line

Teenage hair loss can feel really crummy, but hang in there! You're not alone, and there are ways to handle it. The first step is to figure out why your hair is falling out. Chat with a doctor to get the real scoop, whether it's genetic hair loss, stress, traction alopecia, hormones, or something else.

Once you know the cause, you can check out hair treatment options. That could mean medical help, simple changes to your everyday life, or even trying a totally new look, like a shaved head. You've got choices, and finding the right path can definitely help you feel good and confident again.

FAQs

How Much Hair Loss is Normal for a Teenage Girl?

It's normal to lose from 50 to 100 hairs daily (as if you can count them). If you're losing more than that or notice bald spots, it is time to find the cause of your hair loss and apply the right solution.

How to Stop Hair Loss in Teenage Girls?

To stop hair loss in teenage girls, figuring out the cause with a doctor is key. Solutions often involve managing hormonal imbalances (like PCOS), reducing stress, ensuring good nutrition, and avoiding hairstyles that pull on the hair.

How Much Hair Loss is Normal for a Teenage Guy?

Same deal! 50 to 100 hairs a day is typical for a guy. If you see more than that or notice bald patches forming, don't ignore them.

How to Stop Hair Loss in Teenage Guys?

To stop hair loss in teenage guys, first find the cause with a doctor. Treatments might include medications like minoxidil or finasteride, managing stress, eating well, and avoiding tight hats or smoking. For some, embracing a shaved head is the best solution.

Can Stress Cause Hair Loss in Teenagers?

Yup! Stress is one of the most common reasons teens lose their hair.

Can Hormonal Changes Cause Hair Loss in Teens?

Yes, puberty brings hormonal changes in both guys and girls, and they affect hair growth patterns.

What Medical Conditions Lead to Hair Loss in Teenagers?

Conditions like alopecia areata and hormonal imbalances (think PCOS) can lead to teenage hair loss. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional for the best treatment.

Can My Diet Be a Reason for Hair Loss?

Yes! A poor diet lacking essential nutrients can contribute to hair woes. So next time you think about eating a burger and fries for breakfast daily… think again!