We associate hair loss with older women. This is because this is the time when women usually become vulnerable to various health problems. Hence, when teenagers complain of hair loss, it worries not only the child but also the mother. Losing a few strands of hair shouldn’t be anything to worry about. But if you find clumps of your hair on the floor after running your fingers or combing your hair, you should look for the reason behind it. An expert shares the causes of hair loss in teens and what to do about it.
Connect with HealthShots to find out the causes of hair loss in teenagers Dr Navya PConsultant Dermatologist, Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore.
reasons for hair loss in teenagers
1. Genetics
Sometimes, genes are held responsible for hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern baldness, is a genetic form of hair loss, says Dr Navya. Along with the parting of the hair, the hair gradually starts thinning. Although this pattern usually begins in adulthood, it can also occur during adolescence.
2. Nutrition
Adolescence is the time when you pay a lot of attention to your looks and weight. So, you may be eating less, crash dieting or have an eating disorder. Digestive problems can also occur. All this leads to deficiency of important nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, biotin and protein which are important for maintaining hair growth.
3. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
This is a condition where the level of testosterone is higher than normal. Women with PCOS gain weight, but it also has a negative effect on the scalp and hair growth.Effective ways to combat PCOS induced hair loss,
4. Thyroid Imbalance
Expert says that thyroid conditions that cause an increase or decrease in the production of thyroid hormones can lead to brittle hair and hair loss.
5. Hair Treatment
Changing your hair color is fun, but regular hair coloring or chemical treatments like straightening and smoothing break down the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft. This reduces the strength of the hair and then starts breaking, which leads to hair fall.
6. Hair Care and Styling Methods
Using hot water while washing hair, choosing harsh shampoos, combing wet hair or wearing tight hairstyles can all lead to hair fall.
7. Illness
Typhoid, dengue, COVID-19 or prolonged illness or undergoing surgical procedures can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which is a reversible condition in which hair falls out.
8. Trichotillomania
It is a psychological disorder where the person pulls out their own hair and is usually seen between the ages of 10 to 15 years, says Dr Navya.
9. Stress
Whether it is exams or problems with peers, teenagers can also be stressed. Turns out, increased stress levels lead to hair loss as well as increased acne in teenage girls.
10. Disorders of the scalp
Dandruff where there is an overgrowth of fungal growth on the scalp, it means you have to say goodbye to many strands of your hair (home remedies for dandruff, There are also other conditions such as alopecia areata where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, and ringworm infection which causes itchy and scaly patches on the scalp.
Tips to deal with hair fall
There are many solutions to the problem of hair loss in teenagers. Some include:
• Correct diagnosis and starting treatment early helps in dealing with hair loss.
A diet rich in iron and protein should be included, so start eating dates, green leafy vegetables, pulses, chicken, fish, eggs and nuts.protein rich foods,
• Avoiding tight hair styles, reducing the use of heating tools and using a heat protectant may be helpful.
• Regular cleansing of the scalp and use of anti-dandruff shampoos can help in controlling dandruff.
• Visiting a dermatologist to assess the scalp or hair with blood tests and scalp biopsy will help diagnose the underlying condition and initiate appropriate treatment.