Is There an Increase in Teenage Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a common problem typically associated with people of older generations. However, hair loss can affect people of any age. When teens experience hair loss, it can be especially challenging because of the added social and emotional effects. Although some types of hair loss are inevitable, there are many types of hair loss, especially those associated with teens, can be prevented. Here are some of the common causes of teenage hair loss.
Common Causes of Teenage Hair Loss
- HORMONE IMBALANCE. During adolescence, teens’ hormones fluctuate dramatically. This fluctuation in hormones impacts the natural growth cycles of a teen’s hair. Your natural hair growth cycles involve periods of growth and rest. Fluctuation of hormones can decrease the periods of growth and increase the periods of rest, leading to hair thinning and hair loss.
- MEDICATIONS. Different medications can have an impact on hair loss. Many teen girls take birth control to regulate menstrual cycles or control acne. These birth control pills can lead to hormone fluctuation that can contribute to hair loss. Other medications that teens take in order to control acne can have similar effects on hormones and hair loss.
- IMPROPER NUTRITION. Many teens have diets that rely heavily on fats and carbs with few fruits and vegetables. Poor eating habits can lead to vitamin deficiencies and an iron deficiency, especially in teen girls. When your body does not have enough nutrients, it will cut off hair growth to conserve energy for more vital bodily functions. The result can be hair thinning or hair loss. Although poor diet can contribute to teenage hair loss, it is easily reversible.
- OVER-STYLING YOUR HAIR. Many teens spend significant time styling their hair to keep up with the latest trends. Between straighteners, curling irons, blow dryers, and hair dyes, teenage hair experiences significant damage. These products as well as tight hairstyles such as tight braids or updos can cause breakage as well as irritation and damage to the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss.
- TRICHOTILLOMANIA. Trichotillomania, otherwise known as an obsessive-compulsive hair pulling disorder, is a disease in which people compulsively pull their hair. This disease typically manifests between the ages of 10 and 15 and involves individuals unconsciously pulling out their hair, typically due to stress or anxiety. This disease is typically treated through treatment of the root causes of the disease.
Teenage Hair Loss Due to Underlying Medical Conditions
Other medical conditions can sometimes be the cause of hair loss. Various types of alopecia (hair loss) can manifest themselves during teen years and will lead to hair loss. Fortunately, this type of hair loss is typically temporary. Certain skin disorders and thyroid disorders can also contribute to hair loss. Treatment for these types of hair loss typically consists of treating the disease causing the hair loss.
Preventing Teenage Hair Loss
Teens have to deal with many different stressers as well as discomfort with their changing bodies. The last thing they want to worry about is hair loss. Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to prevent and reduce hair loss. Teens should take good care of their hair, washing frequently and avoiding unnecessary styling damage. Additionally, they should not style their hair while wet, as it causes more damage. Eating nutrient rich foods that promote hair growth will reduce hair loss as well. When these preventative measures are taken, teens can combat hair loss.
Green Bay Appleton Hair Loss Specialists
At Keith’s Haircenters in Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin, we are very proud to provide each of our clients with the latest advances in technology for clinically proven hair loss prevention and hair restoration solutions. Our dedicated hair restoration and hair replacement centers in Green Bay and Appleton are nationally recognized as leaders in multi-therapeutic hair loss treatments, non-surgical hair replacement, and hair restoration for men and women suffering from Alopecia, balding and thinning hair. If you or a loved one is concerned about their thinning hair, contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation, private consultation with a Keith’s hair loss specialist. It will be one of the best things you have ever done for yourself.
