Hair loss is typically associated with the ageing process, especially in men, but teenagers actually commonly experience it as well. From shedding, to thinning and even balding, when teenagers experience hair loss it can be particularly damaging to their confidence and self esteem.
If you are young and have noticed some early signs of hair loss, remember you aren’t alone, there are a large number of teenagers who are going through the same experience and there are also a variety of ways you can help to improve your hair’s health.
What are the most common causes of teenage hair loss?
Traction Alopecia
Thinning hair is a growing concern for young women as they use more and more hair extensions and harsh styles that create unnatural tension on the hair for long periods. The good news is that this hair loss is entirely behavioral, meaning it can be reversed by simply allowing your hair to rest and stopping using styles and products that are harsh on your hair.
Androgenetic Alopecia
The most common cause of hair loss, it usually affects men over the age of 50 but can also affect teenagers. In women this form of hair loss is often referred to as female pattern baldness and can affect teenagers following puberty. It is typically identified by a widening of the hair parting, but can be treated by stress management and by ensuring you have a good nutritional diet.
Poor Diet
A healthy diet isn’t something often associated with teenagers and your skin and hair are the most noticeable reflections of what you eat and drink. By not eating a healthy and nutritionally varied diet that contains plenty of vitamins and minerals that maintain healthy hair, then you may be contributing to poor hair health and hair loss.
Unconscious Hair Pulling
This habit usually occurs because of styling or trichotillomania. This is a psychological disorder when the hair is pulled until it is uprooted, often resulting in large areas of thin hair and damaged follicles. The best response to this is to consult a professional behaviour therapist to learn more about why the behaviour might be occurring and to help reduce its incidence.
Excessive Styling
We touched upon this with traction alopecia, but excessive styling in the form of repeatedly dying your hair and over use of hair straighteners and dryers can take its toll on your hair. If you are partial to these then make sure you rest your hair every once in a while.
