Category: Teens and Hair Loss
Home / Hair Loss /
5 Common Causes For Hair Loss In Teenage Boys
June 28, 2021

5 Common Causes For Hair Loss In Teenage Boys

Teenage boys may not act like it all the time, but they care a lot about their appearance. They want to look cool, fit in, and be attractive to those who they find attractive. It can be hard enough to do that with all of the usual hormonal changes, acne, and awkwardness of the teenage years. But add unexpected and unexplained hair loss into the life of a teenage boy and it can make for a troubling and traumatic time.

It is estimated that around three percent of all pediatrician visits annually involve a hair loss problem. Teenagers, as well as young children, can experience the thinning, balding, or shedding which we usually associate with pattern baldness in adults.

There are many reasons a teen boy could be losing their hair, and parents should always consult with a doctor if their teenager is experiencing excessive shedding or other visible signs of hair loss to determine the underlying cause. The good news is that most hair loss in teenage boys is temporary and usually resolves itself over time or by addressing the underlying cause.

Here are five common causes for hair loss in teenage boys:

Medication

Many drugs prescribed for teens, such as acne medication, antibiotics, or antidepressants, can cause hair loss. With an estimated 85 percent of American teens suffering from acne and about 20 percent struggling with depression, medication-related hair loss in teenagers is a common issue.  

Alopecia areata

Alopecia Areata is a specific type of baldness that appears in concentrated, rounded areas on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. Sometimes, Alopecia Areata may develop in several locations at once, such as on the crown or sides of the head and on the arms. An estimated one in 50 people suffer from alopecia areata at some point in their life, and one in every 1,000 experience alopecia areata.

Trichotillomania

This is a psychological condition in which an individual compulsively pulls out their own hair. Approximately one percent of Americans (around 2.5 million people) deal with trichotillomania at some point in their lives, though it is most common in children between the ages of nine and 13. With the help of mental health professionals, most people with trichotillomania will stop this destructive behavior, allowing their hair to grow back.

Traction alopecia

As many boys grow their hair longer, they may put their hair in ponytails, buns, or braids. But those styles involve an unnatural and excessive amount of tension on the hair. That constant stress on the follicles can lead to a condition called traction alopecia that causes hair to fall out. Wearing hair in the same style every day (i.e., a ponytail in the same place) can also cause breakage.

Poor Diet/Eating Disorders

If a teen is malnourished or has an unhealthy diet, their body will have difficulty getting the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for healthy and robust hair follicles. Sometimes, simply eating a more nutritious diet can take care of the problem. But some teen boys (not just teen girls) struggle with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia that involve more significant challenges to their health and well-being.

Concerned About Your Teen’s Hair Loss? Call Us Today For a Personalized Evaluation.

If your teenage son is struggling with hair loss, schedule a personalized hair loss evaluation with the world-renowned experts at the Miami Hair Institute. Please contact our clinic today at 305-925-0222.

Common Causes for Hair Loss in Teenage Girls
June 21, 2021

5 Common Causes for Hair Loss in Teenage Girls

The life of a teenage girl is full of personal, social, emotional, and physical changes and challenges. And that’s when everything is going right. But when a teen girl unexpectedly and inexplicably starts to experience hair loss issues, it can be a devastating blow. The last thing any teenager wants or needs is to feel different or be on the receiving end of teasing and bullying because of a problem they may have no control over.

It is estimated that around three percent of all pediatrician visits annually involve a hair loss problem. Teenagers, as well as young children, can experience the thinning, balding, or shedding which we usually associate with pattern baldness in adults.

There are many reasons a teenager could be losing hair, and parents should always consult with a physician if their teen is experiencing excessive shedding or other visible signs of hair loss to determine the underlying cause. The good news is that most hair loss in teenage girls is a temporary condition.

Five of the most common causes of hair loss in teen girls include:

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is a specific type of baldness that appears in concentrated, rounded areas on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. Sometimes, Alopecia Areata may develop in several locations at once, such as on the crown or sides of the head and on the arms. Approximately one to two percent of Americans experience Alopecia Areata, including teenage girls.

Hairstyle and Product Issues

Teen girls can spend a ton of time – and use a ton of styling products – to get their hair looking just right. All of the chemicals in those products can build up and damage hair follicles if a teen doesn’t do a thorough job washing their hair.

Similarly, many hairstyles popular among girls involve an unnatural and excessive amount of tension to their hair over an extended period. This can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. For example, wearing unnecessarily tight ponytails, pigtails, or braids for long stretches of time can damage follicles and cause hair to fall out.

Unconscious Hair Pulling and Plucking

Another behavioral cause of teenage hair loss, albeit one with a psychological component, is Trichotillomania. This disorder involves a teen pulling their hair until they uproot the follicles, often leaving large areas of thinning hair, damaged follicles, or total baldness. The best course of treatment for this condition is to consult a mental health professional or behavioral therapist.

Poor Diet or Eating Disorder

Body image issues trouble many teen girls, a challenge that sadly can lead to poor eating choices. If a teen is malnourished or has an unhealthy diet, their body will have difficulty getting the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for healthy and robust hair follicles. Sometimes, simply eating a more nutritious diet can take care of the problem, but teen girls struggling with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia face more significant challenges to their health and well-being.

Medications

Hair loss is a side effect of some medications, especially those drugs that alter hormones, such as birth control pills. In fact, some physicians actually prescribe birth control pills for some teen girls who have excessive hair growth on their bodies. Other drugs can cause also cause hair loss, including anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and even high doses of vitamin A.

Concerned About Your Teen’s Hair Loss? Call Us Today For a Personalized Evaluation.

If your teenage daughter is struggling with hair loss, please schedule a personalized hair loss evaluation with the world-renowned experts at the Miami Hair Institute. Please contact our clinic today at 305-925-0222.

February 10, 2020

Can Hair Extensions Damage My Hair Follicles?

Hair fashions and styles can often be, but certainly aren’t always, the enemy of hair health. For example, traction alopecia is a hair loss condition most often caused by hairstyles that pull hair to the breaking point, such as wearing unnecessarily tight ponytails, pigtails, or braids for a long period of time.

Hair extensions are an increasingly popular styling option for many women, and while extensions themselves may not put you at risk for hair loss or follicle damage, the sloppy or improper attachment of extensions can absolutely cause problems for your hair.

Not all hair extensions are created equal, and not all stylists who apply extensions are equally skilled at doing so.

The safest kind of extensions, the one that has little to no chance of damaging your hair no matter who applies them, are clip-on extensions that women typically wear for only a few hours at a time and can be removed easily after each use.

Permanent hair extensions, on the other hand, involve the use of heat, glue, and lamps as part of the application process. This fusion type of extension attaches to your natural hair using keratin bonds that are melted, formed, and re-hardened around the hair in individual strands.

Problems can arise if the weight of the extensions is excessive. All of that heavy hair and gravity pulling down on your real hair can cause traction alopecia. Hair extensions should never weigh more than 200 grams. The risk of hair damage can be reduced by having a professional stylist apply the extensions followed by subsequent visits in which the glue is changed out or the stylist rotates the extensions so that they are not bound to the same hairs and the same tension all the time.

Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today

While hair extensions aren’t inherently damaging, that doesn’t mean they are 100% free from complications, including hair damage and loss. If you are concerned about your hair loss and are ready to do something about it, we invite you to schedule a hair loss evaluation at the Miami Hair & Skin Institute today.  To receive a personalized assessment and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

April 8, 2013

The Big Picture: What’s Really Causing Hair Loss?

The Big Picture- What’s Really Causing Hair LossWhen treating hair loss, understanding the root cause of the issue is the first step towards finding treatment. Getting to the root of the problem enables physicians to offer treatments that are both safe and effective. Sometimes, hair loss can be caused by environmental stress or other behavioral problems that the patient can learn to proactively manage. For this reason, understanding why hair loss occurs is empowering for the patient as well.

If you are experiencing hair loss symptoms, we invite you to explore the following resources on the Miami Hair Blog to learn more about your condition. Please note: These resources are not meant to provide specific medical diagnoses or treatment recommendations. All readers are urged to schedule an appointment with a licensed and experienced medical professional to properly diagnose their condition and find effective treatment.

Understanding Pattern Baldness

Sometimes, hair loss occurs in a somewhat recognizable and predictable pattern. Two common examples are receding hairlines and thin or bald areas at the rear of the scalp, at the crown.

Men who recognize these symptoms may learn more about the progression of their condition by referring to the Norwood Classification for male pattern baldness.

Women who recognize these symptoms may learn more by referring to the Ludwig Classification for female pattern baldness.

Stress Related Hair Loss

Stress may cause a change in the biochemistry of the hair follicle, according to reports from the American Hair Loss Association (i). This change can prematurely send hair into a resting phase, or Telogen phase. Hair may cease to grow entirely, depending on the severity and duration of the experienced stress, as well as the way in which the individual recovers from the incident. This type of hair loss is particularly common among women and may be heightened, in part, by hormonal fluctuations.

To learn more, visit our guide on Telogen Effluvium.

Prescription Medications and Hair Loss

Prescription medications may effectively treat a number of serious health conditions. Medicines can have side effects, however. Hair loss is a common issue for individuals who take a variety of medications, including oral contraceptives, thyroid prescriptions, and more.

To learn more, readers are invited to visit our guide, Can Prescription Medications Cause Hair Loss?.

Hair Loss and Teenagers

Though pattern baldness is typically associated with older gentleman, hair loss is also a common condition for many boys and girls in their teenage years of development. Teenagers are perhaps most susceptible to the cruel way in which hair loss can negatively affect self-esteem, confidence, and social life, making it vital for parents and teens to understand more about the most common reasons hair loss may occur.

Read more about the Top 7 Causes of Hair Loss in Teenagers.

Evaluations at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami

Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment provide the best chance of restoring hair to its naturally full, resilient, and beautiful state. To learn more about a hair loss evaluation, schedule an appointment with the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Our team represents South Florida’s finest hair transplant surgeons, registered nurses, and technicians, each of whom hold your pursuit of a fuller head of hair in the highest regard.

Readers may also call our Institute at 305.925.0222 to speak directly with a member of our team.

Sources:

(i) “Effluviums.” American Hair Loss Association..

December 24, 2012

Hair Transplants: Safe for Teenagers?

Hair Transplants- Safe for Teenagers?This health report is meant to provide basic information on how nutrition, hairstyle, and other lifestyle elements may contribute to hair loss among teenaged boys and girls. It is important to understand that a comprehensive hair loss evaluation with a certified hair transplant surgeon is critical in the journey towards a healthier, fuller head of hair.

‘Hair loss’ is not typically something our society associates with teenagers. However, a number of causes may contribute towards the occurrence of thinning, balding, or shedding hair at an early age. Things like genetics, poor diet, unconscious hair pulling, and prescription medications may each play a causal role.

Learn more by visiting last week’s article on the top 7 causes of hair loss in teens. After better acquainting yourself with the most common reasons for hair loss among teens, you may wish to revisit this article to learn more about available treatment options.

Hair Transplants for Teenagers: Are They Safe?

Unfortunately, teenagers are not typically good candidates for a hair transplant. In general, a “good candidate” is a patient whose hair loss exhibits a number of characteristics, including the following:

  • Diagnosable cause of hair loss.
  • Hair loss with a predictable progression.
  • Donor hair that may be harvested to produce valuable hair grafts.

Though the cause of hair loss can usually be determined, it can be very difficult for a hair transplant surgeon to accurately predict how the hair loss of a teenage patient will progress. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to conduct a transplant procedure that will look natural in the end. Moreover, conducting a hair transplant procedure during teenage years may reduce the number of valuable hair grafts available for future transplant procedures.

Hair Transplant Alternatives for Teens

The Good News: If you are a teenager and you notice signs of hair loss, rest assured that you are not alone. There are a number of hair transplant alternatives that are available to reverse the signs of hair loss, including natural methods as well as hair loss medications.

Natural Methods for Reducing the Signs of Teenage Hair Loss

There are a number of natural methods that may help to reduce the signs of hair loss among teenagers, including:

  • Eat well. The food we eat has a profound impact on the way we look and feel. Hair is no exception. Visit our article on foods for healthy hair to learn more about the nutrients that are the building blocks for beautiful hair.
  • Got Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a particularly important nutrient when it comes to keeping hair follicles fully functional. New research even suggests that vitamin D may stimulate hair growth.
  • Like people, hair enjoys a stress-free situation. Traction Alopecia is a common cause of hair loss that results from too much tension being placed on the hair for a prolonged period of time. Hairstyles like ponytails, hair weaves, and dreadlocks may damage the strength and longevity of hair. Read more about the causes of Traction Alopecia to learn how to identify this easily preventable cause of hair loss.
  • Speak to your physician about your current medications. Certain prescription medications can cause hair loss. If you find that you are prescribed to such a medication, you may wish to discuss an alternative treatment option with your health care professional.

Teens, Hair Loss, and Medications

When natural methods are not enough, teenagers may benefit from the use of medications for hair loss. Such medications should never be taken without first consulting a certified dermatologist or hair transplant professional. After a comprehensive evaluation, the physician may recommend 1 of 2 popular hair loss medications:

Rogaine® (Minoxidil)

Minoxidil, most commonly known by the brand name Rogaine®, is an approved medication that helps to stimulate the growth of new hair among both males and females. It is a topical application, and it is designed specifically to treat symptoms of pattern baldness, or Androgenetic Alopecia. Other important things to know about Rogaine include:

  1. Available for use among both males and females.
  2. Extra Strength formula available, starts to work after about 8 weeks.
  3. Active ingredient is minoxidil, which has undergone extensive testing for safety and effectiveness.
  4. Topical application, usually applied twice daily.

Propecia® (Finasteride)

Finasteride, most commonly known by the brand name Propecia®, is available for use by males only. Its claim to fame is that it can maintain existing hair, and in some cases it has been shown to trigger new hair growth. Propecia is designed to inhibit the creation of DHT, a male hormone that can “shut down” hair growth at the follicle. Other important things to know about Propecia include:

  1. Propecia is a prescription medication.
  2. Propecia cannot be used by women.
  3. Propecia is a daily medication.
  4. In clinical studies for PROPECIA, a small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA because of them.

Learn More About Hair Transplant Procedures

Are you a candidate for a hair transplant procedure? Our clinic is home to the finest technicians, registered nurses, and hair transplant surgeons in Florida. Request an appointment online, or call our clinic directly at 1-877-443-9070.

December 18, 2012

Teens and Hair Loss: The Top 7 Causes

Teens and Hair Loss- The Top 7 CausesWe typically associate ‘hair loss’ with older individuals, particularly gentlemen who experience male pattern baldness. However, it is common for teenagers to also experience symptoms of thinning, balding, or shedding. When it strikes, hair loss can cruelly disrupt a teen’s sense of self-esteem, confidence, and social life.

If you are a teenager and you notice signs of hair loss, rest assured that you are not alone. There is a growing population of boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 19 who share your experience, and there are a variety of lifestyle changes that you can make to improve the health of your hair.

An important note to our readers: This special health report has been created to provide an overview of the top 7 causes of hair loss in teens. It is intended for informational purposes only, and readers must remember to always consult a physician prior to making changes in diet or exercise regimens.

For additional information, readers are invited to learn more about hair loss evaluations online or contact our Institute directly at 1.877.443.9070.

What Causes Hair Loss in Teenagers?

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is a specific type of baldness that occurs in concentrated, rounded areas. It may occur on the scalp or on other portions of the body. At times, Alopecia Areata may manifest itself in several locations at once. For example, hair loss may simultaneously occur on the crown of the head, the sides of the head, and on the arm.

It is estimated that somewhere between 1-2% of Americans suffer with Alopecia Areata, including teenagers. For individuals who are affected by this condition, a new study released by Japanese researchers in Tokyo has called the treatment for Alopecia Areata ‘favorable’.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, affecting an estimated 2/3rds of all American males. Though most common among males over the age of 50, this type of pattern baldness may still affect teenagers. Females, in particular, may experience Female Pattern Hair Loss during the final teenage years and early-to-mid twenties.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female Pattern Hair Loss is a specific type of Androgenetic Alopecia (discussed above) that may affect teenage girls following puberty. This condition is most easily identified by a widening “part” that makes more and more scalp visible when styling the hair.

Proactively practicing stress management and nutritional awareness are two important steps in dealing with Female Pattern Hair Loss. For additional information, readers may visit this article on the 6 Ways to Prevent Female Hair Loss.

Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia is another common cause of thinning or shedding hair among teenagers, and it occurs when an unnatural amount of tension is applied to the hair for a prolonged period of time. The good news: Traction Alopecia is one of the few causes of hair loss in teens that is behavioral. Like unconscious pulling or plucking (see below), hair loss that results from Traction Alopecia may be significantly reversed simply by identifying and halting the behaviors that cause it.

For more information, please visit Traction Alopecia: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment.

Unconscious Hair Pulling and Plucking

Unconscious hair pulling or plucking is often the result of 2 different behaviors: Styling, and Trichotillomania. When it results from excessive styling, the hair loss typically occurs along the eyebrows and among the eyelashes. This is common among teenaged boys and girls alike, depending on the frequency and intensity with which they groom their eyebrows and eyelashes.

The second form of unconscious hair pulling / plucking is Trichotillomania. A psychological disorder, Trichotillomania occurs when a teenage boy or girl pulls their hair until it is uprooted, often leaving large areas of thin hair, damaged follicles, or total baldness. The best course of treatment for this type of hair loss is to consult a mental health professional or behavioral therapist to learn more about why the behavior is occurring, and how behavioral modification can be implemented to reduce its incidence.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medications are commonly used to treat a variety of health conditions among teenagers. Thyroid disorders, acne medications, and contraceptive medicines are just a few examples of the most common medications that may cause hair loss.

For a more comprehensive list, as well as hair loss prevention tips, readers may visit this article on prescription medications and hair loss.

Poor Diet

We’ve all heard the saying: You are what you eat. The skin and hair are the most noticeable reflections of that age-old adage, mostly because they are among the first physical characteristics we notice about another person. Failure to eat well can make it very difficult for your body to get the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to maintain healthy hair. And while eating well may not be enough to reverse pattern baldness, it can certainly help to improve the health and longevity of existing hair.

To ensure the most naturally beautiful hair possible, individuals of all ages are encouraged to get plenty of these foods for healthy hair.

Learn More About Hair Loss and Restoration

Are you a candidate for a hair transplant procedure? Our clinic is home to the finest technicians, registered nurses, and hair transplant surgeons in Florida. Request an appointment online, or call our clinic directly at 1-877-443-9070.

Copyright © 2023 Miami Hair Institute. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy