Teenagers are supposed to have great hair. So when your teenager starts losing hair — or when you notice thinning — it's natural to worry. While some causes are temporary and harmless, others need attention. Here's how to tell the difference.
Common Causes of Teen Hair Loss
Traction Alopecia
Tight hairstyles (ponytails, braids, buns, extensions) pull on hair follicles, causing damage over time. This is increasingly common in teens who wear the same tight style daily. Caught early, it's reversible — ignored, it can cause permanent loss.
Hormonal Changes
Puberty brings hormonal fluctuations that can temporarily affect hair. This usually resolves, but significant or persistent changes warrant investigation.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Teenagers — especially those dieting, with eating disorders, or following restrictive diets — may lack iron, zinc, vitamin D, or protein. All affect hair health significantly.
Stress and Anxiety
Academic pressure, social stress, family issues, and mental health challenges can trigger telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding). Teens under significant stress may notice increased hair fall 2-3 months later.
Alopecia Areata
This autoimmune condition often first appears in childhood or teenage years. It causes sudden, patchy hair loss — typically round or oval bald spots.
Medical Conditions
Thyroid disorders, PCOS (in girls), anaemia, and other conditions can cause hair loss. These need medical investigation.
Medications
Some medications for acne, depression, and other conditions list hair loss as a side effect.
Trichotillomania
Hair-pulling disorder — often stress-related — causes patchy loss where hair has been repeatedly pulled out. It's more common in teens than many parents realise.
Warning Signs to Take Seriously
- Sudden or rapid hair loss
- Bald patches (rather than general thinning)
- Hair loss with other symptoms (fatigue, weight changes, skin changes)
- Scalp symptoms (redness, flaking, tenderness)
- Emotional distress about hair changes
- Signs of eating disorder or restrictive dieting
What to Do
- Don't dismiss it — teenagers often won't mention concerns until they're really worried
- Look at lifestyle factors — diet, stress, hairstyles, sleep
- Consider seeing the GP — blood tests can identify deficiencies or thyroid issues
- Seek specialist assessment — if the cause isn't clear or loss is significant
Getting Help
A trichology consultation can examine your teenager's scalp in detail, identify what's happening, and recommend appropriate next steps. At Solent Trichology Clinic in Gosport, assessments are conducted sensitively — understanding that hair loss at this age can significantly impact confidence.
📞 Phone: 07904 268599
🌐 Website: solenttrichologyclinic.co.uk