Hair Loss in Teenagers: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatments

Picture this: You're scrolling through social media, feeling great about life, when suddenly you notice your friend's perfect hair flipping effortlessly in every post. You reach for your hairbrush only to find it's filled with more strands than you'd like to admit.

Teenage hair loss, a common experience among many, can be one of the worst fears of being a teenager. Just when you're starting to shape your identity, suddenly, you notice more hair on your pillow or in the shower drain than on your head.

You can't help but ask, "Why me?"

We'll go on a deep dive into the surprising causes of teenage hair loss, the telltale signs to watch for, and, most importantly, the treatment that can help you regain your confidence.

Whether it's you or someone you know who's going through this, we're here to guide and help you get through this challenging phase.

Let's turn the page on this hair-raising issue together, knowing that there are effective treatments that can help you regain what you've lost.

Why is My Hair Falling Out as a Teenager?

The teenage years are a time of growth, change, discovery, and, unfortunately, hair loss for some. If you're wondering where all your hair went, you're not alone. Let's look at why this might be happening and look at potential solutions.

Genetics

Thanks, but no thanks, Mom and Dad. According to the American Hair Loss Association, male pattern baldness can kick in as early as your teens. The bad news is genetic hair loss due to male pattern baldness is undefeated. Once it starts, it will only progress.

Symptoms

• Thinning hair

• Receding hairline

• Bald patches

Treatment

There's still no cure for male pattern baldness, but there are hair loss treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, which may help slow down the process.

Traction Alopecia

Teenagers love to play with different hairstyles, but wearing tight hairstyles, tight hats, or braids may do more harm than good. If you notice hair loss, thinning hair, or bald patches where those tight styles are, you've got traction alopecia. It's time to loosen up!

Symptoms

• Bald patches where tight hairstyles are

• Hair thinning

• Receding hairline

Treatment

The good news is traction alopecia can be reversed. By switching to looser hairstyles and giving your hair some TLC, you can regain what you've lost.

Medications

If you're experiencing hair loss as a teenager, you might be taking prescription drugs or certain medications that cause hair thinning as a side effect. That pill you pop every morning can mess up hair follicles and make hair fall out. Some medicines that may cause hair loss are:

• Blood Pressure drugs

• Arthritis drugs

• Seizure medications

• Antacids

• Lupus medication

• Diabetes medication

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs

• Chemotherapy drugs

• Birth Control Pills

For more information, read our comprehensive guide on medications that cause hair loss.

Symptoms

• Thinning hair

• Increased shedding

• Patchy hair loss

• Complete hair loss

Treatment

If you suspect that your medication is the culprit for your hair loss, don't worry. You can ask your doctor for alternative treatments without hair loss side effects.

Alopecia Areata

Teenage hair loss can also happen due to an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata. Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss as your immune system mistakenly attacks your healthy hair follicles. This condition is common for teens.

I experienced this during my college years, and all it took was a trip to my mom's dermatologist, and my hair grew back.

Symptoms

• Round bald patches

• Complete hair loss

Treatment

Treatment can include topical steroids or other medications that help stimulate regrowth. My mom's dermatologist gave me a small tube of steroids to apply on my bald patches, and they were gone in weeks.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair thinning due to stress, medications, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic illnesses.

Symptoms

• Increased hair shedding (on pillows, shower drain, hair brush)

• Thinning hair all over rather than patches

• The scalp should look normal without any irritation

Treatment

Hair loss from telogen effluvium is also temporary. All you need to do is identify the trigger or stressor.

Hormonal Imbalance (PCOS)

The teenage years are a magical time when everything feels like it's shifting. Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of hair loss in teenagers. A condition like PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to hair thinning and even acne for teenage girls - what a bummer. Adolescent males aren't immune to this problem either. Too much DHT or dihydrotestosterone may lead to hair loss. DHT is an androgen or sex hormone that is related to body hair growth and can cause hair loss in teenagers.

Symptoms

• Weight gain

• Irregular periods

• Thinning hair with acne

Treatment

Consult with a healthcare provider for hormonal assessments and potential treatments like metformin or birth control pills, or they may ask you to make lifestyle changes that may help balance hormone levels.

Hair Pulling Disorder

Do you have the urge to pull out your hair? You might have a mental health condition called Trichotillomania. This condition usually begins once teenagers reach 10 to 13 years old.

Symptoms

• Repeatedly pulling out hair from various parts of the body

• Feeling tension before pulling and relief afterward

• Noticeable bald spots

Treatment

Therapy is key! Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help manage urges and develop healthier coping strategies.

Chemical Treatments

If you're experimenting with colors and chemicals to achieve that perfect look, beware! Using hair treatment products containing harsh chemicals can lead to severe hair loss.

Symptoms

• Dry, brittle strands

• Excessive breakage

• Thinning areas where chemicals were applied

Treatment

Give your hair a break! Consider consulting with a professional stylist who can recommend gentler products or treatments.

Stress

Let's face it: life as a teenager can be stressful. Between school pressures and dealing with the opposite sex, stress can take a toll on your body and lead to hair loss.

Symptoms

• Increased hair thinning during stressful periods

• Feeling overwhelmed or anxious

Treatment

Some teens may reduce stress by meditating, binge-watching their favorite shows, doing sports and hobbies, exercising, hanging out with friends, or getting a scalp massage.

Smoking

If you're a smoker, try to kick the habit to preserve your precious locks. Smoking restricts blood flow to the scalp and damages hair follicles over time. Here are steps you can take to regrow your hair after you quit smoking.

Symptoms

• Thinning hair

• Increased shedding

Treatment

Quit smoking. It will do wonders for your hair and overall health.

Poor Diet/Poor Nutrition

It's common for teens to have a fast food diet (who doesn't love pizza, burgers, fries and soda!). But you might be setting yourself up for serious shedding if you're not getting enough essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, iron, and zinc. Vitamin deficiencies may cause hair thinning in young adults.

Symptoms

• Dull or lifeless-looking hair

• Increased shedding

Treatment

Focus on incorporating whole foods into your diet! Think fruits, veggies, lean proteins - your body (and hair) will thank you! A healthy diet will surely improve hair growth and help recover lost hair. Read our hair vitamins guide to learn what foods to add to your diet.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid issues can mess with everything - including your mane! An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to thinning hair, while an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) might cause excessive shedding or hair loss.

Symptoms

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Hair thinning

Treatment

If you suspect thyroid issues are affecting your locks, consult a healthcare provider for testing and treatment options. They may recommend medications like tapazole.

What About Shaving Your Head?

Whatever the cause of your hair loss, shaving your head can be a game changer.

I may not have lost my hair in my teens, but I can imagine how it feels. It was no surprise when male pattern baldness began in my early 30s since my grandfather and dad both went bald and wore wigs. I knew it was just a matter of when for me, but it still freaked me out when it started. I didn't realize there was no cure for male pattern baldness, so I tried every hair growth product I could find. Some helped maintain my hair, but it wasn't what I wanted, especially when the dreaded horseshoe appeared on my head.

By then, I had learned to accept my baldness and shaved it all off. I have never regretted my decision, and it's been a decade and a half now. All I can say is bald looks better than balding.

Are you scared to go all in? You can try shorter hairstyles if you're in the early stages of male pattern baldness or try a buzz cut.

If you prefer DIY over a barber, you need a reliable electric shaver for the job. I recommend the FlexSeries Pro from Freebird. It has everything you need in a shaver like:

• Enhanced four-blade design with independent foils

• A powerful adaptive motor that adjusts based on hair thickness

• A travel lock

• Long 90-minute battery life

• IPX7 waterproofing

• Anti-slip coating and rubber grips

• Larger hair capture chamber

• Two-part blade system for easier cleaning

You also get freebies worth $60

• Upgraded Precision Clipper

• 3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards

• Advanced Nose & Ear Trimmer

• Micro Cleaning Brush

Ask your mom or dad to buy a FlexSeries Pro, or if $59.95 is outside your budget, you can buy the FlexSeries classic for only $39.95.

Here's our guide on how to shave your head and a beginner's guide for baldies that will be useful on your bald head journey.

The Bottom Line

Hair loss during the teenage years can be overwhelming, but remember you are not alone, and there are solutions out there that you can try. But before doing so, know the cause of your hair loss, whether it's male or female pattern baldness, alopecia areata, polycystic ovary syndrome, unconscious hair pulling, or an autoimmune condition. Once you know exactly what's wrong, seek the appropriate treatments. If all else fails, shave it off and confidently rock your bald head!

FAQs

How Much Hair Loss is Normal for a Teenage Girl?

It's normal to lose from 50 to 100 hairs daily (as if you can count them). If you're losing more than that or notice bald spots, it is time to find the cause of your hair loss and apply the right solution.

How Much Hair Loss is Normal for a Teenage Guy?

Same deal! 50 to 100 hairs a day is typical for a guy. If you see more than that or notice bald patches forming, don't ignore them.

Can Stress Cause Hair Loss in Teenagers?

Yup! Stress is one of the most common reasons teens lose their hair.

Can Hormonal Changes Cause Hair Loss in Teens?

Yes, puberty brings hormonal changes in both guys and girls, affecting hair growth patterns.

What Medical Conditions Lead to Hair Loss in Teenagers?

Conditions like alopecia areata and hormonal imbalances (think PCOS) can lead to hair loss. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional for the best treatment.

Can My Diet Be a Reason for Hair Loss?

Yes! A poor diet lacking essential nutrients can contribute to hair woes. So next time you think about eating a burger and fries for breakfast daily… think again!