When parents in San Jose notice their child’s hair thinning or shedding more than usual, it can feel worrying. Kids and teens aren’t supposed to lose much hair, right? While it’s not as common as hair loss in adults, it can happen—and in many cases, it’s treatable.
Let’s break down why hair loss happens in young people and what you can do to help.
Is Hair Loss in Kids and Teens Normal?
A small amount of shedding is normal for everyone, even children. But if you start seeing bald spots, thinning areas, or hair coming out in clumps, that’s not typical. Hair loss in kids and teens usually happens for a reason, and most of those reasons can be managed with the right care.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Kids and Teens
There are several possible reasons a young person might lose hair. Here are the most common:
1. Stress
School, sports, social pressure—kids and teens can feel a lot of stress. High stress can cause shedding called telogen effluvium.
2. Poor Nutrition
Growing bodies need vitamins, protein, and minerals. Missing nutrients can slow hair growth or make strands weak.
3. Tight Hairstyles
Braids, ponytails, and buns that pull on the scalp can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss from too much tension.
4. Illness or Fever
After an illness, hair may shed for a few months. This type of loss is usually temporary.
5. Hormone Changes
Teens go through big hormone shifts during puberty. These changes can sometimes affect the hair cycle.
6. Scalp Conditions
Dandruff, psoriasis, or fungal infections like ringworm can cause patches of hair to fall out.
7. Trichotillomania
Some kids or teens pull their own hair when anxious or stressed, sometimes without realizing it.
Signs It’s Time to Take Action
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get help:
Bald spots
Fast hair shedding
Itchy, flaky, or red scalp
Broken hairs near the scalp
Hair thinning around the hairline
Catching the problem early helps prevent long-term damage.
How to Support Healthy Hair in Kids and Teens
Here are simple steps that can help:
Use gentle shampoos
Avoid tight hairstyles
Encourage balanced meals
Help them manage stress
Keep the scalp clean and healthy
Look for signs of picking or pulling
Even small changes can make a big difference.
When to See a Hair and Scalp Expert
If hair loss keeps happening or if you can’t figure out the cause, a trichologist or hair loss specialist can take a close look at the scalp and hair follicles. They can uncover issues that aren’t easy to see and recommend the best treatment plan.
At New Look Institute, we are experts on understanding the scalp, hair loss, and the many causes behind thinning hair in both adults and young people. Using advanced trichology, we help you find the answers you need and guide you toward effective solutions. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and support your child’s healthy hair growth.
