What Are the Causes of Hair Loss in a 12-Year-Old Girl?

There are a range of potential causes of hair loss in a 12-year-old girl. Some of the reasons are health-related, while others may be more difficult to pinpoint. Finding the cause is the first step in treatment and restoring hair growth.

• Hair loss in preteen girls can be a challenging problem.

Ringworm

• Ringworm, also know as tinea capitis, can cause extreme itching and red bumps on the hair follicles. A fungus affects the scalp, causing the hair to eventually break off completely.

Stress

• Stress to your system can cause the hair follicles to become inactive, and the hair roots fall out. Known as telogen effluvium, the condition can occur due to emotional distress, high fever, nutritional deficiencies, surgery or metabolic changes.

Alopecia

• Alopecia occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in smooth, round bald patches and a halt to hair growth. Risk factors include having a family member who has also had the condition.

Trichotillomania

• This psychological disorder causes a person to pull out the hair from the scalp and other places on the body, causing noticeable bald patches. It can resemble a habit or an addiction and usually requires help from a therapist or mental health professional.

Dieting

• Poor nutrition can cause hair loss in preteen girls. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can contribute to hair loss due to the body not getting enough vitamins, protein and other nutrients.

Excessive Styling

• Frequent chemical treatments, hair color, bleaching or perms can cause the hair to break off or fall out. Some styling tools such as daily flat ironing or elastic pony tail holders also cause hair breakage and loss.