Reasons for Hair Loss in Teenage Girls

Hair loss in teenage girls is a medical problem, which should be addressed by a doctor. There are several reasons a teenage girl might experience hair loss, whether from poor health, medications, extreme dieting or even pulling hair back too tightly. If your teenager is experiencing hair loss, she should see a doctor to determine the cause and find out the best options for treatment.

Medication

• The Hair Loss Library lists medications which might contribute to hair loss in some people. Some of these include Zoloft, Prozac, Dione, Somatrem, and Histrilem as well as the vaccine given for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and poliovirus. A teenager who is experiencing hair loss should speak to her doctor about any medications she is taking to find out if those medications could be causing or contributing to her condition. Hair loss as a side effect of medications is rare, according to Hair Loss Library, but it does happen.

Tight Hair Styles

• Pulling hair back into tight ponytails or cornrows can put stress on hair and cause it to fall out over time. Some teenage girls might pull their hair back tightly for sports or other activities. Hair Boutique warns that this condition is called tension alopecia and that the damage could be permanent. Hair Boutique suggests that ponytails should be loose in order to avoid this problem.

Extreme Dieting

• Crash diets and other extreme forms of dieting can cause hair loss. This is also true of eating disorders such as anorexia. Teenage girls who do not meet their nutritional requirements may suffer from hair loss. When girls are not eating enough, they are not getting enough protein or B vitamins. Without these essential nutrients, hair can fall out. Girls in this situation should see a doctor immediately.