How to Fix Hair Loss in Teenagers

Most people shed 50 to 100 hairs per day, according to the Mayo Clinic. (See Reference 1) Given that the scalp has roughly 100,000 hairs, this amount of shedding is undetectable. (See Reference 1) However, some people experience more significant hair loss. (See Reference 1) According to the Mayo Clinic, significant hair loss can begin in your teens. (See Reference 1)

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the cause of the hair loss. Hair loss may simply be genetic. (See Reference 1) However, when hair loss develops at an early age, there is an increased risk that the hair loss is caused by something else. According to the Mayo Clinic, hair loss can be caused by poor nutrition, disease, certain medications, scalp infection, and hair treatments (such as dying or bleaching the hair). (See Reference 1) In order to properly treat the hair loss, you must first consult with your doctor to determine what is causing it.

• 2

  Change your diet. Poor nutrition can cause hair loss. (See Reference 1) For example, crash or fad diets often lead to hair loss. (See Reference 1) Hair loss caused by poor nutrition is, however, temporary. (See Reference 1) You can reverse the trend by changing your diet. A healthy diet for hair includes adequate protein and iron. (See Reference 1)

• 3

  Take care of your hair. Many teenagers experiment with their hair by getting it colored, bleached, straightened, or permed. These styling changes can, however, damage your hair and cause temporary hair loss. (See Reference 2) Moreover, The Nemours Foundation notes that wearing hair pulled so tightly that it places tension on the scalp may actually cause permanent hair loss. (See Reference 2) Wash your hair regularly and avoid unnecessary styling changes to keep your hair healthy.

• 4

  Consider medications. In some cases, medication may be an option to fix hair loss. Minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride (Propecia), corticosteroids, and anthralin have all been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat hair loss, though finasteride has not been approved for women. (See Reference 1) You should consult a doctor before taking any of these medications, due to the possible side effects.

• 5

  Consider surgery. Hair transplant surgery involves taking plugs of skin that contain hair and implanting them onto parts of the scalp that do not contain hair. (See Reference 1) Hair transplant surgery can be painful and can lead to infections and scarring. (See Reference 1) Moreover, hair transplant surgery can be expensive. (See Reference 1) This is particularly true for a teenager, as you will likely need to go back for more sessions as you get older.