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Introduction
 air loss is typically a Mum or Dad
thing! In a few cases though, teens can also lose their hair as
well. In younger people it could be a sign something else going on.
It may mean mean they are sick or it could be they are not eating
right. Drugs, tablets, pills or medical treatments, like
chemotherapy treatment for cancer, also cause people to lose their
hair. You can even lose hair if you have a hairstyle that pulls on
hair for a long time. Wearing of tight braids or corn-rows and a
tight topknot under a turban also causes Traction Alopecia
Losing hair can be stressful.
Especially when growing-up and at a time when appearance really
matters. However, hair loss that happens during the teen years does
not often last very long. There is usually an underlying problem
that can be corrected and hair usually grows back.
Most people naturally lose around
50 to 100 head hairs a day, which are replaced through normal
growth. See hair biology. If
you're losing more than this, something may be wrong. If you have
unusual hair loss and don't know what's causing it, see your doctor
now. They can find out what the problem is and suggest a
treatment if necessary.
Take Care of Your Hair
Eating a balanced, healthy
diet is important for other reasons, and it really benefits your
hair. Also treat hair itself well. Some doctors recommend using a
mild or organic shampoo and lathering gently no more than once a
day. Don't rub your hair too vigorously with a towel, either. Many
experts suggest you consider putting away the blow-dryer or using it
on a low heat setting - or air drying your hair instead.
Try styling your hair
when it is damp or dry. Messing with your hair whilst it's wet can
make it break or stretch. Finally, be careful when using chemicals
— such as straighteners or colour
What Causes Hair Loss in Teens?
Believe it or not, the same things
that cause hair loss in adults! Amongst other things, these can be:
- Alopecia Areata.
This skin problem causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes
elsewhere on the body. It affects about 1 to 2 percent of
people. Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune
disease, in which the hair follicles are attacked by a person's
own immune system. Alopecia areata usually starts as one or more
small, round bald patches on the scalp and can in a small number
of people progress to total hair loss. It often begins in
childhood. The hair usually grows back in 6 months to 2
years, but not always.
- Disruption of the hair
growth cycle. Some major life events can temporarily
alter the hair's growth cycle . For example, having a baby,
having surgery, or getting anesthesia
can temporarily stop hair growth cycle. The hair we see on our
heads now is usually quite a few years old, so a person may not
notice any severe changes of the growth cycle until months after
the event that caused it. This type of hair loss normally
corrects itself.
- Hair treatments and
styling. Chemical hair treatments, such as hair
colouring, bleaching, straightening, or perming, can cause the
hair break off or fall out temporarily.
- Illnesses and/or medical
conditions. Hormonal conditions, like diabetes or
thyroid disease, interfere with hair production and can cause
hair loss. People with kidney and liver diseases and lupus
can also lose hair. The hormone imbalance that occurs in polycystic
ovary syndrome can cause hair loss in teen girls.
- Male-pattern baldness. (Androgenetic
Alopecia) The most common cause of hair loss
among male adults. It's caused by a combination of factors,
including hormones called androgens
and genetics. In some males, the hair loss can start in the
mid-teen years. It can also occur in people who take steroids
like testosterone to build their bodies
- Medications.
Some prescribed drugs have hair loss as a side effect. Acne
medicines like isotretinoin,
and lithium, which is used to treat bipolar
disorder. Diet pills that contain amphetamines can also
cause hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs for cancer are probably the
most well-known medications that cause hair loss, but some
cancers including leukemia and lymphoma can cause hair loss
themselves.
- Poor nutrition.
Can cause hair loss. Some people with eating disorders like
anorexia and bulimia lose their hair. The body needs enough
protein, vitamins, and minerals to sustain hair growth.
Vegetarian teens can also lose their hair if they don't get
enough protein from non-meat sources.
- Trichotillomania.
Is a psychological disorder in which people repeatedly pull
their hair out, often leaving bald patches. People with
trichotillomania usually need professional help from a doctor
and therapist or other mental health professional.
- Traction alopecia.
If a person wears his or her hair pulled so tightly that it
places tension on the scalp, it can result in hairloss. Traction
alopecia can be permanent if the style is worn for a long enough
time that it damages the hair follicles. For example corn rows
very tightly braided, usually in Afro Style, can cause hair
loss. Loss usually occurs at the front hairline and at the back
where an anchor knot is tied. Traction Alopecia can also be
caused by hair weaves incorrectly applied. The weaves pull
out the hairs they are anchored to - through normal day to day
activities and during sleep - the weave can put a strain on
the hairs it is woven to.
Remember, when considering treatment,
you need to understand how far your hair loss has progressed and to guard
yourself against misdiagnoses of your condition. There will be times
when you will have to relay information via telephone or the
internet to practitioners. It important to get this right. A method used
by many practices is the Hamilton-Norwood
scale
The key to hair loss is to find out
what the underlying reason is, and to then evaluate your options in
dealing with it. Go to your doctor or specialist to diagnose your
condition.
Further Reading
1. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldness
2. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydrotestosterone
3. IN
SUPPORT OF BALDNESS http://baldrus.com
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