Hair loss is no longer a dilemma that affects only those in their mid-forties upwards (the so called “advanced years”) but also those younger than forty, even those younger in their twenties! Yes, hair loss has also become a problem for the teenagers of today.

The first step in remedying hair loss in teens has to be discovering the root of the problem – no pun intended. The most common type of hair loss that occurs in teens is Alopecia areata. Teens who suffer from the sudden onset of this type of hair loss may notice one or two bald spots the size of a small coin suddenly appear and gradually increase in size and diameter. This problem is usually genetic and though quite rare, may occur in teens as young as fifteen years of age. Should the teen lose less than half his or her hair, then chances are this hair loss isn’t permanent and in fact reversible as the hair will soon return back to its normal growth. However there are also many cases that are bad enough to need hair loss treatment with medications designed to combat hair loss.

Another reason for hair loss in teens is Tinea Capitis. Otherwise known as scalp ringworm, this type of hair loss is caused by a fungus which causes hair loss in patches, the hair shafts to be flaky and broken and the scalp is most likely affected as well. Tinea Capitis is a quite contagious type of hair loss and should be treated as soon as possible (preferably upon discovery) with anti-fungal shampoos.

Another type of hair loss that occurs in a relatively small number of teenagers is Traction Alopecia. This is due to extreme hair care treatment like too much hair drying, curling, heat treatments, bleaching, outlandishly tight hair styles, teasing, mousse, and pulling of hair into pony tails. Stopping these activities in the soonest possible time will end this for of hair loss.