Hair Loss in Teenagers: What Causes It and How to Stop It | AMPPA Clinic Chennai
Hair fall is most common among adults in their forties and above, but dermatologists in India, particularly Chennai, have seen an alarming rise in teenagers experiencing hair fall and thinning. At the Dakshin Health Summit organized by South First in 2025, senior dermatologists talked about premature hair fall among teenagers, sometimes even indicating some hormonal or metabolic problems that need attention. If you see hair fall in your teenager, then do not ignore it, as there is something serious going on. In this article, we will talk about the possible reasons, signs, and management options for your teenager’s hair fall. Is Some Hair Shedding Normal During the Teen Years? Absolutely yes; it is necessary to state that first. On average, a human sheds around 50 to 100 hairs a day, which is normal. It might be considered a normal situation if some people notice an increased shedding amount after puberty. What is not a normal situation and should be checked is diffuse shedding, visible areas of shedding, a significant increase in the number of shed hairs per day over a period of several weeks, and shedding along with other symptoms like fatigue and scalp changes or changes in menstrual pattern. Common Causes of Hair fall in Teenagers Hair fall in teens isn’t a single type of problem; rather, it is a symptom that could happen due to many causes. Diagnosis will help establish what kind of problem it is before any treatment is advised. 1. Telogen Effluvium – Stress or Shock-Related Shedding It is considered one of the most common reasons for hair fall in teens. Telogen effluvium happens due to the sudden shock to the body caused by an event or condition. The shock makes all the hair enter the telogen stage at once. Common causes in teenagers are: The good thing about telogen effluvium is that once the cause is found, hair regrows by itself in a few months. If not, then hair fall might continue. 2. Nutritional Deficiencies Among Indian adolescents, nutrition-related problems are especially important. Alterations in eating habits, fasting diets, junk foods, and at times excessive physical exercise without proper nutrition may cause deficiencies that negatively affect hair condition. Nutritional deficiencies that have been found to cause hair fall in teenagers are: It should be mentioned that there is a difference between suspecting that the problem has something to do with nutrition and having proof of it. In order to prove it, it is necessary to conduct a blood test for deficiencies. 3. Hormonal Imbalances Puberty brings about hormonal changes for all teenagers. Normally, these are normal and temporary changes. However, in some cases, hormonal abnormalities occur, leading to hair fall: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal abnormalities in adolescent females and is usually characterized by diffuse hair thinning. Some other symptoms include irregular menstruation, acne, and weight fluctuation. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to diffuse hair fall. Thyroid function is normally one of the first assessments done in case of hair fall in an adolescent. Androgenic hormones such as DHT (dihydrotestosterone) cause pattern hair fall among teenagers who have a genetic susceptibility to these hormones. 4. Androgenetic Alopecia (Genetic Pattern Hair fall) Whereas it is commonly believed that androgenetic alopecia is strictly an adult disease, it can actually start in teenagers. Among young men, this could manifest in receding of the hairline or thinning at the crown area. For women, it usually manifests as widening of the part line or decreased hair density. The more relatives there are in the family that had their hair thin out prematurely, the higher the chances that this will be the cause of hair fall. 5. Alopecia Areata Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to bald spots that are usually round or oval-shaped. The disease affects teenagers and children and sometimes accompanies other autoimmune diseases. Alopecia areata can have an erratic pattern; some people have experienced hair regrowth on their own, while others need therapy to stimulate the regrowth process. One should never assume that patchy hair fall in a teenager is simply caused by stress. 6. Scalp Conditions The condition of the scalp will affect that of the hair. The skin conditions that include seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, or fungal infection (tinea capitis) may result in inflammation and flaking and, if left untreated, may lead to localized scarring in some instances. 7. Hairstyling Practices and Traction Ponytails, braids, or other styles of tight hairstyles worn regularly could lead to a condition known as traction alopecia, whereby the hair follicles suffer damage gradually. The hair fall caused by this condition is mostly at the hairline, but it can be prevented by changing hairstyles and lowering the mechanical pressure applied to the hair. Furthermore, chemicals, extreme use of heat on hair, and damaging hair products can lead to hair shaft weakening. Warning Signs That Warrant Professional Evaluation However, in some cases, when hair fall in teenagers can be self-corrected, certain conditions make it necessary to visit a doctor immediately: In Chennai, and especially in Mogappair and Mogappair West regions, where teenage students have to deal with academic stress along with shifting lifestyles and diets, such cases have become increasingly common. What Does Professional Evaluation Involve? The components of a clinical assessment for hair fall during teenage years include: The idea is to ascertain the precise cause, as this condition has many causes and requires an individual approach. No treatment can be applied universally for teenage hair fall. General Management Principles The management of hair fall in teenagers will be wholly dependent upon the cause. Some key points that need consideration are as follows: Diet: Ensuring that any deficiencies are corrected through proper diet. Management of stress: In the case of telogen effluvium due to stress, it is necessary to reduce stress, improve sleeping habits, and ensure mental well-being. Haircare: Gently washing the scalp, being gentle with hairstyles, and ensuring that there are no