Hair loss in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond is highly common. Many adults expect some thinning and shedding to occur with age, although individual cases largely depend on genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. However, some people experience hair loss much earlier on in life – even during those critical teenage years when self-perception and scrutiny are at all-time highs. More than the emotional impact, hair loss at an early age might be a warning sign of something more serious, such as an undiagnosed illness.

Consider the following reasons teenagers experience hair loss:

Hormones have a major impact on hair health and the natural growth cycle. Usually, we talk about hormones and hair loss when referencing androgenic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia is linked to low testosterone and high DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels, which often causes hair follicles to shrink. But teenagers undergo some massive hormonal shifts, including those with DHT, as they develop into adulthood.

YouTube is a great resource for hair styling tips, but youngsters can take these guides to an extreme. Using high heat styling tools or wearing overly tight hair styles on a regular basis can lead to a hair loss condition called traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is caused by external force, so usually behavior modification can treat this type of hair loss on its own.

Hair needs nourishment like any other part of your body. Unfortunately, a diet filled with sugary treats, heavy starches, and greasy snacks does not give hair follicles the necessary nutrients to thrive. Parents or guardians should keep a close eye on their teenagers’ diets. Whether they are filling up on empty calories all day or restricting their food intake because of an eating disorder, premature hair loss can be a strong indication that it's time for a dietary intervention.

For more information on hair loss in teenagers and adults, including treatment with low-level laser therapy caps from Capillus, contact us at 844-280-4680. No matter your age, we’re here to help you regain your sense of confidence, whether it be through a consultation with a Capillus physician or our clinically proven treatment methods.