Hair loss, especially in teenagers, is a very annoying and even embarrassing problem. Hair will fall out if something stops its growth, and if it is brittle or broken. Hair that stops growing will not grow back until you find and treat the problem causing the hair loss. Problems that cause hair loss at a young age include stress, poor hair care, or health conditions.
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Method 1 of 4: Finding Out the Cause
Step 1. Consult hair care and styling to a professional hair stylist
Certain chemical processes may cause hair to break or fall out temporarily. These chemical processes include coloring, straightening, or curling hair. The heat of the hair straightener can also cause hair loss.
Hairstyles that pull the hair very tightly can cause traction alopecia, which is damage to the hair follicles. If you have scalp pain, don't pull your hair and tie it tightly into a ponytail or other style that also pulls your hair
Step 2. Consider family history
Ask your parents if there is a history of hair loss in your family. The most common cause of hair loss or baldness in adults, both men and women, is genetics. However, a combination of genetics and hormones may cause hair loss to appear in mid-teens.
Recent studies have shown that hair loss due to genetic factors can be passed on by both parents to both girls and boys
Step 3. Watch for excessive hair loss
Normally, hair will fall out 50-100 strands every day. However, stress, and traumatic events (such as accidents, surgery, or illness) can cause excessive hair loss. Under normal conditions, this excessive loss will recover within 6-9 months. However, prolonged stress can cause this problem to develop into permanent hair loss.
Step 4. Be careful when pulling hair
Teenagers often play with their hair (twist or pull) without realizing it. In some cases, this behavior may be a symptom of "trichotillomania" which causes people to pull their own hair when they are anxious or confused. Although this behavior is usually not realized, sufferers will experience baldness in several parts of the head.
This disorder is often caused by stress. See a therapist or hair and scalp specialist ("trichologist") for proper diagnosis and treatment
Step 5. Visit a family doctor or dermatologist for medical conditions
Many diseases and medical conditions cause hair loss. Hormonal conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome can interfere with hair growth. People with lupus also experience hair loss.
- Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia cause the body to not get essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals needed for hair growth. Some vegetarian teens also experience hair loss if they don't get enough plant-based protein.
- Athletes are at higher risk of hair loss because they are more likely to develop iron deficiency anemia. Anemia can eventually lead to hair loss.
- One of the causes of baldness that is often accompanied by the appearance of crusts and broken hair is ringworm of the scalp or tinea capitis. Although not not too common in teenagers, this condition can arise. This condition is caused by a yeast infection and can be treated with oral medications and special shampoos.
Step 6. Check for small circular bald patches
One or two bald areas on the scalp indicate the skin condition "alopecia areata" which causes hair loss. This condition is an autoimmune disorder that triggers the body's immune system to damage hair follicles. Fortunately, this condition is treatable and usually, the hair will grow back within 1 year. However, some sufferers continue to experience repeated hair loss, or even permanent hair loss.
- Although rare, if undetected, alopecia areata can sometimes lead to complete baldness on the head and even the entire body. Visit a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. The examination required may be a simple observation of the hair under a microscope or a skin biopsy.
- This condition is not contagious.
Step 7. Consult about the use of drugs with a doctor
Cancer chemotherapy is a medical treatment specifically known to trigger hair loss. On the other hand, many prescription medications, including some acne medications, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, also list hair loss on their side effects list. Diet medications containing amphetamines can also cause hair loss. Show your doctor a complete list of medicines you are currently taking (both prescription and over-the-counter) to determine if they are causing hair loss.
Method 2 of 4: Adjusting Hair Care
Step 1. Use hair care products that suit your hair type
Choosing one of the many products on the hair care department store shelf may leave you confused. However, taking the time to read package labels, and choosing a shampoo and conditioner that fits your specific needs will go a long way. For example, if you have colored hair, use a product labeled "for color-treated hair." If your hair is damaged or undergoing frequent chemical treatments, look for a “2-in-1” shampoo. Some professional stylists recommend using baby shampoos that are gentler on the hair. Regardless of the price, the benefits of different brands of shampoo and conditioner are basically the same. So, don't feel like you have to spend a lot of money to buy products that suit your hair type.
- Be wary of products that claim to prevent hair loss or promote hair growth because there is no scientific evidence to support them.
- Ask your hair stylist or dermatologist for advice in determining the most suitable hair care product for you.
Step 2. Wash your hair regularly
Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner once a day or every other day, especially if you have oily hair. You might think that washing your hair every day will promote hair loss, but that's not the case. Hair follicles cannot function properly if they are clogged with dirt or oil. Washing your hair regularly will improve follicle health and prevent hair loss that leads to baldness.
- The part that you should pay attention to when washing your hair with shampoo is the scalp, not the hair shaft. Washing your hair alone will make it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
- Use conditioner after every wash to restore moisture to your hair and improve its strength. Unlike shampoo, conditioner should not hit the scalp, concentrate the use of conditioner on the ends of the hair. Applying conditioner to the scalp can cause the follicles to become clogged and damaged.
- Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel after shampooing, as this can damage and break hair.
Step 3. Protect hair from heat
Heat from dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can cause hair to become damaged, brittle, and break. Avoid all processes that might cause heat damage: let your hair dry on its own and try a hairstyle that matches your hair's natural texture.
You may have to use heat when styling your hair for a special occasion. If you must heat your hair, use a heat protectant on your hair
Step 4. Avoid pulling hair
Traction alopecia is caused by continuous pulling on the hair shaft over a long period of time. Avoid braiding, ponytails, or styling your hair too tightly. Also try not to pull your hair out when combing, curling, or straightening it. Use a thin comb to gently smooth out the tangled hair. In addition, avoid also menyasak hair.
Step 5. Style your hair after it dries
Wet hair is more prone to stretching and breaking when pulled. If you want to braid or bun your hair, wait until it is completely dry.
Step 6. Reduce exposure to chemicals
Be careful if you often color your hair or use chemical products. Chemical processes such as straightening or curling hair can damage and weaken hair follicles, causing hair to break and fall out. Long-term exposure to chemicals in swimming pools has the same effect.
- Avoid chemical treatments on your hair whenever possible.
- Wear a swimming cap while in the pool to protect your hair. Use swimmer-only hair care products to restore the moisture lost from your scalp and hair if you swim regularly.
Method 3 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Live a healthy and balanced diet
The right diet will provide the vitamins and minerals needed to keep hair healthy. An unbalanced diet (sometimes in vegetarians or those with eating disorders) often leads to hair loss. To prevent this from happening, try to consume the following nutrients:
- Iron and zinc: These minerals found in low-fat red meat, soybeans, and lentils can help hair follicle growth.
- Protein: meat, fish, nuts, and yogurt can promote cell growth and hair restoration.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish like salmon can increase hair strength and shine. Other benefits include reducing depression and improving heart health.
- Biotin: This B vitamin is found in eggs and is essential for the growth of healthy cells, including hair cells.
Step 2. Supplement the diet with vitamin supplements
Some vitamins, such as vitamin D can help hair growth, but are difficult to obtain from food. Vitamin D supplements (about 1,000 IU daily) can help repair hair. Take B vitamin supplements such as biotin, vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium once a day to ensure adequate intake of these essential vitamins and minerals.
Although it can't prevent hair loss directly, this supplement will keep your hair and body healthy
Step 3. Overcome stressors in life
Hair loss may be related to prolonged stress or a very traumatic event such as an accident or surgery. In the case of telogen effluvium, 1/2 to 3/4 of the hair on your head may fall out, and a lot of it is left in bathroom drains, combs, or your hands. The impact of this condition is usually temporary and will heal within 6-9 months, although it can also become a chronic problem if the stress you are experiencing is not treated. Once stress is controlled, hair will usually grow back.
- Try stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or running. Take time to do what you love every day, and work to restore calm and peace to your life.
- If your stress is too much, talk to a therapist or counselor to help relieve and recover.
Method 4 of 4: Seeking Medical Treatment
Step 1. Take an over-the-counter anti-loss medication
Over-the-counter medications such as Rogaine are quite beneficial if used continuously, but only to stop hair loss, not to grow it back. However, the hair may grow back in some cases. You may notice shorter and thinner hair than you normally would, but this kind of growth will slow down if you stop taking the medication.
Do not use Rogaine if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
Step 2. Consult a dermatologist if your symptoms are quite severe
Very rapid hair loss at a young age should be treated by a professional medical practitioner immediately. Unusual hair loss, such as baldness in multiple places, or hair loss in only one area, may also signal a serious problem. Pain, itching, redness, scaly scalp, and other abnormal symptoms should be reported to the doctor, as well as hair loss accompanied by weight gain, muscle weakness, or easy pain and fatigue.
- The dermatologist will take your medical history and examine your hair and scalp to diagnose the cause of hair loss.
- The dermatologist may also perform other tests, such as blood tests to confirm the presence of certain diseases, examination of the hair shaft under a microscope, or a skin biopsy.
Step 3. Provide the dermatologist with accurate information
During the examination, the dermatologist will ask various questions. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Is the hair/hair that falls out only from the scalp, or also from other parts of the body?
- Does your hair fall in a certain pattern, such as a receding hairline or thinning of the crown of the head, or occurs all over the head?
- Do you color your hair?
- Do you dry your hair with a tool? If so, how often do you do it?
- What type of shampoo do you use to treat your hair? What other hair care products such as gels and sprays do you use?
- Have you been sick or had a high fever recently?
- Have you been under a lot of stress lately?
- Do you have habits like pulling your hair or scratching your scalp when you're anxious?
- Do you take any medications, including over-the-counter drugs?
Step 4. Ask for prescription medication to treat pattern baldness
A dermatologist can prescribe finasteride (Propecia). This drug is sold in tablet preparations and must be taken daily. The benefit of this drug is to stop hair loss, not grow it back.
Propecia is usually prescribed to men because of the risk of causing fetal defects in pregnant women
Step 5. Talk about changing medications with your doctor, if necessary
If your hair loss is caused by a side effect of medications used to treat other conditions, such as acne or ADHD, your doctor may be able to change your treatment options.
- Never suddenly stop using the drug because it can worsen your health condition.
- Proper treatment of diabetes or thyroid disease should reduce or prevent hair loss.
Step 6. Consider using corticosteroids to treat alopecia areata
If your dermatologist diagnoses you with an autoimmune condition, talk to him about using corticosteroids. This strong anti-inflammatory drug will suppress the body's immune system and overcome alopecia areata. Your dermatologist may give you corticosteroids in 3 ways:
- Local injection: steroid injection directly into the bald area. Side effects include pain and temporary dimpling of the skin which usually goes away on its own.
- Tablets: side effects of oral corticosteroids include high blood pressure, weight gain, and osteoporosis. As a result, corticosteroid tablets are rarely prescribed to treat alopecia, or given only for short-term treatment.
- Topical ointments: ointments or creams containing steroids can be applied directly to the bald area. The use of ointments is lighter for the patient than injections, and is often prescribed to children and adolescents. However, the effectiveness of steroid ointments and creams is not as strong as the injections. The dermatologist may also prescribe other topical medications to apply to the bald scalp.
