Teen Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options
Smiling teenage girl with healthy hair.
Hair loss is usually associated with middle age, however, it can start much earlier on. At The Hair Clinic we sometimes see teenagers who are distressed by thinning hair, patchy shedding or a receding hairline. During adolescence, hormones surge, diets fluctuate and stress levels soar, creating the perfect storm for hair problems. Because hair is so strongly tied to self‑image, teenage hair loss can have a profound impact on confidence and social life. This article explains why hair loss happens in teens, how to distinguish normal shedding from a problem and what you can do to promote healthy regrowth.
Why do Teenagers Lose Hair?
Hormonal Changes & Genetics
Puberty triggers a cascade of hormones, including androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In people genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss), hair follicles may be sensitive to DHT from a young age. Early‑onset pattern hair loss presents as thinning along the part in girls and receding temples or crown thinning in boys. The Teen Hair Loss resource from The Hair Clinic notes that male and female pattern hair loss in teenagers can affect self‑esteem during formative years and requires tailored treatments.
Stress & Lifestyle Factors
Exams, peer pressure, part‑time jobs and social media all contribute to high stress levels. Stress can push hair follicles into the resting phase, causing diffuse shedding months later (telogen effluvium). Poor nutrition, crash dieting, eating disorders or vegan diets lacking iron, zinc and vitamin B12 may also trigger hair shedding. Teen athletes who train intensively or use anabolic supplements can experience hormonal imbalances that affect hair.
Medical Conditions & Medications
Underlying health issues can present with hair loss. Thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), iron‑deficiency anaemia, coeliac disease and autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata are all potential culprits. Some acne medications (for example, isotretinoin) and birth‑control pills may also contribute. If a teenager experiences rapid hair loss, bald patches, scalp redness or scaling, they should see a doctor to rule out infection or systemic disease.
Hair Care Habits & Trichotillomania
Tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails and buns put traction on the hair, damaging follicles and leading to traction alopecia. Chemical relaxers and frequent heat styling can also weaken hair shafts. Some teens develop trichotillomania, a compulsive urge to pull out hair due to anxiety or obsessive‑compulsive disorder. In these cases it’s important to address the underlying psychological triggers.
The Psychological Impact Of Teen Hair Loss
Losing hair at 14 or 17 isn’t just about appearance; it’s about identity. Many teens describe feeling embarrassed, avoiding sports or swimming, or dreading teasing at school. The Hair Clinic emphasises that hair loss in teens can impact self‑esteem and quality of life, and that restoring hair is about restoring confidence. Parents may dismiss hair loss as vanity, but seeking help early can prevent further thinning and protect mental health.
Professional treatments at The Hair Clinic
Evidence‑Based, Non‑Surgical Options
Dr Mark Morunga and our team specialise in personalised treatments tailored to young individuals experiencing early‑onset pattern hair loss. We employ advanced techniques that are safe for teens, non‑surgical and designed to address underlying causes such as hormonal changes and genetics. Our solutions include:
Platelet‑Rich Plasma (PRP): A small sample of the teen’s blood is spun to concentrate the platelets. Injecting this PRP into the scalp increases blood flow and stimulates dormant follicles. Because it uses the patient’s own cells, PRP is a natural, low‑risk therapy.
Platelet‑Rich Fibrin (PRF): This next‑generation treatment produces a fibrin matrix rich in platelets, white blood cells and mesenchymal stem cells, which releases growth factors over 7–10 days. PRF may require fewer sessions than PRP and is ideal for early‑stage hair thinning, androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.
Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC): For teens who need a powerful boost, GFC provides a purified dose of growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, EGF, IGF) without any blood cells. It stimulates new hair growth, improves hair strength and can be combined with other therapies.
Exosome therapy: Exosomes are tiny vesicles derived from regenerative cells that deliver signalling molecules to hair follicles. They can enhance the effects of PRP, PRF or GFC, particularly in stubborn cases of hair thinning.
These therapies are minimally invasive, with little downtime. Most teens can return to school or sports immediately after treatment. Our clinic’s teen hair‑restoration programme emphasises careful assessment, age‑appropriate dosing and parental involvement, ensuring safety and comfort.
Complementary Approaches
Medical treatments work best when combined with healthy habits. We advise teens to:
Eat a balanced diet rich in lean protein, iron, zinc and vitamins A, C, D and E.
Manage stress through mindfulness, breathing exercises, yoga or talking to a counsellor.
Get enough sleep; during sleep the body repairs tissues and regulates hormone production.
Be gentle with hair: avoid tight hairstyles, limit heat styling and choose gentle, sulfate‑free shampoos.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, which can constrict blood vessels and impair nutrient delivery to the scalp.
We also discourage teens from taking hormone‑affecting supplements or medications without medical guidance.
When to Seek Help for Teenage Hair Loss
It’s normal to lose 50–100 hairs per day, but if you notice clumps in the shower, widening parts or thinning eyebrows, it may be time for a professional opinion. Sudden shedding, bald patches, itching or scaling warrant urgent attention from a doctor. Early diagnosis is key: treatments like PRP, PRF or GFC are most effective when hair follicles are still viable.
The Hair Clinic offers a confidential Online Hair Growth Consultation where you can discuss your concerns with an experienced clinician. During the appointment, we’ll review medical history, lifestyle factors and family hair‑loss patterns. We may recommend blood tests or refer you to a dermatologist if an underlying disorder is suspected. Based on the assessment, we’ll design a treatment plan that may include one of our regenerative therapies, topical medications or lifestyle changes.
Get In Touch With The Hair Clinic for Early Interventions
Teenage hair loss is more common than many people realise, but it’s not something you or your child have to face alone. By understanding the causes of hair loss, you can take proactive steps to support scalp health. The Hair Clinic is Auckland’s premier provider of cutting‑edge, non‑invasive treatments for young people experiencing early hair loss, offering solutions that restore confidence and improve quality of life. To learn more ahairbout our teen hair loss treatment options, explore our PRP treatments or GFC treatments, and schedule a consultation today.
Get In Touch or call 09 523 5999 to speak with our team directly.
