Hair Fall in Children

Infants

Causes of Hair Fall in Infants

1. Physiological Shedding (Telogen Effluvium):

   • Most common cause.

   • Newborns often shed hair in the first 6 months of life.

   • This happens because the hair that grew in the womb enters a resting phase and falls out after birth.

2. Friction:

   • Hair rubs off where the baby's head rests frequently — like the back of the head due to lying on the back.

   • This can cause a bald patch (common and temporary).

3. Hormonal Changes:

   • After birth, the baby experiences a drop in maternal hormones, which can lead to hair shedding.

4. Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis):

   • Scaly, oily patches on the scalp can sometimes lead to mild hair loss.

   • Usually resolves on its own or with gentle treatment.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies (Rare in infants under 6 months):

   • If the baby is not getting enough nutrients (especially biotin, iron, zinc), hair may thin.

   • More common in older infants or those with feeding issues.

1. Medical Conditions (Rare):

   • Alopecia areata, fungal infections (like tinea capitis), or thyroid issues can cause patchy hair loss.

   • These are rare and usually need pediatric evaluation.

   
   

What We Can Do

• Use mild baby shampoo (2–3 times per week)

• Don’t over-comb or brush hair too harshly

• Avoid tight caps or headbands

• Tummy time helps reduce friction on the back of the head

• Ensure baby is getting enough nutrition (breast milk or formula)

Hair Fall in Teens

Hair fall in teenage girls is quite common and usually due to a combination of 

1. Hormonal changes,

2. Nutritional deficiencies,

3. Stress and Telogen Effluvium

4. lifestyle factors like - Hair Styling and Treatments

5. Medical Conditions

Lifestyle to Avoid

Hair Growth Cycle

Three main phases:

Anagen (growth) - catagen (transitional) and telogen (resting). 

At any given time, a certain percentage of hair is in the telogen phase, and it is normal to shed these hairs. 

An average person loses about 50-100 hairs per day. 

Excessive hair fall occurs when this cycle is disrupted, leading to more hairs entering the telogen phase and falling out.

🔁 After telogen, a new anagen phase begins → new hair pushes out the old one → natural shedding (~50–100 hairs/day).

Treatment and Management:

Treatment for hair loss depends entirely on the underlying cause.

• Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions: If hair loss is due to a thyroid disorder, nutritional deficiency, or other medical condition, treating that condition is the primary step and often resolves the hair loss.

• Dietary Changes and Supplements:

  • Emphasize a balanced diet rich in protein (eggs, lean meats, fish, legumes, nuts), iron (red meat, chicken, fish, lentils, spinach), zinc, and vitamins (A, C, D, E, B vitamins like biotin).

  • Supplements (e.g., biotin, iron, zinc, multivitamins) can be considered, but only under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.

• Gentle Hair Care:

  • Avoid tight hairstyles.24

  • Limit heat styling and chemical treatments.25

  • Use mild, pH-balanced shampoos and conditioners.

  • Be gentle when brushing, especially when hair is wet.

• Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, yoga, regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep can help reduce stress-related hair loss.26

• Medications

  • Can be taken with consultation with your doctor

• Other Treatments:

  • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy: Involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient's blood into the scalp to stimulate growth.

  • Hair Transplants: Generally considered for more severe cases of pattern baldness and usually not recommended for very young teenagers unless the condition is stable.

• Cosmetic Solutions: Wigs, hair wraps, hats, or specific hairstyles (e.g., layered cuts, bangs) can help manage the appearance of hair loss and boost self-esteem.28

• Psychological Support: Hair loss can significantly impact a teenager's confidence and self-esteem.

 Recommended Investigations

You may want to check the following with a pediatrician:

1. CBC – Rule out anemia

2. Serum Ferritin – Iron stores

3. TSH, Free T4 – Thyroid function

4. Vitamin D, Zinc – Commonly deficient

5. Protein intake – Dietary review