
Hair Loss Treatments
for Children
If your child is suffering from hair loss, the effects can be devastating for both the child and the parents. Many children with hair falling out may also experience psychological and emotional effects which can result to them losing their self-confidence.
Knowing what your child is suffering is the key to determining an effective method of treating the ailment. This page offers valuable information on some of the main issues surrounding children’s hair loss.
Causes of Childhood Hair Loss
Here our hair loss experts discuss the most common causes for hair loss in children to help you support your child.
Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis is a form of ringworm and one of the most common hair loss conditions for children. This fungal infection is contagious and can easily spread in school classroom and playgrounds. If your child’s scalp is dry and flaky with ring-like lesions, this may be a symptom of Tinea capitis. It is easily treatable with antifungal medications and specialist shampoo.
Alopecia Areata
If you child’s hair has started to fall out in round patches, this may be a sign of alopecia areata. Alopecia in children is quite rare, but does affect 1 in 1,000 children. The hair loss in children occurs within a matter of a few days, and the bald patterns are smooth and not inflamed.
If you suspect your child is experiencing alopecia symptoms, please visit our hair loss specialists at Simone Thomas hair loss clinic in Bournemouth. Our qualified trichologists will examine their scalp to help diagnose their condition and recommend a suitable hair loss treatment.
Alopecia Totalis & Alopecia Universalis
These are similar conditions to alopecia areata, except that the child loses all scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or all scalp hair and all body hair (alopecia universalis).
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia can cause hair loss in children who wear tight braids or ponytails and in newborns and infants who lose hair on the back of their head from rubbing it against their crib.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is another classic cause of hair loss in children. Children with telogen effluvium have often had a recent illness, typically with a high fever, surgery, sudden weight loss, or have experienced serious emotional stress, and then suddenly lose a lot of hair about six weeks to three months later. This hair condition is an interruption to the normal hair cycle. During telogen effluvium, more hairs than usual are shed, sometimes up to 70%.
Trichotillomania
Are baldness patches on your child’s head the same side as their dominant hand? This may be sign of trichotillomania or compulsive hair pulling, which is often linked to stress or anxiety. If you suspect this may be the cause, please consult our trichologist for a proper diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.
Other causes of hair loss in children
Other causes of hair loss in children and teens include bacterial infections and cancer hair loss
To diagnose the cause of alopecia, the trichologist will examine his or her scalp for visible symptoms. Tinea capitis is usually diagnosed by microscopic examination. Alopecia areata is diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history. Trichotillomania is often diagnosed by ruling out other conditions, a physical examination, and a conversation about recent stressors. A trichogram and hair-pull test may be used for telogen effluvium, and your trichologist or pediatric doctor will follow up to ensure hair growth returns after the stressful event. Nutritional deficiencies and hypothyroidism, if suspected, can be diagnosed through blood tests.

Book a Hair Loss Consultation Vivandi Trichology Center with our Trichologist.
Our highly qualified and experienced team can help with the diagnosis and treatment of your child’s hair loss. Call Vivandi Trichology Center on the number at the bottom of the page, or alternatively