Hair Loss: How to Care for Your Child

Hair loss in kids can happen for different reasons, such as:

• a stressful event or illness 

• not getting what they need from their diet

• hair pulling

• pulling hair into tight ponytails or braids

• using a lot of chemicals or heat on the hair

• some medicines

• problems with hormones (chemical messengers) 

• a fungal infection of the scalp (ringworm)

• an autoimmune problem (where the body attacks the hair follicles from which the hair grows)

Follow your health care provider's advice for what to do. This may include:

• waiting to see if your child's hair grows back

• making changes to your child's diet

• watching to see if your child is pulling the hair out

• changing the way your child styles their hair

• stopping or changing any medicines

• going for blood tests

• going to see different medical specialists, such as a dermatologist (skin doctor), endocrinologist (hormone doctor), or dietitian (nutrition expert)

• when to follow up

Your child gets any new symptoms, such as a skin rash, fever, or tiredness.

How can parents help a child cope with hair loss? Be sure to follow your health care provider's advice so you can figure out why your child is losing hair. If you think your child is very stressed or upset about it, ask them if they want to talk to you, another trusted adult, or a counselor to help them manage their feelings. If your child wants to wear a hat or a wig, help them find one that they are comfortable with.