Hair loss in children is more common than many parents expect — and it can be alarming to see bald patches or thinning spots on your child’s scalp. While some shedding is completely normal, certain types of hair loss may point to an underlying health issue that needs attention. This article explains the most common causes of hair loss in children, what treatments are available, and when it’s time to visit your family doctor or a walk-in clinic.
Is Hair Loss in Children Normal?
All children lose some hair every day. Finding a few strands on a hairbrush or pillow is not a cause for concern. However, noticeable bald patches, sudden thinning, or hair loss from the eyebrows or eyelashes can be a sign that something else is going on.
Hair loss in children is different from adult hair loss. In adults, thinning hair is often linked to aging or genetics. In children, the causes are more likely to be infections, immune responses, or physical and emotional stress. The good news is that most causes are treatable, and hair often grows back.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Children
Fungal Scalp Infections (Ringworm of the Scalp)
Fungal infections of the scalp are one of the most common causes of hair loss in children. This condition, known medically as tinea capitis, is contagious and can spread easily in schools and daycares. It causes red, ring-shaped patches and an itchy scalp.
Children often scratch the infected area, which damages hair follicles and leads to gradual hair loss. In some cases, children pull at their hair to relieve the itching. Hair loss from a fungal infection usually appears in one or two specific spots — the areas with the most irritation.
A doctor can diagnose a fungal infection and prescribe an antifungal cream or oral medication. Once the infection clears, hair typically grows back on its own. You can learn more about ringworm of the scalp from the Mayo Clinic.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. This causes patchy hair loss, most often on the scalp. In some children, it can also lead to loss of eyebrows and eyelashes. The bald patches are usually smooth and skin-coloured.
Many children with alopecia areata go through cycles — periods of hair loss followed by periods of regrowth. There are several subtypes of this condition, and the pattern of hair loss varies from child to child. In more severe cases, a child may lose all the hair on their scalp or even across their entire body.
There is currently no cure for alopecia areata. However, doctors can prescribe treatments to help manage symptoms and encourage hair regrowth. These may include corticosteroid injections, topical medications, or other immune-modifying therapies. A dermatologist can help find the right approach for your child. For more detail, visit Healthline’s overview of alopecia areata.
Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)
Some children pull or twist their own hair repeatedly. This behaviour can damage hair strands and cause noticeable hair loss. Doctors call this trichotillomania, and it is often linked to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Hair loss from trichotillomania often looks irregular. The bald patches may have short, broken hairs at the edges. If your child stops pulling their hair, it will usually grow back. However, if anxiety or OCD is driving the behaviour, it is important to treat the root cause. Therapy, emotional support, and sometimes medication can all help.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia happens when the scalp experiences repeated tension or pulling over time. Common causes include very tight braids, ponytails, cornrows, or hair extensions worn for long periods. This type of hair loss in children tends to appear along the hairline or wherever the tension is greatest — for example, near the temples.
Poorly applied or low-quality hair extensions can also cause traction alopecia. The scalp may feel itchy or irritated, and you may notice thinning or bald patches in the affected areas.
The best treatment is simply changing the hairstyle. Avoiding tight styles lets the scalp heal and allows hair to regrow. This process can take several months. If a scalp infection develops as a result, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Less Common but Important Causes
Scalp Injuries and Burns
A physical injury to the scalp — such as a burn, cut, or head trauma — can destroy hair follicles in the affected area. This leads to noticeable hair loss in that spot. As the wound heals, hair often regrows, though severe damage may cause permanent hair loss in some cases.
If your child has experienced a scalp injury, your family doctor or a walk-in clinic can assess the damage and advise on the best care. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of infection and supports better healing.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that follows a physical or emotional shock to the body. To understand it, it helps to know how hair grows. Healthy hair goes through a growth phase (called the anagen phase) that lasts two to six years. After that, it enters a resting phase (called the telogen phase) for two to four months before it falls out and new hair grows in.
Normally, 80 to 90 percent of hairs are actively growing at any one time. Telogen effluvium occurs when a triggering event pushes too many hairs into the resting phase at once. Common triggers include:
Physical injury or illness
High fever or serious infection
Emotional stress
Surgery under general anaesthesia
Certain medications
Nutritional imbalances, including excess vitamin A
Because it takes a few months for affected hairs to actually fall out, parents may notice shedding well after the original trigger. In most cases, hair grows back on its own once the cause is addressed. Many children recover without any specific treatment.
When to See a Doctor About Hair Loss in Children
Hair loss in children is always worth discussing with a healthcare provider. Your family doctor is a good first step. If your regular doctor is unavailable, a walk-in clinic can do an initial assessment and refer you to a specialist if needed.
You should seek medical advice if your child:
Has visible bald patches on the scalp
Complains of a sore, itchy, or painful scalp
Is losing hair from the eyebrows or eyelashes
Has started losing significantly more hair than usual
Began losing hair after a recent illness or new medication
Has scalp sores, burns, or signs of infection
It is also worth noting that children with ongoing hair loss may benefit from counselling or mental health support. Hair loss can affect a child’s self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, and a healthcare professional can connect your family with the right resources. Health Canada offers guidance on children’s health and finding care in your province.
Most provincial health plans in Canada cover visits to a family doctor for concerns like hair loss. If a referral to a dermatologist or specialist is needed, your doctor can arrange that through your provincial health system.
FAQ: Hair Loss in Children
What causes hair loss in children?
Hair loss in children is most commonly caused by fungal scalp infections, alopecia areata, trichotillomania (hair pulling), or traction from tight hairstyles. Less often, it can result from physical injury, emotional stress, or nutritional imbalances. A family doctor can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Will my child’s hair grow back after hair loss?
In most cases, yes — hair loss in children is temporary and hair does grow back once the underlying cause is treated. Conditions like fungal infections, traction alopecia, and telogen effluvium often resolve with proper care. However, alopecia areata may involve recurring cycles of hair loss and regrowth over time.
At what age can children develop alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata can develop at any age, including in young children. It is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles. If you notice smooth, round bald patches on your child’s scalp, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Can stress cause hair loss in children?
Yes, emotional stress is one of the known triggers for telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss. Stress can push more hairs into the resting phase, leading to increased shedding a few months later. Addressing the source of stress, with professional support if needed, usually allows hair to grow back.
Should I take my child to a doctor for hair loss?
Yes, it is always a good idea to speak with your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic if you notice unusual hair loss in children. A doctor can examine your child’s scalp, identify the cause, and recommend the right treatment. Early assessment helps prevent further hair loss and addresses any underlying health issues.
Can tight hairstyles cause permanent hair loss in children?
If caught early, traction alopecia from tight hairstyles usually resolves once the hairstyle is changed. However, repeated or prolonged tension on the scalp can damage hair follicles over time, potentially causing permanent hair loss in severe cases. Choosing looser, gentler hairstyles is the best way to protect your child’s scalp.
Key Takeaways
Hair loss in children is relatively common and often treatable.
The most frequent causes include fungal infections, alopecia areata, hair pulling (trichotillomania), and traction from tight hairstyles.
Telogen effluvium can follow illness, stress, or surgery and usually resolves on its own.
Hair often grows back once the underlying cause is treated.
Always consult your family doctor or a walk-in clinic if your child shows signs of unusual hair loss.
Children dealing with ongoing hair loss may also benefit from emotional support or counselling.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your child’s health needs.
