How to Prevent and Manage Hair Loss in Children

17 Causes of Hair Loss in Children

• Improper Diet

• Illness

• Medications

• Harsh or too strong chemicals

• Dry scalp and hair

• Emotional and Physical Stress

• Tight ponytails and braids

• Chlorine from pools

• Excessive dryness of oily dandruff

• Using unclean combs and brushes

• Eczema or ringworms

• Wool and straw hats

• Leaving extensions in the hair too long

• Not combing the hair thoroughly from ends to roots

• Leaving the hair uncombed for too many days

• Not clarifying or shampooing the hair often enough

• Using too many or excessively harsh products, waxy grease and heavy gels

Many popular hair styles in the African American culture includes braids, dreadlocks, extensions, weaves, tight ponytails and more. Be careful when choosing a hairstylist with experience in tension free styling. Some styles may look fabulous but they are also responsible for dreaded hair loss.

How hair styles can cause hair loss

One in three black children suffer from a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is gradual hair loss from damage to the hair follicle caused by tension at the hair root. According to researchers from John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, it's the most common types of hair loss among black women. The study hopes to reach black women in an effort to help reverse the effects of traction alopecia and educate them on the danger of hair styles that will pull the hair roots. Researchers emphasize that early intervention can stop and reverse this type of hair loss.

How can hair loss be prevented?

This type of hair loss can be prevented, however, by alternating hairstyles every 2-3 weeks for natural hair styles, 4-7 weeks with extensions. If your child has fine to very thin hair please choose a style with less tension and extension that won't weigh down the hair. While hair is in a protective style please keep in mind that moisturizing the hair often will prevent breakage.

If you take your child to a friend or salon please suggest hairstyles that don''t pull on the edges, less mickey mouse afro puffs, and keep away from adult styles that are not meant for children.