Alopecia in Kids and Teens
Losing your hair at any age, especially a young age can be difficult, so it’s helpful to understand how hair loss and alopecia affect children as they grow and mature to better support them.
Alopecia in Young Children: Up to Age 5
In their early years, children spend their time having fun, learning, growing, exploring, adventuring, and playing! As they enter preschool, they continue to expand their minds and understand the world around them. At this age, children may not take much notice of their physical appearance and the differences they may have with their condition in comparison to their young peers1.
As a result, children under the age of six with hair loss or alopecia don’t typically show signs of great distress or emotional impact from the disease, although they may be showing symptoms1. If they or their friends do take notice, it may not be seen as anything strange; in fact, it may be seen as “cool” or “interesting” at their age.
As a parent, loved one, or guardian, if your child begins asking questions or making comments about their appearance or hair loss, you may use this time to encourage them by being fun and letting them know that they are unique and special.
Alopecia in Children and Tweens: Ages 6 - 12
As children reach the age of six years old, they’ve continued to engage with people and are becoming more familiar with themselves and others. As they continue to interact, naturally, they begin to assess and compare their similarities and differences.
When children start transitioning through adolescence into their “tween” years, they are better equipped to understanding emotions, both their own and of others, and how they impact their lives and experiences. As they become more cognizant of these feelings, questions about how they are seen and perceived by the world are common1.
This can be increasingly difficult to navigate as they start to understand their alopecia and how it may make them feel different. Acceptance (or lack thereof) of the disease may also cause challenges as they mature, sometimes evolving into lower self-confidence or self-esteem1. These changes may begin to put stress and frustration on their experiences at school and with their friends as they search for who they are and try to fit in.
Bullying is also a major concern with school-aged children and may have damaging, lasting effects on your child’s confidence. Parents, loved ones, and guardians can support children by acknowledging their feelings and assist your child in educating your child’s classmates, teachers, school, and community about alopecia1. Seeking a support group may also assist in helping your child feel connected, supported, and accepted. Encouraging your child to stay active and involved in their school and lifestyle may lead to success in school and lead to your child feeling secure, confident, and happy.
If your child appears stressed or depressed, find a therapist for your child or ask a pediatrician to recommend a counselor who has specific experience working with children.
For more information on preventing, responding to, or getting help for your child if they are experiencing bullying or cyber bullying, visit StopBullying.gov.
Alopecia in Teens and Young Adults: Ages 13 - 18
Adolescence can be a very confusing and tumultuous time for teens, full of self-discoveries, changes, and transformations. As they enter high school and their awareness heightens, accepting themselves and alopecia can be increasingly overwhelming.
Bullying may continue and escalate through high school, which can take a toll on them. By this time, teens may feel pressure to conceal their hair loss and feel stressed and anxious about it being seen and the disease worsening2. Losing your hair at any age, especially a young age, is difficult to process, understand, and explain to others. Their experience with alopecia may also cause lower self-esteem, cause increased anxiety, stress, or depression, have a negative impact on their confidence, and influence their interactions and relationships with friends and significant others2.
For more information on preventing, responding to, or getting help for your child if they are experiencing bullying or cyber bullying, visit StopBullying.gov.
As a parent, loved one, or guardian, support your teen by empowering them, encouraging them, and reminding them that their hair is not their identity, and their worth is not equivalent to their hairstyle. Reminding them that hair loss does not change who they are inside, and nothing is wrong with them, regardless of what others may say, can support them through their journey with alopecia2. You may also let them know that they can lean on you for support, understanding, and are available to listen if and when they are ready to open up.
If your teen appears stressed or depressed, find a therapist for your child or ask a pediatrician to recommend a counselor who has specific experience working with children.
If you're a parent, family member, or guardian of a child suffering from alopecia looking to support them, explore our resources for kids and teens.