Quick answer: Most hair loss in children has a clear cause, and much of it is treatable. Start with your GP, because some causes, like scalp ringworm, need medicine that a trichologist can't prescribe. Once medical causes are ruled out or treated, a trichologist can help with the hands-on side: scalp care, gentler styling, tension from tight hairstyles, and keeping an eye on regrowth.
If you're a parent, you'll know the morning hairbrush negotiation. It's 8:15, you're late, someone is screaming "ow" before the brush has even touched their head, and you're bargaining with a small person over a single ponytail.
Then, mid-negotiation, you spot a bald patch. Cue a different kind of panic. Take a breath. Here's what you need to know.
Is it normal for children to lose hair?
Some hair loss in children is completely normal:
Babies often lose hair in their first few months, and many get a bald patch at the back of the head from lying and rubbing on it. It grows back.
Shedding after an illness is common. A high fever or a nasty bug can trigger a wave of shedding a couple of months later, which usually settles by itself.
Hair loss that isn't normal, and needs checking, includes bald patches, scaly or sore areas, broken hairs, and thinning that keeps getting worse.
The most common causes of hair loss in children
Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis)
Despite the name, it's a fungal infection, not a worm. (Kids find this either hilarious or horrifying. Sometimes both, in the same sentence.) It's common in children and usually looks like scaly, itchy patches with broken hairs.
It needs antifungal medicine from your GP: the NHS says scalp ringworm usually needs prescription antifungal tablets and shampoo. Shampoo alone won't clear it, as the British Association of Dermatologists explains. It can spread, so the rest of the family may need checking too.
Alopecia areata
This causes round, smooth bald patches, often found by surprise (frequently during the hairbrush negotiation). It's an autoimmune condition, which means the body's defences mistakenly target the hair follicles.
Hair often grows back, but it's unpredictable. Your GP can confirm it and talk you through options, and Alopecia UK has excellent support for children and families.
Tight hairstyles
Tight ponytails, braids, buns and beaded styles can pull hair out along the hairline and parting. This is traction alopecia, and it's very common in children because kids' hair is often styled tightly to survive a whole school day.
The fix is gentle: looser styles, softer hair ties, and regular days off. Caught early, hair usually recovers. (Yes, this may lengthen the morning negotiation. Sorry.)
Hair pulling
Some children pull or twist their hair, often without realising, sometimes when they're anxious, bored or concentrating. It's called trichotillomania when it becomes a habit, and it's more common than most parents think.
It isn't naughtiness and it's never something to punish. Speak to your GP, who can help you and your child with support.
Shedding after illness or stress
As above, a fever, an operation or a stressful time can lead to heavy shedding a couple of months later. It looks dramatic in the plughole but usually recovers by itself within months.
When to see your GP first
For children, the GP should always be the first stop if you see:
scaly, flaky or crusty patches, with or without broken hairs
red, swollen, sore or pus-filled areas on the scalp
bald patches of any kind
hair loss along with other symptoms, or your child seems unwell
hair pulling, so you can get the right support
NI Direct's hair loss page has more on when to get help.
How a trichologist can help children
Once your GP has ruled out infection or other medical causes, a trichologist can help with the practical, everyday side of things:
checking the scalp up close and tracking regrowth over time
advice on gentle washing, detangling and scalp care
spotting tension damage and planning kinder hairstyles
reassurance, for you as much as for them
for older children and teens, practical options to help with confidence while hair recovers
Every child is different, so call the clinic first to talk it through before booking.
How to make hair styling kinder for kids
Use soft, fabric-covered hair ties, not elastic bands with metal joins.
Keep ponytails and braids loose, especially around the hairline.
Change the position of ponytails so the same spot isn't pulled every day.
Detangle from the ends upwards with a wide-tooth comb and conditioner.
Give hair rest days. (Negotiate these in advance. You're good at negotiating now.)
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a child to lose hair?
Some hair loss is normal, especially in babies and after illness. Bald patches, scaly areas, broken hairs or worsening thinning should be checked by a GP.
What causes bald patches in children?
Common causes include scalp ringworm, alopecia areata, tight hairstyles and hair pulling. A GP can identify the cause and arrange treatment.
Can a trichologist treat scalp ringworm?
No. Scalp ringworm needs antifungal medicine prescribed by a GP. A trichologist can help with scalp care once it's being treated.
Will my child's hair grow back?
In many cases, yes. Hair usually regrows after illness-related shedding and when tension from hairstyles stops. Alopecia areata often regrows too, though it can be unpredictable.
Should I see a trichologist or a GP for my child's hair loss?
Always start with your GP for children. A trichologist can help afterwards with scalp care, styling and monitoring regrowth.
Want to talk it through?
If your GP has ruled out infection and you'd like help with the hands-on side, call Tess Hair and Scalp Clinic on 028 9096 4731 to talk it through first. We're at 77a Botanic Avenue, Belfast, and you can see our treatments and prices online.
Sources: NHS: Ringworm · British Association of Dermatologists: Tinea capitis · NHS: Trichotillomania · NI Direct: Hair loss · Alopecia UK
About the author: Theresa Anthony is the trichologist at Tess Hair and Scalp Clinic, 77a Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JL, where hair loss treatment and a full hair salon sit under one roof. More about Theresa.
Written with AI help using the sources above, then checked by Theresa Anthony or her team before it went live.
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