Home Remedies For Hair Loss In Children

Hair loss is not just an adult problem; it can also affect children and babies. According to Mark B. Levin, an attending pediatrician at the Medical Center at Princeton, some forms of hair loss in children are quite commonplace. For instance, hair loss resulting from the infant scalp condition cradle cap is common and a physiological pause in hair growth referred to as the telogen phase is normal. If your child's hair loss is an ongoing concern, these strategies can help.

Gentle Grooming

When it comes to children's hair, especially babies, gentle handling is essential. Avoid pulling or tugging the hair or forcing it into styles for which it's too short, advises Jena Renee Williams, author of "Kinki Kreations." Also, forge the old advice about brushing 100 times a day. This practice rips hair out of the follicles and can also weaken the remaining hair. Only brush your child's hair a few times when you're styling it.

Changing Hair Styles

Hair styles that pull your child's hair back from her forehead and ponytails can lead to a scalp condition called traction alopecia where hair breaks along the hairline. Other styling techniques that may cause this form of hair loss in your child is braiding or cornrowing her hair too tightly or tying tightly in rubber bands or other hair accessories. If caught early enough, the hair can grow back, states the American Academy of Dermatology.

Fungal Scalp Treatments

Your child may also suffer hair loss from a fungal scalp infection such as tinea capitis, which causes scaly patches those results in damage to the scalp and broken hair. Another fungal infection is seborrheic dermatitis --- also called cradle cap in infants --- which is caused by the yeast, Malassezia furfur or pityrosporum ovale, according to Brownskin.net. It can also irritate the scalp causing your child to scratch it vigorously, which can damage the follicles or break her hair. Home remedies for fungal scalp infections include using shampoos with zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. Also, over-the-counter anti-fungal creams, garlic juice or tea tree oil might also provide relief.

Avoiding Chemicals

Hair relaxers, perms or dyes can all damage your child's hair and scalp and promote hair loss. The harsh chemicals in these products weaken the structure of your child's hair, making it more susceptible to breaking and thinning. Hair loss is also more likely if you keep applying the product to previously treated hair, a practice known as over-processing, states Pamela Ferrell, author of "Let's Talk Hair." Avoid using products with harsh chemicals in your child's hair. Instead, opt for natural styles and use mild, organic products for cleaning and daily maintenance.