Hairy Situations: Too Much, Too Little & Shaving / Question
Published: July 2, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have a 16 year old boy with a healthy head of hair, but he is very worried because his hair line is receding. I would like to find out if I should take him to see a dermatalogist and would like to know if this is normal at his age. Baldness is not a genetic problem on either side of his family. Can you help me help ease my son's mind? Thank you.
Signed: 16 YO Son With Receding Hairline
Dear 16 YO Son With Receding Hairline,
Thinning hair and baldness are most commonly due to a genetic predisposition. The earliest changes occur at the front of the hairline on either side. The extent of hair loss is variable and unpredictable. You can check out our answer to Receding Hairline for further information.
As you say there is no baldness on either side of the family, taking your son to a dermatologist for an evaluation sounds like a good idea. A dermatologist will be able to evaluate your son and if necessary, provide a treatment strategy.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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