Hair Loss in Children
The Impact It Has on the Family
by Jennifer McCowan
When a child’s hair falls out, it is one of the scariest things to happen to a parent because it’s a clear indication that something is not right, and the thought of what that could be is terrifying. In most cases, it is not anything serious, however, it is certainly something to address.
As we all know, society puts a lot of emphasis on appearance. Subconsciously, we look at people that we meet from the top down, starting with the hair. Our hair is our crown, it is our expression of who we are, so when it is taken from us unexpectedly, whether in patches or all at one time, it is devastating. Imagine that you woke up one morning and handfuls of hair were coming out? The panic and anxiety is very real for the child and the family.
When we lose hair this drastically, it tells us that there is an imbalance in the body and a possibility of an auto immune issue. Seeking advice from a medical doctor or trichologist is highly recommended immediately. But what are the effects on the child and the families? How do we behave as parents? What do we say? How do we not panic?
If your child is suffering with a current hair loss issue, it is very important that you stay calm (on the outside) because your child is examining every move you make, and your emotions will be reflected in him/her. Just as you watch your flight attendant to see that she is calm, your child is watching you.
At Hope Hair Recovery, we do our best to provide a safe and welcoming environment. We have the education and tools to help you through this journey. Our exclusive hair analysis test will give you an overview of how to optimize your child’s wellness. This test is very effective in determining several imbalances in the body that can be contributing to the hair loss. A lot of issues often arise due to problems in the gut. Determining which foods and food additives are disrupting the body, along with vitamins and mineral imbalances, potential toxins, bacteria, viruses, etc., which bring dis-ease to the body, help us to determine the potential cause of the hair loss and give us guidance on how to help.
Tips to Help Cope
- build up your child’s self-esteem by reminding them that they are strong and beautiful with or without hair
- shave your own hair (or have a professional do it)
- buy some cool hats, scarves, toques
- purchase or apply to receive a free hair system, Hope Hair Recovery is an Angel Hair for Kids affiliate so we can help
- get some cool body painting done
- ask the teachers and principal at school for permission to wear a hat in school
- call your child’s friend’s parents ahead of time to tell them so their child is less likely to have an adverse reaction, this also protects your child from unintentional comments that may hurt their feelings
- encourage your child to talk openly about their hair loss if they feel comfortable to do so, it will help their friends to understand and bring them confidence
- it is NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF. Your attitude about the hair loss can make it a positive experience, as Miller Gotto, a six-year-old with complete hair loss, says, “Having no hair is EPIC!”
If you or someone you know is experiencing hair loss, we are here to help, we are here to support you and your family. All children’s services (16 & under) are 50% off. Book your appointment today at 306-373-4673 (HOPE).
Jennifer McCowan WTS is a Certified Trichologist through the World Trichology Society, the Vice President of the Canadian Hair Loss Council, the Director of Cosmetology Canada, and Board Member for the WTS. For location and contact information, see the display ad on this page 22 of the 27.3 September/October issue of the WHOLifE Journal.
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