What should high school students do about severe hair loss?

Generally, severe hair loss in high school students may be caused by irregular作息, nutritional imbalances, seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia areata, or thyroid dysfunction. It is recommended to seek medical advice promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other treatments. Here is a detailed analysis:

1. Irregular Sleep Patterns: High school students who frequently stay up late studying disrupt their endocrine rhythms, which affects the normal hair follicle growth cycle and leads to increased hair shedding. It is important to adjust sleep habits, ensure 7–8 hours of sleep each night, and avoid going to bed after midnight. Creating a reasonable study schedule can help reduce the frequency of late nights and provide a stable physiological environment for healthy hair follicle development.

2. Nutritional Imbalance: Insufficient intake of essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B complex, and iron can leave hair follicles undernourished, resulting in brittle hair that is prone to falling out. Adjusting the diet is crucial—include high-quality protein sources like eggs, milk, and lean meat daily, and consume more foods rich in vitamins and iron, such as spinach and broccoli. Avoid long-term picky eating or selective diets.

3. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Excessive sebum production on the scalp promotes the overgrowth of Malassezia fungi, triggering inflammation that damages hair follicles, leading to hair loss accompanied by itching and increased dandruff. Follow medical advice to use medicated shampoos containing selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or coal tar to wash the scalp 2–3 times per week, helping to suppress fungal growth and reduce oil secretion.

4. Alopecia Areata: High stress levels and immune system dysregulation can temporarily put hair follicles into dormancy, causing round or oval patches of hair loss. Maintaining a relaxed mindset and reducing stress through exercise or listening to music is beneficial. Additionally, apply medications such as minoxidil solution, halometasone cream, or tacrolimus ointment to the affected areas as directed by a physician to stimulate follicle reactivation and promote hair regrowth.

5. Thyroid Dysfunction: Both overproduction and underproduction of thyroid hormones can disrupt metabolism and impair hair follicle growth, leading to hair loss along with symptoms such as fatigue and weight changes. Under medical supervision, medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, methimazole tablets, or propylthiouracil tablets should be used to regulate thyroid function. Once hormone levels stabilize, hair loss typically improves gradually.

In daily life, avoid frequent hair dyeing and perming, choose mild shampoo products, keep the water temperature around 37°C when washing hair, and avoid aggressively scratching the scalp. Use a wide-toothed comb when brushing to minimize pulling and damage to the hair, thereby helping to manage hair loss and maintain scalp and hair health.