The Barbie brand has had its ups and downs over the years – always hugely popular with children, its approval rating from adults has been steadily declining as parents struggle to give their daughters a more realistic body image to aspire to.
Not to be defeated, however, manufacturer Mattel has had a bit of a rebrand recently, launching the ‘Barbie Fashionistas’ range, which features 196 dolls representing various different body shapes, skin colours and hair types.
And the latest fashionista to join the line up suffers from hair loss, which Mattel hopes will resonate with those who live with childhood hair loss conditions themselves.
How common is childhood hair loss?
Although rarer than among adults, hair loss in children is still relatively common. Around 1 in 1,000 children suffer from the condition alopecia areata. Other hair loss conditions that can occur in children include:
- Tinea capitis – also known as ringworm of the scalp
- Trichotillomania – compulsive hair pulling
- Telogen effluvium
- Nutrient deficiency – most commonly zinc or iron
- Hypothyroidism
- Chemotherapy
How will hair loss Barbie help children with hair loss?
The short answer is, of course it won’t offer children with childhood hair loss any solution to their condition to own a Barbie with the same problem. But what the manufacturers hope is that it will help to normalise hair loss conditions, making these children feel less alone.
Certainly, the Fashionistas range has proven popular so far, showing that parents at least are keen for their children to play with a more diverse range of dolls.
What treatments are available for children with hair loss?
Because hair loss in children is less common than it is in adults, it is important to seek a professional diagnosis of the problem before undergoing any kind of treatment.
Many hair loss conditions associated with children – such as alopecia areata and telogen effluvium – tend to resolve themselves over time. Others, like tinea capitis and hypothyroidism, can be medically treated.
If you’re worried that your child is suffering from hair loss and are keen to diagnose the cause, why not contact us to book an appointment with one of our hair loss experts.
