3 min readPuneSep 24, 2025 06:25 PM IST
First published on: Sep 24, 2025 at 06:25 PM IST
Written by Ruta Patil
Along with the usual pressures of student life, Gen Z faces a new issue, impacting their confidence — excessive hair loss. Many students and young professionals in their teens and early twenties are dealing with significant shedding, receding hairlines, and even bald patches. Stress, along with environment and genetics, has been identified as one of the contributing factors that can exacerbate the problem.
For 22-year-old law student Bhargavi Desai, the struggle began soon after she moved away from home. “Clumps of hair used to come out while combing. Even while washing, I lost a lot. Moving out for the first time was stressful,” she said.
Doctors confirm that the problem is not anecdotal. Pune-based dermatologist Dr Jyotsna Joshi noted a spike in young patients facing hair loss. “Most of the people who come to me for hair-related problems are in their late teens or twenties. Telogen Effluvium – a condition where hair loss begins around three months after a stressful experience – is particularly common in this age group,” she explained.
The triggers vary, but exam stress often tops the list. “Hairfall begins with every exam season. The stress of submissions has had a direct impact on my hairline,” admitted Yashwardhan Shinde, a 19-year-old engineering student. For younger students, competitive exams can become a breaking point. Kamakshi Lalwani, a 17-year-old JEE aspirant, recalled, “Two months into Class 12, the pressure was too much. My hair was everywhere – in my books, on my pillow. After a lot of meditation and opening up to my friends, the hairfall has somewhat paused.”
Psychology experts point to lifestyle and cultural shifts as underlying causes. “Over-exposure to social media, the need for instant gratification, and high expectations from self have significantly increased stress among young adults. I have seen a rise in reports of stress and anxiety in students,” said Vyjanthi Trimal, assistant professor of psychology at Fergusson College.
For many, the issue extends beyond academics. Shivam Suryavanshi, a 21-year-old media student, admitted that career anxiety has worsened his condition.
“Seeing my peers being productive and achieving milestones makes me worry about myself. My hair fall has increased so much that I am noticing bald spots,” Suryavanshi said.
Similarly, young professionals blame workplace stress and uncertain futures. Dhanali Lahamage, a 24-year-old interior designer, shared, “There was a time when I didn’t know whether I would get a job or not. I was so stressed, and my hair kept shedding.”
As stress continues to shape Gen Z’s daily lives, its effects are no longer confined to the mind.
Experts recommend simple lifestyle adjustments alongside medical care. “Eating a clean, balanced diet, exercising regularly, and ensuring proper sleep can significantly reduce stress while simultaneously improving hair health,” advised Dr Joshi.
(Ruta Patil is an intern with The Indian Express)
The triggers vary, but exam stress often tops the list. (Credit: Unsplash) 
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