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Journalism of Courage
In India, how a person ‘looks’ is given a lot of weight. This focus can be beneficial to a certain degree, but it often crosses into unhealthy territory. Women, long subjected to evolving beauty standards – now amplified by social media – voice their struggles with body image, but lately, men are facing the heat too. There is a rising yet under-discussed concern among men now – hair loss – specifically, male-pattern baldness.
According to a 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine, “Male-pattern hair loss (MPHL) is a highly heritable and prevalent condition characterised by progressive hair loss from the frontotemporal and vertex scalp.” In India, thick, lustrous hair has always been associated with youth and vitality, but an increasing number of Gen Z men are facing premature baldness. Traya’s study, conducted in 2023, found that “50.31 per cent of Indian men experiencing hair loss are under the age of 25.” This paper factored in data collected from around 500,000 men.
Once considered a concern for middle-aged men, male pattern baldness is now appearing far earlier, bringing not only physical changes but also profound psychological impacts and emotional consequences. Indianexpress.com spoke to men coping with early hair loss, and to psychologists and dermatologists, to examine the causes and psychological effects of losing hair at a young age.
Yash Bhatia, 27, first noticed his receding hairline when someone pointed it out. While he insisted this didn’t hit his confidence much, Bhatia acknowledged the stigma: “There was some teasing from friends, but it didn’t affect me much.”
For Aaditya Sharma, 23, a PR professional, the experience was far more challenging. “My hair loss started in late 2019 and worsened in 2020, during my first year of college,” he recalled. “What didn’t help was the fact that, until 2019, I had denser hair than my mother and sister. By late 2020, there was a visible bald spot on the crown of my head.”
This sudden change took a psychological toll. “It took a toll on my self-perception, leading to self-doubt and regret. Spending time alone during lockdown led me to overthink. There was even a time when I stopped looking over my forehead in the mirror as it would remind me of my negligence,” Sharma said.
Bhatia, however, maintained a more detached view. “It’s quite common these days,” he said, noting that forums like Reddit are filled with hair loss discussions. “It didn’t hurt my self-esteem, but the frequency with which people commented on it did stand out. People still associate hair loss with poor lifestyle choices, though it’s become a widespread issue. Many are now considering transplants if they feel the need.”
Dr Gunasekar Vuppalapati, senior reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeon at GVG Invivo and Apollo Hospitals, said that while genetics remain the primary driver, environmental factors are accelerating hair loss in younger men. “The rising number of bald young men is part of human evolution, and Gen Z is experiencing this progression. The main culprit is gene-mediated dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that gradually shrinks hair follicles, leading to thinning,” he said.
Dr Mandeep Singh, head of the department of plastic, dermatology and cosmetic surgery at Paras Health, Gurugram, said, “Stress, poor lifestyle habits, and hormonal imbalances all contribute to early onset. When stress levels rise, hair follicles enter a resting phase, resulting in excessive shedding.”
Both doctors agreed that modern lifestyles contribute to the problem. Dr Vuppalapati said, “Rising levels of chronic and sustained stress are playing a significant role. The urban environment, pollution, and exposure to hard water in many Indian cities can damage hair health.”
Jai Arora, counselling psychologist and co-founder of Kirana Counselling, explained the profound psychological effects of premature hair loss. “Hair is closely tied to self-image. When men lose it early, it can seriously damage their confidence. We associate a full head of hair with youth and attractiveness. Losing it prematurely can lead to feelings of inadequacy, social withdrawal, or anxiety.”
This psychological toll is evident in Sharma’s experience with societal judgment. He recalled a particularly painful incident: “I was getting a haircut when a man asked if I was married. I said no, and he replied, ‘Better get married soon. Or it’ll never happen’.”
Bhakti Joshi, counselling psychologist at Samarpan Health and founder of Asha Mental Health Services, said these experiences reflect larger societal attitudes. “Hair is symbolically tied to virility and fertility. Losing it can diminish body image satisfaction. For some, the anxiety becomes intense and leads to maladaptive coping, even symptoms of body dysmorphia, mood disorders, or social phobia.”
Joshi said the consequences can be severe: “The person experiencing drastic hair loss or balding might develop intense preoccupation and coping efforts in response, might also develop social anxiety, and less life satisfaction. From the clinical perspective along with maladaptive coping patterns can range from body dysmorphic to mood disorder tendencies, social phobias.”
For those facing hair loss, both medical and psychological interventions can help. Dr Vuppalapati outlined several treatment options:
Dr Singh said that “early use of minoxidil or finasteride under a dermatologist’s guidance can slow the thinning of hair.”
However, cost can be a barrier. Sharma considered hair transplant but found it prohibitively expensive. “The treatment would cost me over Rs 70,000, plus ongoing medication expenses. As the sole earner in my family, I decided against it.” Instead, he uses a hair patch occasionally.
Psychological approaches are equally critical. Arora suggested shifting focus from external appearance to internal values. “Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps reframe thoughts, separating identity from physical traits. That change in perspective can be powerful.”
Both dermatologists stressed that while genetics cannot be changed, several preventive steps can slow the progression of male pattern baldness.
Dr Vuppalapati recommends:
According to Dr Singh, “A Mediterranean-style diet with lean proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidants may help minimise hair loss.” He also said, “Staying hydrated is essential for scalp health.”
Male pattern baldness in young men represents more than just a cosmetic issue – it’s a complex interplay of genetics, environment, lifestyle, and psychological factors. While medical treatments can address the physical symptoms, the emotional and social aspects require greater awareness and acceptance.
Sharma agreed. “The reactions from my friends and family have been nothing but encouraging. They often tell me that people don’t care as much for looks, which, although not true, does give me hope. To them, the hair loss doesn’t matter, but to me, it does,” he said.
This captures the essence of the challenge many young men face – trying to reconcile personal insecurities with societal norms, all while navigating a condition that’s no longer just about ageing, but about identity, confidence, and self-worth.
