Thick, luscious hair has always been a symbol of youth in India. But a quiet crisis is unfolding-Gen Z men are going bald in their early 20s. A 2023 Traya study revealed that over 50% of Indian men facing hair loss are under 25.

This alarming trend, once seen only in older adults, is now hitting college students and freshers hard.

The causes? It’s not just genetics anymore. Stress, unhealthy diets, irregular sleep, excessive screen time, and overuse of styling products are accelerating male-pattern baldness. Social media adds to the pressure with unrealistic beauty standards, triggering confidence and body image issues.

What’s worse? Most men suffer in silence, hiding behind caps or hair fibres, fearing judgment. Experts recommend early medical intervention, lifestyle changes, and mental health support to tackle both the physical and emotional toll.

Hair loss isn't just cosmetic-it’s deeply psychological. And it’s high time we talked about it openly.