Once consider a concern for mid-infused men, Male Pattern Baldness is now appearing far earlorler, bringing not online physical change but also profound psychological impacts and emotional consequenices. Indianxpress.com Spoke to men coping with early hair loss, and to psychologists and dermatologists, to examine the causes and fairogical effects of losing hair at a young age.

The early onset: personal stories

Yash Bhatia, 27, First Noticed His Recing Hairline When Someone Pointed It Out. While he insisted this hit his confidence much, Bhatia acknowledged the stigma: “There was teasing from friends, but it is 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 did not help that fact that, until 2019, I had denser than my mother and sister. By late 2020, there was a visible bald spot on the crown of my head.”

This Sudden change to a psychological toll. “It put a toll on my self-perception, leding to self-doubt and regret. LED me to overthink. There was a time when I stopped looking over my forehead in the mirror as it would have me of my negligence, “Sharma Said.

Bhatia, howver, maintained a more detached view. “It’s quite common these days,” he said, noting that forums like reddit are filled with hair lost discussions. “It did not hurt my self-seem, but the frequency with which people commented on it did not stand out. Considing transplants if they feel the need. “

Hair Plays a Significant Role in Self-Image, And Premature hair

Why is the hair loss happening earlormong men today?

Dr Gunasekar Vuppalapati, Senior Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon At GVG Invivo and Apollo hospitals, Said that In younger men. “The Rising Number of Bald Young Men is part of human evolution, and gen z is experiencing. 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 HormBalangeles all contribute to early. 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 harder to harard water in human cities indian

The psychological impact

JAI ARRA, COUNSElling Psychologist and Co-Founder of Kirana Counseling, 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 you with you with you with youth and attractiveness. Inadequacy, Social withdrawalor anxiety. “

This psychological toll is evident in Sharma’s experience with social judgment. He recalled a particularly painful incidence: “I was getting a haircut when a man asked if I was married.

Bhakti Joshi, Counsing Psychologist at Samarpan Health and Founder of Ash Mental Health Services, Said These Experience Society Societal Attudes. “Hair is symbolically tied to virility and fertility. Disorders, or social phobia. “

Joshi Said the Consquency Can Be Severe: “The Person Experience Drastic Hair Loss or Balding Mighting Might Develop Intense Preoccupation and Coping Efforts in Response, Might Also Develop Social Anxiety, And Less Shat Sat Sat Sat. From the clinical perspective along with maladapive coping patterns can range from body dysmorphic to mood disorder tendencies, social phobias. “

Hair transplant surgery is suggested for advanced cases (Source: Freepik)

Treatment Options and Coping Strategies

For Those Facing Hair Loss, Both Medical and Psychological Interventions Can Help. Dr Vuppalapati Outlined Several Treatment Options:

• Medications like minoxidil (topical) and finasteride (oral)
• Platelet-rich plasma (prp) therapy
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (lllt)
• Hair transplant surgery for advancing cases

Dr Singh Said that “Early Use of Minoxidil or finasteride under a dermatologist’s guidance can sleep the thinning of hair.”

Howver, cost can be a barrier. Sharma consided of the transplant but found it prohibitively expensive. “The treatment would cost me over Rs 70,000, Plus Onongoing Medication Expenses. As the 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 person can be powerful.”

Preventive measures

Both Dermatologists stressed that whileen genetics can be changed, Several Preventive Steps Can Slow the Progress of Male pattern baldness.

Dr Vuppalapati recommends:

• Early intervention if there is a family history of baldness
• Improve diet with biotin, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and high-protein foods
• Stress Reduction and Better sleep habits
• Gentle Hair Care Routines
• Avoiding smoke and exacesive alcohol

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.”

The Path Forward

Male pattern Baldness in Young Men Represents More than Just a Cosmetic issue 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 not encouining. Matter, but to me, it drops, “He said.

This captures of the essence of the challenge young men face – trying to reconcile personal insecurities with social Norms, all while navigating a condition that is no longer just age, but about about the present. Self -work.