By Dr. Gaurang Krishna, Co-founder and Director, MedLinks
Hair loss can no longer be pushed aside as a problem that can be addressed “later down the line.” In India, a considerable amount of youngsters, particularly men, within their 20s as well as 30s, have started turning to medical expertise as soon as they notice any symptoms of hair loss, rather than waiting for baldness to occur.
As per an extensive consumer data analysis done through a survey, who studied the patterns of hair health of over five lakh men in the Indian subcontinent, more than 50% of Indian men experiencing hair loss are under the age of 25 years. These statistics, widely publicized in Indian media, indicate a growing trend – Indian men are experiencing hair loss at an increasing younger age than before.
Specialists in hair restoration attribute the early onset to genetics, stress, irregular sleep patterns, a poor diet, and the factors that come with a lifestyle in the urban setting, including pollution. Diagnoses for androgenetic alopecia, the most prevalent form of balding, have reached the young age of 20.
The only thing that changed was the reaction.
The previous generation used to treat hair loss only when the condition was quite advanced. However, the younger generation of Indian people is today looking at hair loss as a progressive disease which can be treated at the initial levels. Hair experts state that the treatment of hair loss at the early stage helps in retaining the existing hairs.
There is also more awareness regarding modern treatment options. Thanks to developments like FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), non-surgical medical options, and individualized plans to address hair loss, treatment is not considered drastic or forbidden. This trend is noticed internationally as well. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, there is a steady increase noticed among young patients to seek consultation as compared to ignoring signs in early stages.
Social acceptance is also at play. In India, for instance, where looks play an important role in building confidence, social interactions, and even work performance, having such an issue at a young age could have psychosocial effects. There has been open discussion on how to overcome it from social influencers.
For Hair Transplant and Hair Loss Specialists, the bottom line is that waiting it out is no longer the intelligent thing to do. Early intervention leads to increased success, fewer correction surgeries, and a more successful outcome in the end. For young Indians, the earlier that hair loss is treated, the less about a concern it becomes, and more about taking back control before being taken back by the situation.
