Is Our Generation Balding Faster? Expert Answers

We are living in a fast-paced world, where youngsters are living a hectic and stressful life. This lifestyle not only affects their health, it also impacts their hairline. Yes, you read that right. Many researchers and experts have discovered that GenZs and millennials are experiencing premature hair loss more than ever. How much truth is there in this? Are the youth of today’s generation experiencing balding faster now? If so, what factors are leading to this? Let’s find out.

To get a better understanding of this, we reached out to Dr Shireen Furtado, Sr Consultant – Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

Are GenZs And Millennials Balding Faster?

Let us begin by addressing the elephant in the room – is the youth experiencing premature baldness more than ever? Our expert answers.

“Yes, GenZs and millennials seem to be balding faster than older generations. This early hair loss is linked to increased stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy eating habits, which are common in fast-paced lifestyles. Constant exposure to pollution, digital screens, and lack of physical activity can also affect overall health and hair growth,” says Dr Furtado.

She adds, “Many young people use harsh hair products, heat styling tools, or chemical treatments, which weaken the scalp and damage hair follicles. In addition, genetics and hormonal changes play a role, and rising cases of anxiety or depression may worsen the problem. Together, these factors make early hair thinning and balding more common among today’s younger generations compared to the past.”

Factors That Induce Hair Loss In Young People

Hair loss in young people can be caused by several factors. Dr Furtado jots them down for us:

• High stress levels, lack of sleep, and poor diet are major reasons as they affect hormone balance and scalp health.
• Excessive use of hair styling products, heat, or chemical treatments can weaken the roots and cause breakage.
• Pollution, hard water, and poor scalp hygiene also harm hair growth.
• Spending long hours on digital devices and irregular routines can disturb overall health, indirectly affecting hair.
• In some cases, genetics, hormonal changes, or medical conditions like thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies can lead to early hair loss. 
• Crash dieting and sudden weight loss are also triggers, as the body lacks enough nutrients to maintain strong and healthy hair.

What Are The First Signs Of Balding?

The first signs of balding are often gradual and easy to miss. Dr Furtado shares how to spot them.

“One of the earliest signs is excessive hair shedding while combing or washing. You may notice a receding hairline, especially near the temples or forehead. Thinning hair on the crown or top of the head is another common early symptom,” she says.

“Some people observe their ponytail becoming thinner or the scalp becoming more visible under bright light. Hair may also lose volume, texture, or take longer to grow back. In men, bald patches can appear, while in women, the hair part may start widening. Recognising these signs early helps in starting proper care or treatment to slow down further hair loss,” explains Dr Furtado.

Also Read: Impact of Receding Hairline On Mental Health: Here's How You Can Deal With It

Impact Of Lifestyle On Hair Health

On this note, Dr Furtado shares the lifestyle factors that impact hair health:

• Stress, sleep, and diet have a major impact on hair health.
• High stress levels increase hormones like cortisol, which can damage hair follicles and lead to early hair fall.
• Lack of proper sleep affects the body’s repair process, slowing hair growth and making it dull and weak.
• A poor diet that lacks protein, iron, vitamins, and healthy fats reduces the nutrients needed for strong and shiny hair.
• Skipping meals or eating too much junk food can disturb hormone balance and scalp health.

“On the other hand, regular sleep, a balanced diet, and stress help maintain good circulation, support healthy hair roots, and reduce hair thinning. Together, these three factors decide how healthy and strong our hair remains,” adds the expert.

Why Men Are More Prone To Balding Than Women?

Dr Furtado mentions that men are more prone to balding than women. She shares the reason why.

“Men are more prone to balding than women mainly because of hormones and genetics. The male hormone testosterone breaks down into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles and leads to a condition called male pattern baldness. This hormone-related hair loss runs in families and usually affects the top and front of the scalp,” she explains.

Dr Furtado adds that women also produce small amounts of testosterone, but their estrogen levels help protect hair for longer. “In addition, men’s hair follicles are more sensitive to hormonal changes, making hair loss more visible and faster. Stress, poor diet, and lifestyle habits can worsen it, but the main reason men go bald more often is their higher level of DHT and genetic tendency toward baldness,” she adds.

When Is It Time To Seek Treatment?

On this note, Dr Furtado shares when one should seek treatment for hair loss. She says, “When you notice sudden or excessive shedding, visible scalp patches, or a receding hairline that keeps getting worse. If hair fall continues for more than three months or you see thinning on the crown or along your part line, medical advice is needed,”
But the expert adds that early treatment can help stop further loss and regrow hair in many cases. “You should also consult a doctor if you experience itching, redness, or pain on the scalp, as these could signal an underlying problem. Dermatologists or trichologists can identify the cause through tests and suggest suitable treatments or lifestyle changes. The sooner you act, the better the chances of saving and strengthening your hair,” shares Dr Furtado.

Tips To Prevent Hair Thinning

Dr Furtado shares some tips with the readers to prevent hair thinning. Let’s take a look at them:

• Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and gentle hair care.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins like biotin and vitamin D to support hair growth.
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or regular exercise, as stress hormones can damage hair follicles.
• Sleep well and drink enough water daily to keep your scalp hydrated.
• Avoid frequent use of heat styling tools, harsh shampoos, and chemical treatments that weaken hair roots.
• Massage your scalp regularly with mild oil to improve blood flow and strengthen follicles.
• Wash your hair with gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the roots.
• Regular trimming and good scalp hygiene also help keep hair thick and healthy.

Also Read: Teenage Balding: Hair Transplant Surgeon Shares Causes and Tips To Prevent

The Final Word

GenZs and millennials seem to be balding faster than older generations. This early hair loss is linked to increased stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy eating habits, which are common in fast-paced lifestyles. One can, however, prevent hair thinning by adopting a healthy lifestyle and following good haircare routines.