Are Gen Zs really losing their hair earlier Than millennials?

“Chez Vous has been around since 1995, and over the past three decades, we have always seen clients in their teens and 20s experiencing hair loss, thinning or excessive shedding.

We do see more young people talking about hair loss today, but based on what we see in the salon, there hasn’t been an obvious increase in cases. The difference is that social media, especially TikTok, has made younger people more open about hair loss and proactive in seeking help.

Why is this happening?

There isn’t one single cause. Genetics can play a big part, and hereditary hair loss can start earlier than many people realise. Stress, illness, rapid weight loss and poor nutrition can also cause excessive shedding.

Hairstyling habits can play a part too. Constantly wearing very tight ponytails, buns, braids or extensions can put unnecessary stress on the hair and scalp.

One thing we commonly notice in the salon is young clients telling us their hair started shedding much more after going on a strict diet. There can also be medical or hormonal reasons behind hair loss. 

Early signs of hair loss

What we tend to notice when hair loss starts in Gen Z is that hair becomes finer, the overall volume feels less, or the client starts shedding noticeably more hair than usual. Sometimes the client doesn’t notice the thinning immediately. Their hairstylist may actually notice it first because we see their hair and scalp regularly.

The easiest thing is to know what is normal for you. For example, look at your shower floor trap. Most of us roughly know how much hair collects there and how often we normally need to clear it.

If you suddenly notice much more hair there than usual, and you have to clear it much more frequently for a prolonged period, that is something worth paying attention to.

Other signs include your hair becoming noticeably finer, your ponytail feeling thinner, your parting becoming wider or more scalp becoming visible.

You don’t need to start counting individual strands of hair. Just look out for a clear and sustained change from what is normal for you.

Hair loss prevention tips 

We always tell clients that it is never too early to start looking after their scalp. You don’t have to wait until there is a problem.

Think of it like skincare. We use moisturiser and sunscreen regularly to keep our skin in good condition. In the same way, a basic scalp tonic or serum can be part of your regular routine even if you don’t have an obvious scalp issue.

For something simple to start with, we recommend O’right PRO Botanical Scalp Revitalizer for Him or Her. It is a leave-in scalp treatment that can be easily added to your regular scalp-care routine.

Products aside, the basics are equally important. Eat a balanced diet with enough protein and nutrients, and avoid extreme dieting or rapid weight loss. Avoid constantly pulling your hair into very tight hairstyles, and don’t overdo heat or chemical services, especially when the hair is already weak.

It is also important to know the difference between hair breaking and hair actually falling from the root. Bleaching, excessive heat and repeated chemical processing can weaken the hair and cause it to snap. Your hair may look thinner, but that is not necessarily the same as hair loss from the follicle.

Lastly, if you suddenly start shedding a lot more hair, notice bald patches or see your hair getting progressively thinner, don’t just buy whatever is trending on TikTok. Speak to a doctor or dermatologist to find out what is actually causing it.”

Serene Tan is the chief director of Chez Vous Hair Salon (Flagship). She has 36 years of hairstyling experience and is a certified scalp specialist.