icon Skip to content

How a 19-Year-Old IIT Student Beat Heavy Dandruff and Hair Fall with a Personalized Traya Plan

Dr Kalyani Deshmukh

Dr Kalyani Deshmukh
Dr. Kalyani Deshmukh brings 7 years of experience in dermatology, specializing in the diagnosis of complex conditions and performing advanced dermatosurgical procedures. Her areas of expertise include clinical dermatology, trichology, dermatosurgery and aesthetic medicine.

How a 19-Year-Old IIT Student Beat Heavy Dandruff and Hair Fall with a Personalized Traya Plan

When you’ve just entered your dream college, the last thing you expect to worry about is your scalp. For Arjun (19, Ropar via Azamgarh), the shift from home to hostel didn’t just change his routine – it changed his hair.

“I was at home earlier, so hair fall was not happening. Fir main jab se college gaya hun… tab se shuru hua,” he told his Traya hair coach over the phone. Within just one semester, he went from not thinking about hair at all to shaving his head because “scalp men bahut jyada dandruff ho raha tha.”

This is the story of how a stressed-out, first-year IIT student with heavy dandruff, hair fall, and early hairline changes used expert guidance and a personalized hair treatment plan to regain control of his scalp and his confidence.

Arjun’s Hair Concern: From Healthy Hair to Shaving His Head

Arjun’s hair problems didn’t creep in slowly; they arrived with his new life in Punjab.

At home in Azamgarh, his hair was normal. But once he shifted to the IIT Ropar hostel, things changed within months:

  • “Char mahine… first semester he end hua hai… tab se hair fall shuru hua tha.”
  • “Scalp men bahut jyada dandruff ho raha tha, to mainne save kara liya.”

The visible issues:

  • Heavy dandruff all over the scalp
  • Noticeable hair fall, especially when touching the hair
  • Perceived loss of density – “bahut lag raha hai ki density come ho gai hai pahale se”
  • Corners of hairline receding slightly – “turant se thoda sa pichhe jate hue dikhate hain mujhe”

His expectations were very clear and very relatable:

“Bas hair fall ruk jae, fir density badh jae… dandruff bahut jyada hai, vo bhi come ho jae… hairline jitani hai utani he maintained rahe.”

What Was Really Going Wrong: Water, Weather, Stress and Dandruff

On the surface, it looked like “just dandruff.” But the coach dug deeper and connected several root causes:

  1. Sudden Change in Water Quality
Moving from Azamgarh to Punjab meant a completely different water source.

The coach explained:
- “Jo bhi abhi ap pani use kar rahe ho… Punjab ka pani apako utana shoot nahin kar raha hoga.”
- Hard/impure water can disturb the scalp’s barrier, dry it out or irritate it.
- This triggers fungal overgrowth, making dandruff worse.
- Weakened roots + inflamed scalp = more hair shedding whenever he runs his hand through hair.

That’s why the coach insisted:
> “Head ko wash karane ke lie filter water ka use karie… jo impact abhi vahan ke pani ka pad raha hai apake hair ke roots pay, vo impact nahin padega.”

  1. Weather + Hostel Environment
Winter in North India plus hostel life creates the perfect combination for dry, flaky, irritated scalps: - Cold weather naturally increases dandruff. - Indoor heating / frequent hot water baths worsen scalp dryness. - Lack of consistent scalp care allows fungus and flakes to build up.
  1. Academic Stress and Sleep Quality
Arjun admitted, “College life ho jati hai… stress to hota he hai usamen. Padhai ko lekar, exam-sham sab.”

Chronic stress:
- Disturbs sleep cycle and hormonal balance
- Tightens scalp muscles and reduces blood flow to follicles
- Worsens dandruff, itching and even hair shedding

The coach even suggested nasal drops for sleep and anxiety if needed, directly linking stress management to hair health.

  1. Dandruff-Linked Hair Loss
Arjun’s scalp had “bahut jyada dandruff” – the thick, stubborn kind that makes you want to scratch constantly.

Medically, heavy dandruff (often due to Malassezia fungus) causes:
- Scalp inflammation
- Itching and constant rubbing
- Weakening of hair follicles, leading to shedding

This is a classic case of dandruff and dry scalp hair loss where the scalp condition is the real culprit behind sudden hair fall.

Q&A: Does dandruff really cause hair fall?

Yes. Dandruff itself doesn’t cut the hair shaft, but the fungal overgrowth and inflammation around hair follicles weaken the root. Add frequent scratching, hot water, harsh shampoos, or hard water, and hair starts shedding more than usual. Once the fungus and inflammation are controlled with medicated products, hair fall usually reduces and normal growth resumes.

Arjun’s Doubts: “Time kitana lagega?” and “Eight months ke baad kya?”

Like most young men dealing with early hair changes, Arjun wasn’t just worried about what to use – he was worried about how long this would take, and what comes after.

He asked:

  • “Time kitana lagega?”
  • “Eight month ke bad… fir usake bad to kit ki jarurat nahin padegi to fir usake bad kya karana hai?”
  • When minoxidil was mentioned: “Abhi serum kit diya hai, main to pahale vahi use karunga na?”

The coach addressed these step by step:

  • Timeline:
- 1–3 months: Work on dandruff + basic scalp health + internal nutrition - 4–6 months: Hair fall reduces, hair quality and strength improve - 7–8 months: Visible increase in thickness and density, more stable hairline
  • After 8 months:
The goal isn’t to stay on the entire kit forever, but: > “Eight months ke bad kit ki jarurat nahin padegi, bas serum use karate rahana hai, jaise ki hamara jo bal hai, vo maintained rahega.”

Answering such questions matters immensely. When someone knows why they are using a product, how long they must stay consistent, and what maintenance looks like, they are far more likely to stick to the plan and actually see results from a personalized hair treatment plan.

The Emotional and Lifestyle Impact: Shaving His Head in First Year

For a 19-year-old just entering IIT, these issues weren’t cosmetic inconveniences; they were emotional triggers.

  • He felt his density had already reduced: “bahut lag raha hai ki density come ho gai hai pahale se.”
  • He had to shave his head because dandruff became unbearable.
  • Early changes at the hairline corners made him anxious: “turant se thoda sa pichhe jate hue dikhate hain mujhe.”

This combination can quietly eat away at confidence:

  • Worrying if others notice flakes on the shoulders
  • Constantly checking the mirror for a receding hairline
  • Stressing if this will become “permanent baldness”

For a student already under pressure with exams, labs and hostel adjustments, hair fall due to external triggers plus stress becomes another mental load.

How the Traya Hair Coach Built His Plan

Instead of giving a generic “use this shampoo and oil” type advice, the coach built a structured, multi-step plan tailored to Arjun’s life as a first-year student.

1. Detailed Assessment

On call, the coach reconfirmed:

  • Age: 19, otherwise healthy – “Koi bhi medical condition nahin hai… fit and fine.”
  • Main symptoms:
- Heavy dandruff - Recent hair fall (last 4 months) - Slight hairline corner recession
  • Triggers: New city, new water, winter, academic stress

A hair test & health history were already filled in on the Traya app, which the coach cross-checked live.

2. Lifestyle, Stress & Sleep Support

The coach’s first line of advice:

  • Start meditation and light exercise in the morning
  • If stress, anxiety or sleep issues get worse, consider Traya Nasal Grit (nasal drops) later to stabilise sleep and calm the nervous system

This directly leverages the digestion and hair fall connection and mind–body link: calmer nervous system → better sleep → better hormonal balance → better hair.

3. Diet Tracking & Nutrition Mapping

Arjun was advised to:

  • Open the diet plan in the Traya app
  • Log what he eats for 7 days – breakfast, lunch and dinner

In return, he will get:

  • A nutrition report showing what’s lacking
  • A custom diet that improves internal health so hair follicles get the nutrients they need

Consistency here is what supports long-term iron deficiency hair fall recovery, vitamin balance and overall stamina – critical for a hostel-going student.

4. Phased Hair and Scalp Treatment

Initially, his kit focuses on:

  • Anti-Dandruff Night Lotion (Ketoconazole 2%)
- Applied at night on the entire scalp, 3 times a week on alternate days - Targets the fungus causing dandruff and inflammation - Enriched with soothing agents like aloe and vitamin E (from product bible)
  • Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 2%)
- Used 2 times a week with Traya Scalp Oil + Dandruff shot before it - Maintains a fungus-free, clean scalp environment - Prevents further flaking and heavy build-up
  • Scalp Oil + Dandruff Therapy Shot
- Mixed and applied 30 minutes before hair wash - Herbal oils plus essential oils calm the scalp, improve blood flow and directly target heavy dandruff & itching
  • Hair Ras (Ayurvedic supplement)
- 2 tablets after breakfast + 2 after dinner - Works internally to: - Balance pitta (body heat and inflammation) - Nourish hair and bone tissues (asthi dhatu) - Improve blood circulation to follicles - Also helps with stress, acidity and mild anemia-like symptoms

All of this is scheduled so it fits into a student’s weekly routine:

  • Day 1, 3, 5 – Night lotion
  • Day 2, 4 – Oil + Anti-dandruff shampoo
  • Day 6 – Only shampoo
  • Day 7 – Rest day (no application)

Later, once dandruff is under control (usually after ~1 month), the coach plans to:

  • Switch him to Minoxidil 5% serum
- Because hairline corners are slightly moving back - To maintain and, in some cases, regrow hair at the temples - Used daily and then continued long-term to maintain hair density

The coach sets realistic expectations:

“Thirty percent cases men hamare customers ko achchha result dekhane ko mila hai hairline per bhi… itani assurance to ham apako dete hain ki jitana condition abhi apaka ho gaya na scalp ka, isase aur jyada worse nahin hone denge.”

Why These Products Suit Arjun’s Case (From Product Bible)

Based on his root causes and symptoms, these products are ideal:

1. Anti-Dandruff Night Lotion (Ketoconazole 2%)

  • Why: He has “bahut jyada dandruff” that even led to shaving his head.
  • How it helps:
- Ketoconazole fights the Malassezia fungus - Reduces inflammation, itching and redness - Clears sticky dandruff that blocks follicles, setting the stage for healthy regrowth

2. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 2% with Ichthammol & Aloe Vera)

  • Why: He needs a maintenance cleanser that keeps fungus low and scalp calm.
  • How it helps:
- Ketoconazole keeps fungal dandruff under control - Ichthammol offers antimicrobial + anti-inflammatory support - Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the scalp

3. Scalp Oil + Dandruff Therapy Booster

  • Why: Scalp nourishment plus targeted anti-dandruff action in between washes.
  • How it helps:
- Ayurvedic oil nourishes follicles, improves blood flow and calms the nervous system - Dandruff Therapy booster (camphor, castor oil, bergamot, wheat germ) tackles heavy dandruff & itching while reducing stress

4. Hair Ras (Ayurvedic Supplement)

  • Why: He’s young, stressed, with recent hair fall and possibly fluctuating body heat and digestion.
  • How it helps (from bible):
- Balances pitta dosha and cools internal heat that can aggravate scalp issues - Nourishes hair tissues and improves blood flow to follicles - Acts like a “Chyawanprash for hair” – daily internal support for hair quality

5. Future: Minoxidil 5% Serum

  • Why: Slight receding at the corners + wish to maintain hairline long-term.
  • How it helps:
- Vasodilator: increases nutrient-rich blood flow to follicles - Reverses miniaturisation of follicles in early male pattern hair loss - Must be used long-term to maintain gains

The Road Ahead: 5–8 Months of Guided Progress

The coach clearly mapped out Arjun’s journey:

  • 1–3 months
- Dandruff reduced significantly - Scalp feels cleaner, less itchy - Hair fall gradually stabilises
  • 4–6 months
- Stronger, thicker hair shafts - Less breakage while washing / combing - Dandruff largely under control; switch to growth-focused serum like Minoxidil 5%
  • 7–8 months
- Visible improvement in density and volume - More stable hairline corners - Emotional relief and confidence boost

After this:

“Eight months ke bad… serum use karate rahana hai life-long, jaise ki hamara jo bal hai, vo maintained rahega. Baki sari chijen ap band kar sakate ho.”

This is how a structured, coached approach prevents relapse: you move from intense repair mode to light, sustainable maintenance.

Key Questions Answered in This Blog

  • Can heavy dandruff and a change in water cause sudden hair fall in young men?
  • How long does it take to control fungus-related dandruff and see hair regrowth?
  • Do you need to use Minoxidil for life once you start it?
  • How does a personalized hair treatment plan for students fit into a busy college schedule?

Traya Journey at a Glance

  • Key problem: Sudden hair fall, heavy dandruff and early corner recession after moving to a new city/college.
  • Root causes: Change in water and weather, fungal dandruff, academic stress, disturbed scalp barrier.
  • Main products used: Anti-Dandruff Night Lotion, Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Scalp Oil + Dandruff Therapy shot, Hair Ras, later Minoxidil 5% serum.
  • Recovery timeline: 1–3 months for dandruff control, 4–6 months for stronger hair and reduced fall, 7–8 months for visible density and maintained hairline.
  • Final outcome: Clean, itch-free scalp, controlled hair fall, stabilized hairline and a clear, easy-to-follow long-term plan for maintaining hair through college and beyond.

Know More About:

Popular Posts

Collapsible content

Disclaimers

The claims and results mentioned are based on multiple internal studies and customer research surveys that Traya has conducted with a statistically significant sample size of users who were under expert observation and guidance.

93% saw results*

Traya conducted an internal study over both men and females facing hair fall and 93% saw results* after using the complete Traya customized plan consistently for a period of 5 months. This study was conducted in December 2022.

5-month money-back guarantee

Traya’s 100% money-back policy is valid only if you have been regular with the complete customized plan for a period of 5 whole consecutive months. Each customised hair kit is valid for only 30 days. If any individual has not seen any regrowth or control in hair fall, you can ask for a refund. However, once you apply for the 5-month - money-back policy, the team would then do a thorough check on consumer regularity based on every order date. An exception to this policy is for those customers undergoing serious health conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Traya’s Holistic 3 Science Formula

Traya’s 3 Science Formula is a synergistic mix of Ayurveda, Allopathy & Food Science designed specifically to cater to hair fall conditions stemming from multiple root causes. With clinically tested ingredients and adaptogenic herbs, Traya’s Science-Backed formula clears internal blockages and boosts hair regeneration naturally. When blended with a healing dietary plan, it delivers great results in attaining long-term hair growth.

Traya Free hair test (™)

Traya’s Hair Dx test is powered by a proprietary algorithm to examine a user's hair & health profile. With the help of a distinctive image-capturing technique & physician- formulated examination, it is able to precisely check the type, stage & root causes of a certain hair fall condition.

2 lakh+ Indians

Traya Free hair test (™) has been taken by more than 2 lakh+ Indians - Data acquired from Traya customers.

Ayush Certified - Digest Boost, Cholest Vati and Consti Clear are Ayush Certified Products.

Traya’s Ayurvedic Products are based on natural and Ayurvedic formulations. These are completely safe for human use, but it is possible that certain ingredients may cause allergic reactions to some individuals.

Accurate hair check

The Traya free hair test (™) is a proprietary algorithm developed with the help of our in-house hair experts that provides Accurate hair and health checks, provided you mention all the correct details about yourself. It gives a precise checks about the type, stage and root cause of a specific hair fall condition.

Long Lasting Visible Hair Results

Traya’s complete customized plan gives visible and long-lasting results provided you’re on Traya’s hair maintenance kit. Since Traya works on the internal root causes of hair fall and hence our customers have seen long lasting results

Trusted by 100+ Hair Experts

Traya has been tried and loved by over 100 hair experts all over India to maintain healthy hair growth.

Award Winning Trusted Brand

India’s Healthcare Excellence initiated by Brands Impact has awarded Traya as the Most Effective Haircare Product of the Year 2022

FDA approved ingredients

These are completely safe for human use, but it is possible that certain ingredients may cause allergic reactions to some individuals.

Traya Women Santulan (™)

Traya’s Women Santulan is a unique technology that uses a combination of herbs treated in a specific manner (kalpa) to meet the bio-specific needs of women going through different stages of life. Santulan is a supplementary range to Traya’s 3 Science Formula which balances and nourishes the body inside-out delivering long-lasting hair growth results and overall health.

Hair Growth Plan starts at Rs 1699 pm* - The price mentioned is for a male of age 23 with stage 1 type hair fall based on the results of the hair test taken on the website. Prices may vary for individual customers depending on the results of the hair test and internal root causes

Hair Growth Plan starts at Rs 2000 pm* - The price mentioned is for a male of age 25 with stage 1 type hair fall based on the results of the hair test taken on the website. Prices may vary for individual customers depending on the results of the hair test and internal root causes.