When Jawaharlal Nehru Wrote to His Father About Hair Loss: A Glimpse into a 21-Year-Old’s Life in 1911

 We often remember Jawaharlal Nehru as India’s first Prime Minister—a visionary leader who helped shape the destiny of a newly independent nation. But before he became a towering political figure, Nehru was also a young man with everyday concerns, including something as relatable as... hair loss.

Yes, you read that right. In 1911, a 21-year-old Jawaharlal Nehru, then studying law at the Inns of Court in London, wrote a heartfelt (and slightly exasperated) letter to his father, Motilal Nehru, about the steady loss of his hair. The letter, later included in The Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, reveals a side of Nehru that many might find both humorous and deeply human.

 

The Frustration of Hair Loss

In the letter, Nehru describes his growing frustration with his hair thinning out. He had already consulted a specialist—twice, no less—and was skeptical of any real solution. His father had apparently offered to send some hair oil from India, a gesture Nehru gently dismissed, saying he had already tried multiple oils and found them all equally ineffective.

With a touch of sarcasm and dry humor, he noted that the time and money spent on these supposed remedies might have been better used elsewhere. It’s the kind of letter that could just as easily have been written today by a college student Googling “how to stop hair fall” at 2 a.m.

A Relatable Side of a Historical Icon

This candid moment is not just amusing—it’s revealing. We often place historical figures on such high pedestals that we forget they, too, had insecurities, doubts, and everyday worries. Nehru’s letter humanizes him, reminding us that even those destined for greatness had their fair share of personal struggles.

It’s also a touching glimpse into the father-son relationship between Nehru and Motilal. Despite the weight of colonial oppression and the burdens of an elite education abroad, there was space in their correspondence for something as intimate—and as universal—as balding.

Why This Letter Still Resonates

Over a century later, Nehru’s letter has resurfaced online and gone viral, largely because it’s so relatable. Hair loss continues to be a concern for millions around the world, and seeing a young Nehru grappling with it makes him feel less like a distant historical figure and more like one of us.

The letter’s popularity also speaks to the timelessness of personal vulnerability. It’s a reminder that behind every public persona is a private life, full of the same insecurities and emotions we all share.

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In Conclusion

History often shows us the polished faces of its key players. But it’s in these small, seemingly trivial moments that we see their true humanity. Jawaharlal Nehru’s 1911 letter on hair loss is not just an amusing anecdote—it’s a reminder that even the greatest among us once looked in the mirror and worried about their hair.

And honestly, who can’t relate to that?