Meet Lalit Patidar: The Indian teen who suffers from the werewolf syndrome

In a remarkable feat, an 18-year-old boy from India, Lalit Patidar, has got his name listed in the Guinness World Records as the male with the hairiest face in the world. His face is 95% covered with hair, which is too dense. Lalit’s unique appearance has earned him this global recognition for his unbreakable confidence.The Guinness World Records report published back in March 2025, Lalit has an incredible 201.72 hair strands per square centimeter. His condition is so exceptionally rare that it is described as “one in a billion”Hypertrichosis, a rare condition commonly referred to as “werewolf syndrome”. A condition that leads to excessive hair growth, particularly the face, masking the person’s unique facial features.First observed centuries ago, back in the Middle Ages (500-1500 AD), only about 50 documented cases till date, and Lalit is the most recent case known. The term “werewolf syndrome” comes from the resemblance of the condition and how it can creates a thick facial har like mythical werewolf.Congenital generalized hypertrichosisAcquired hypertrichosis lanuginosaCan be a grave indicator of cancer (lung, colon and breast)Congenital localised hypertrichosisAs Lalit told Guinness, “They were all scared of me”, “but when they started knowing me and talking to me, they understood i was not so different form them”. Growing up with such a distinct look is not easy. “It was just on the outside that i looked different”, says Lalit.Over time, people grew an acceptance for Lalit in their hearts and while some people still suggest that he shaved off his facial hair, Lalit very calmly says, “I like how I am and I don’t want to change my look.Today, Lalit channels his confidence into content creation. He shares moments from his daily life in his YouTube vlogs, offering millions an inside look into his life. One of his most recent videos captures him celebrating the festival of holi with his friends, with pomp and show.Lalit is not just a record holder, his acceptance has become a symbol of self-love and acceptance. His journey is enough to inspire others, especially young people.