Breaking Beauty Standards: PCOS & Hirsutism at VC Nest

Inika Mehra, founder of PCOS Alliance, took the stage at the Beauty Tech Conference to spotlight PCOS and hirsutism — challenging beauty standards and championing inclusivity for women navigating hormonal and skin-related conditions.

In her talk, Inika shared her personal journey with PCOS, including growing a beard at age 11 and the emotional impact of navigating body image while living with a misunderstood condition. She spoke about the importance of creating safe, affirming spaces for girls and women who experience symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, and hair loss — symptoms that often carry deep stigma and silence.

Inika also explored how beauty standards, technology, and social media shape the way young women see themselves, and how the beauty industry can become a force for education, empowerment, and representation. She encouraged attendees to rethink conventional beauty norms, adopt inclusive design practices, and consider the lived realities of women with hormonal conditions when developing products and digital experiences.

The session highlighted the need for early education, emotional support, and integrative approaches to care — especially for adolescents who often struggle in isolation. Inika emphasized that conversations around PCOS must include not only medical treatment, but also mental health, self-worth, and community healing.

We are proud to see PCOS Alliance’s mission represented at the Beauty Tech Conference, bringing visibility to a condition that affects millions yet remains under-discussed. Together, we can build a future where women with PCOS feel seen, supported, confident, and celebrated in their own skin.