Increasing 'Young 탈모'... Hair Falling Out in Clumps at This Age Already

Generation 2030 Complains of Hair Loss Due to Various Stresses Including Employment
Reduce Stress and Avoid Excessive Drinking and Smoking

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Kim, in his early 30s, has recently been under severe stress due to hair loss. He confessed, "I keep failing to get a job, and my interpersonal relationships are getting difficult, so my hair is falling out in clumps." He added, "I'm also looking into hair loss prevention shampoos, and I hope the (hair loss symptoms) get resolved well."

Hair loss, once thought to be exclusive to middle-aged men, is emerging as a concern among young people as well. Many complain that they get scared when they see clumps of hair falling out every time they wash their hair. Appearance complexes caused by hair loss can lead to mental issues such as lowered self-esteem, social withdrawal, and depression.

'Clumps of Hair Falling Out,' Most Common in 30s

Hair loss symptoms continue to increase. According to the National Health Insurance Service, 243,609 people received treatment for hair loss last year. This is a 13.7% (29,381 people) increase compared to 214,228 in 2017.

The number of patients was △224,688 in 2018 △232,671 in 2019 △233,459 in 2020 △243,609 in 2021, increasing every year. Over the past five years, the total medical expenses for pathological hair loss amounted to 177.9843 billion KRW. Last year, medical expenses for pathological hair loss were 41.99779 billion KRW, a 46.6% increase compared to 28.64979 billion KRW in 2017.

By age group, the number of patients was highest in the order of △30s: 52,722 (21.6%) △40s: 52,580 (21.6%) △20s: 47,549 (19.5%), showing increased interest in hair loss among people in their 20s and 30s.

Given this situation, a new term 'Young Hair Loss' has recently emerged. Consequently, the beauty industry is also paying attention to the hair loss market. Since the main consumers of hair loss care products are people in their 20s and 30s, the industry is actively targeting the younger generation.

For example, TS Trillion's TS Shampoo has hired popular celebrities and sports stars among young people, such as Son Heung-min and Kim Yuna, as advertising models. Dr. For Hair also uses actor Hyun Bin as a model, and the product is known as the so-called 'Hyun Bin Shampoo.' This is different from previous hair loss product promotions that featured middle-aged actors.

'MZ Generation Hair Loss' Treatment Costs Supported by Local Governments... Debates Ensue

As hair loss among people in their 20s and 30s increases, local governments are also taking interest. Eunpyeong-gu in Seoul has begun establishing a policy to support hair loss treatment vouchers for young residents of Eunpyeong-gu, which was a campaign promise of the district mayor. The plan is to understand the seriousness of youth hair loss issues and establish related support policies.

Seongdong-gu passed the 'Seoul Metropolitan City Seongdong-gu Youth Hair Loss Treatment Support Ordinance' in May, the first of its kind nationwide. Starting next year, residents aged 39 or younger who have lived in Seongdong-gu for more than three months and are diagnosed with 'alopecia' can receive hair loss treatment vouchers from the district office.

However, opinions are divided on this issue. Hair loss does not interfere with daily life and is therefore classified as a 'non-reimbursable' condition in the medical system. To be eligible for health insurance coverage, one must lose more than 100 hairs or be diagnosed with pathological hair loss causing severe scarring.

Experts advise that to prevent hair loss, one should adopt habits that minimize stress as much as possible. For example, securing sufficient sleep time by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and going to bed early is important. Excessive drinking and smoking should be minimized, and overwork or severe stress should be avoided. If stress cannot be avoided, one should find their own stress relief methods to prevent it from leading to hair loss.