Growing Hair Loss Shampoo Market ... Fashion and Beauty Industries Also Taking on the Challenge

Increase in Hair Loss Among Young People Leads to Surge in Hair Loss Products
MFDS States "No Hair Loss Prevention or Treatment Shampoo Proven Effective"

[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] Hair loss, once considered a concern only for middle-aged and older adults, is now spreading to the 2030 generation, prompting the fashion and beauty industries to actively target the functional shampoo market for hair loss. Although the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has stated that there is currently no shampoo proven effective for preventing or treating hair loss, the market continues to grow.

According to related industries, the current number of people experiencing hair loss in South Korea is estimated to be 10 million, including hair loss due to aging and genetic factors. The number of people receiving treatment for hair loss is also increasing. According to data received by Kim Won-i, a member of the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee from the National Health Insurance Service, 243,609 people received medical treatment for pathological hair loss last year. This is a 13.7% increase compared to 2017.

By age group, last year, the highest number of hair loss treatments were received by people in their 30s (21.6%), 40s (21.6%), and 20s (19.5%), respectively. As the number of young people receiving hair loss treatment increases and demand from the 2030 generation who want to prevent hair loss before symptoms appear grows, beauty companies are continuously launching hair loss-related products.

Recently, Shinsegae International’s own hair care brand, Just as I Am, released the functional product for alleviating hair loss symptoms, I Am Shampoo N2, and expanded the product line after receiving a better-than-expected response. Since the brand launch in July, it has received over 2,500 cumulative reviews on Naver Brand Store within three months, showing positive reactions from the start.

Amorepacific’s scalp care brand Labo H introduced a scalp-strengthening shampoo, and Dongkook Pharmaceutical also launched a new hair loss care brand, Le Pansy, with a launch broadcast on Lotte Home Shopping on the 19th.

However, concerns have been raised that consumers should not expect immediate effects from functional shampoos for hair loss and purchase them hastily. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety explained that hair loss treatments (medicines) work by being absorbed into the scalp, and there are currently no approved products with a usage method like shampoo that washes the hair. Additionally, more than 170 cases of shampoo advertisements and sales claiming effectiveness in preventing and treating hair loss have recently been detected.

Experts also say that hair loss cannot be prevented or treated with shampoo. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s private advertising verification group, composed of medical professionals, consumer groups, and academic experts, stated, "Functional cosmetic shampoos only help alleviate hair loss symptoms and are fundamentally different from hair loss treatment medicines, so they cannot prevent or treat hair loss," adding, "It is important to receive treatment after an accurate diagnosis by a specialist."