4 Out of 10 Hair Loss Patients Who Visited Hospitals Last Year Were in Their 20s and 30s

According to Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data
More Female Patients in Their 50s and 60s

Last year, 4 out of 10 patients who visited hospitals for hair loss were in their 20s or 30s.

According to data submitted by Assemblywoman Kim Yeji of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on October 4, the number of patients visiting hospitals for hair loss increased by about 2.7% over five years, from 234,780 in 2020 to 241,217 last year. This statistic counts patients who visited hospitals for conditions such as alopecia areata, which are covered by health insurance. Therefore, cases of hair loss due to aging or genetic factors, or treatments for cosmetic purposes, are not included.

During the same period, the total medical expenses for hair loss patients increased by 20.7%, from 32.28 billion won to 38.95 billion won. The number of male patients increased by 1.7%, from 134,123 in 2020 to 136,463 last year, and their medical expenses rose by 19.9%, from 17.96 billion won to 21.54 billion won. For female patients, the number increased by 4.1%, from 100,657 to 104,754, and their medical expenses rose by 21.7%, from 14.31 billion won to 17.41 billion won during the same period.

By age group, the largest number of hair loss patients last year were in their 40s, with 54,724 cases. This was followed by those in their 30s (51,619), 50s (46,913), 20s (39,079), those aged 60 and above (33,167), and those under 20 (20,168). Although hair loss is generally known as a condition affecting middle-aged men, people in their 20s and 30s accounted for 37.6% of all cases.

It was also notable that the proportion of female patients increased with age. While male patients outnumbered female patients up to their 40s, women accounted for 51% of patients in their 50s and 60% in their 60s.

By type of hair loss disorder, as of last year, alopecia areata accounted for the majority with 172,090 cases, representing 73% of all patients. Male pattern hair loss accounted for 24,518 cases, and other non-scarring alopecia accounted for 28,561 cases.

Assemblywoman Kim emphasized, "Hair loss is not simply a cosmetic issue but a condition directly linked to overall quality of life," adding, "It is necessary to establish customized prevention policies and support measures for hair loss treatment tailored to age and gender characteristics."