Hair Loss
Types of hair loss, proven treatments (medication & transplantation), when to see a doctor.
There are different types of hair loss.
- Male and female pattern baldness (androgenetic): This is the most common type. It is influenced by genetics and hormones, causing the hairline to recede or the crown to become thinner.
- Alopecia areata: Hair falls out in coin-shaped patches. It is related to autoimmune disorders and often recovers with treatment.
- Telogen effluvium: This causes overall hair thinning 2-3 months after childbirth, major surgery, extreme dieting, or significant stress. In most cases, it recovers within 6 months to a year.
It is normal for about 100 hairs to fall out each day.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Validated treatments are often more straightforward than you might think.
The following treatments have been medically proven to be effective:
- For men: Oral medications (containing finasteride or dutasteride, prescription required) and topical minoxidil.
- For women: Topical minoxidil is the basic treatment; additional treatments may be considered based on a doctor's judgment.
- Hair transplantation: Considered for areas where improvement cannot be maintained with medication.
Oral medications must be taken consistently to maintain results, and if stopped, the effects will gradually reverse. It takes 3-6 months to determine effectiveness, so please don't be impatient. Before spending a lot of money on unproven, expensive procedures or products (such as scalp care packages), consult with a dermatologist.
Which hospital?
Hair loss is primarily treated in dermatology. If you experience sudden and widespread hair loss, scalp pain or redness accompanied by hair loss, or if your eyebrows and beard also start to fall out, seek medical attention promptly. In women, sudden hair loss can sometimes be caused by other factors such as thyroid problems or anemia, so blood tests may also be conducted.
Frequently asked questions
Does taking hair loss medication cause side effects related to sexual function?
Some people have reported a decrease in libido, but this is rare, and it usually resolves when they stop taking the medication. If you are concerned, it is best to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate treatment for you. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid even touching this medication.
Do shampoos or hair care products improve hair loss?
"Functional shampoos" that claim to alleviate hair loss are only supplementary aids and cannot reverse existing hair loss. Nutritional supplements like zinc and biotin are only helpful if there is a deficiency. Delaying proven treatments (medications) and relying solely on these supplementary products can lead to missing the optimal treatment window.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
Rules and costs can change. Before you make an important decision, check the official page for the latest information.