02 Jun
I started losing my hair when I was just 13 years old. Since most of the men in my family are bald, I always knew genetics were not on my side. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but the problem gradually became more noticeable as I got older. By the time I reached college, I decided it was time to take action.
After visiting a dermatologist and discussing my concerns, I was prescribed medication that helped strengthen and thicken my hair. Things seemed to be improving—until I moved to Seoul.
Why Is Hair Loss So Common in Seoul?
When I first arrived in Seoul, I was shocked by how much hair I was losing. Every time I ran my hand through my hair, I would find five to ten strands between my fingers. My shower drain quickly became covered with fallen hair, and it was clear that something had changed.
After researching the issue, I discovered that hair loss in Seoul is surprisingly common. Many men and women living in Korea have shared similar experiences online, discussing increased shedding and changes in hair health after moving to the city.
Fortunately, I’ve been able to significantly slow down my hair loss since moving to Korea. Here are the three biggest changes that helped improve my hair health.
1. Using Korean Hair Products Designed for Scalp Health
Korea is famous for its skincare industry, but its hair care products deserve attention as well. There are countless brands and formulas available, but the products that worked best for me came from Aromatica. In particular, I found their rosemary shampoo, conditioner, and hair tonic extremely effective.
Of all the products I tried, adding a hair tonic to my routine made the biggest difference. Korea’s weather can be harsh, with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. When I first arrived during the summer, my scalp became incredibly oily and uncomfortable.
After applying a hair tonic following each shower, I noticed a dramatic reduction in oil buildup and scalp irritation. My scalp felt cleaner, healthier, and much easier to manage.
2. Installing a Shower Head Filter
Many newcomers are surprised to learn that Seoul’s water can be quite hard. Hard water contains higher levels of minerals, which may contribute to dry skin, scalp irritation, and hair damage.
Before switching to a filtered shower head, I experienced significantly more hair shedding than normal. While hard water may not be the sole cause of hair loss, reducing exposure to mineral-heavy water made a noticeable difference for me.
The good news is that shower head filters are affordable and easy to find throughout Korea. I purchased mine from Daiso, and installation took less than five minutes without requiring any tools.
3. Finding a Foreigner-Friendly Dermatologist in Korea
If you’ve already tried improving your hair care routine and are still experiencing hair loss, I highly recommend visiting a dermatologist.
Korea is known for its advanced medical technology, and many dermatology clinics offer treatments specifically designed for hair loss. Depending on your condition, options may include prescription medications, scalp treatments, or laser therapy.
For me, seeing a dermatologist produced the most significant results.
To find a foreigner-friendly dermatologist, I recommend checking TikTok, expat communities, or Naver Maps. Clinics that offer English-language websites are often more accustomed to treating international patients.
During my visit, I was prescribed Finasteride, a medication commonly used to treat male pattern baldness. While Finasteride is generally not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it has worked very well for me.
Final Thoughts on Hair Loss in Korea
Hair loss can be frustrating, but the earlier you address it, the better your chances of slowing its progression. Whether it’s improving your hair care routine, installing a shower filter, or seeking professional treatment, there are plenty of effective options available in Korea.
Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, and it’s an incredibly common concern among both Koreans and foreigners living in Seoul.
I hope my experience helps others who are dealing with hair loss in Korea and gives you a few practical solutions to try for yourself.
Gabriel White, Marketing Assistant
Gabriel (Gabe) White is an English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.
