Hair loss (탈모, talmo) is a medical concern with many causes, and the right treatment depends on the cause. Korea has dermatology clinics, hair transplant clinics and scalp-care shops, and they are not the same thing. This guide explains how to start, what two common medicines say on their labels, and what to ask about a hair transplant.
At a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| First step | A medical diagnosis. Hair loss can have different causes and some need tests or other treatment. |
| Korean words to say | 탈모 (hair loss), 두피 (scalp), 모발이식 (hair transplant) |
| Common options | Medicines used under a doctor’s advice, in-clinic scalp treatments, and surgical hair transplant |
| How transplants are counted | By the number of hairs or grafts (모). See below. |
Start with a diagnosis
Sudden or patchy hair loss, a painful or scaly scalp, or loss with other symptoms needs a doctor to examine it. A scalp-care shop can wash and massage the scalp, but it cannot diagnose a condition. Ask whether the service is a medical treatment by a doctor, or a beauty service.
Two common medicines and what their labels say
Finasteride (oral)
- The label for finasteride 1 mg states it is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in men only. It is not indicated for women or children.
- Women who are or may be pregnant must not take it, and should not handle crushed or broken tablets. It can cause abnormal genitals in a male fetus.
- The most common drug-related effects listed are lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems. Some reports describe these continuing after stopping. Depression and suicidal thoughts are listed in post-marketing reports, without a frequency.
- The label says daily use for three months or more is needed before benefit is seen, and that the effect reverses within 12 months after stopping.
Minoxidil (applied to the scalp)
- Product information describes it for inherited thinning, with different products and strengths for men and women. Women should not use the men’s product.
- Do not use it if you are under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding, or on a scalp that is red, swollen, irritated or infected.
- New hair may appear in 2 to 4 months, with thicker growth around 4 to 6 months, and more shedding in the first weeks is expected. Regrowth can disappear within 3 to 4 months of stopping.
- Stop and see a doctor if there is no growth after 4 months, or for severe scalp irritation, chest pain, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or swelling of the hands or feet.
Which medicines need a prescription varies by country, so ask the doctor or pharmacist in Korea, and see our guide to prescriptions and pharmacies. Do not start or stop a prescription medicine without a doctor’s advice.
Hair transplant: how it is counted in Korea
In Korea’s public list of non-covered medical items, hair transplantation (모발이식술) is a listed item with categories by the number of hairs: under 500, 500 to under 1,000, 1,000 to under 2,000, 2,000 or more, and per hair (1모당). Ask the clinic which count your quote is based on, and what is included, such as the number of grafts, anaesthesia and follow-up. Prices are set by each clinic.
What the hair transplant surgeons’ society warns about
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery says licensed, properly trained physicians should do the core medical work, including diagnosis, surgical planning and making the incisions. It lists these red flags:
- A doctor advertises credentials but leaves the surgery to unlicensed staff.
- Claims of “scarless” surgery. Any incision deeper than the most superficial layer leaves a scar.
- Claims that a machine does the whole procedure.
- Calling it a minor procedure while ignoring the hundreds to thousands of incisions involved.
- Unlicensed technicians performing the surgery, which can lead to misdiagnosis and serious complications.
Questions to ask the clinic
- What is causing my hair loss, and how was that decided?
- Who will do each step of the procedure, including the diagnosis, the plan and the incisions?
- How is the price counted, and what does it include?
- What anaesthesia is used, and how will I be monitored?
- What are the risks and the aftercare, and who do I contact from home?
- Can the schedule fit my trip? Ask what you can and cannot do before the flight home.
Useful Korean words
| Korean | Romanised | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 탈모 | talmo | Hair loss |
| 두피 | dupi | Scalp |
| 모발이식 | mobal isik | Hair transplant |
| 모 | mo | Hair or graft count |
| 피나스테리드 | pinaseuteurideu | Finasteride |
| 미녹시딜 | minoksidil | Minoxidil |
| 처방전 | cheobangjeon | Prescription |
| 마취 | machwi | Anaesthesia |
| 부작용 | bujagyong | Side effects |
Frequently asked questions
Is a scalp treatment the same as a medical treatment?
No. Scalp-care shops offer cosmetic services, while a medical diagnosis and prescription come from a doctor. Ask which one you are paying for.
Do medicines for hair loss work for everyone?
No. Both labels describe use for specific types of hair loss, and benefits depend on continued use. A doctor should confirm the type first.
General information, not medical advice. Devices, products and rules change; confirm details with a licensed doctor. Before you book, check the clinic on our map, build a visit card to show the doctor, and read how to read a Korean clinic estimate. See the About page for our sources and corrections policy.
Sources
- Finasteride 1 mg tablet label (DailyMed)
- Rogaine (minoxidil) product information (Drugs.com)
- ISHRS consumer alert on hair restoration surgery
- HIRA non-covered medical fee information service (data.go.kr)