The number of young men struggling with hair loss starting in their 20s is sharply increasing.
According to the 2023 National Health Concern Statistics released by South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, 138,548 male patients were diagnosed with alopecia, showing a continued upward trend. Among them, men in their 20s and 30s accounted for 44% of all cases.
This figure only includes patients who received insurance-covered treatment at medical institutions, suggesting that the actual number of people experiencing hair loss is likely much higher.
Male pattern baldness is common among men in their 20s and 30s across all nations and ethnicities.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, about 25% of men with male pattern baldness notice symptoms before age 21. Two-thirds of American men report noticeable hair loss by age 35.
Causes and Progression of Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness is caused by excessive production of androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to hair follicle shrinkage and hair loss. The main causes are the activity of androgens and genetic factors. When the male hormone testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, it is converted into DHT, which is considered the primary culprit of male hair loss.
While blood androgen levels are similar in those with and without hair loss, those with baldness tend to produce more DHT in specific areas of the scalp, leading to localized hair loss.
Having a family history of hair loss also increases the risk. Although the precise genetic pattern is not fully understood, those with balding parents or grandparents are more likely to develop the condition.
Male pattern baldness typically causes the hair at the front and crown of the head to become progressively shorter, thinner, and lighter in color. As hair loss advances, the hairline recedes, and scalp visibility increases.
Interestingly, the hair at the back of the head often remains intact. This is because hair follicles at the front and crown are more sensitive to androgens than those at the back.
Psychological and Social Impact on Younger Generations
The decline in quality of life due to hair loss is especially pronounced among younger men.
In a 2023 study involving 402 male patients with androgenetic alopecia, the average Skindex-29 score—used to assess dermatological quality of life—was highest in patients in their 20s (29.1±20.2), followed by those in their 30s (24.1±20.4).
The earlier hair loss begins, the greater the negative impact on self-esteem.
According to a survey by Embrain, 80.7% of respondents believed hair loss symptoms would negatively affect key aspects of life, such as employment, relationships, and marriage. Younger respondents were more likely to want to hide their condition from romantic partners or spouses (58.8% in their 20s, 53.6% in their 30s, 52.0% in their 40s, and 40.0% in their 50s).
Decreased satisfaction with appearance due to hair loss can lead to reduced confidence and increased anxiety in social settings.
In a survey of 212 adult men aged 20 and older, those experiencing hair loss reported lower self-esteem and higher levels of stress and depression compared to men without hair loss.
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