Hair loss treatment in Seoul, based on what is actually causing it
Thinning at the crown, a widening part or sudden shedding? Different causes need different treatment, and the earlier you start, the more hair you are likely to keep.
3F, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu
Apgujeong Station (Line 3), Exit 5 · 1 min walk
Hair loss treatment in Seoul at VEI Clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam starts by finding the type and cause of your hair loss. Dr. HyunSung Park, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, examines your scalp, checks blood tests such as iron and thyroid when indicated, and discusses proven options like minoxidil and finasteride, with dermatology referral when needed.
How hair loss treatment in Seoul starts: the right diagnosis
Hair loss has several common causes, and treatment that works for one can be useless for another. Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, shows up as a receding hairline or crown thinning in men and a widening part in women. Telogen effluvium is heavy shedding a few months after a trigger such as illness, childbirth, stress, crash dieting or a new medicine. Alopecia areata causes round, smooth patches. Scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, iron deficiency, thyroid disease and some medicines can all add to the picture.
At VEI Clinic, Dr. HyunSung Park takes a history of when and how the loss started, examines the pattern and scalp, performs a gentle pull test and looks for signs of inflammation or miniaturized hairs. Baseline photos are taken, with your consent, so progress can be judged objectively.
Blood tests that matter
Tests are ordered when your history suggests they could change treatment, not as a routine panel. The most useful include:
- Ferritin and iron studies: low iron stores are a common, treatable contributor, especially in women
- Thyroid tests (TSH): both underactive and overactive thyroid can cause diffuse shedding
- Complete blood count: to check for anemia
- Vitamin D and B12 or folate: when diet, symptoms or other results suggest a deficiency
- Hormone review: for women with irregular periods, acne or excess hair growth, which can point to a condition such as PCOS
Proven medical options
Treatment is chosen according to your type of hair loss, sex, age, other health conditions and preferences. Medicines work by slowing loss and regrowing some hair; they need to be continued to keep the benefit.
- Topical minoxidil: solution or foam for men and women. Shedding can increase briefly in the first weeks, which usually means the treatment is starting to work.
- Finasteride (men): a daily tablet that lowers the hormone DHT. A small number of men notice sexual side effects, which we discuss openly. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
- Dutasteride (selected men): a stronger option in the same family, used with specialist input.
- Low-dose oral minoxidil: an off-label option for diffuse thinning in men and women; we monitor for ankle swelling, palpitations and unwanted facial or body hair.
- Spironolactone (women): an anti-androgen option used off-label; contraception is required and potassium and blood pressure are monitored.
- Medicated shampoos: antifungal or anti-inflammatory shampoos for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Procedures, devices and referrals
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your own blood platelets and are usually given as an initial course of about three sessions, four to six weeks apart, with occasional maintenance. Studies suggest PRP can help some people with pattern hair loss, but results vary and the evidence is less robust than for medicines. Microneedling can enhance topical treatment, and we can advise on home low-level laser devices, which have modest evidence.
If scarring alopecia is suspected, or alopecia areata is extensive, we refer you to a dermatologist, who may perform a scalp biopsy. Once medical treatment has stabilized your hair and goals are realistic, we can also discuss referral for a hair transplant.
Who should wait, what to expect and red flags
Some medicines and procedures are deferred during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and an active scalp infection or uncontrolled medical condition is treated first. Expect patience: in the first two months shedding may briefly increase, by three to six months shedding usually settles, and visible density changes often take six to twelve months or more.
Day to day, apply topical treatments exactly as directed, since overuse can irritate the scalp, take tablets consistently, treat dandruff or itch early, and use a gentle hair-care routine. After PRP or microneedling, avoid saunas, hot showers and heavy sweating for about a day.
Hair loss itself is rarely urgent. Seek prompt medical care for hair loss with fever, rapid weight loss or a painful, red or oozing scalp. For chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion or stroke signs, call 119.
How it works
Consult and history
Tell Dr. Park how and when the hair loss started, your goals, hair-care habits and medicines.
Scalp exam and photos
Arrive with clean, dry hair without fibers or sprays so the pattern and scalp can be assessed and photographed.
Tests and plan
Targeted blood tests if needed, and a plan with topical or oral options, plus procedures if you choose.
Review at 12 to 16 weeks
Compare photos, check side effects and adjust treatment.
Dr. HyunSung Park
Medical Director · Internal Medicine Specialist · Consults in English & Korean
- Board-certified in internal medicine
- Gastroenterology subspecialist
- ECFMG certified (U.S.)
- Graduate, State University of New York
- Former Clinical Professor, Dongguk Univ. Ilsan Hospital
- Treating patients in Korea since 2010
Related care
Common questions
What hair loss treatment in Seoul works for pattern hair loss?
The options with the strongest evidence are minoxidil, used on the scalp or at low dose by mouth, and, for men, finasteride. Dr. Park chooses based on your sex, age, health and preferences, and treatment must be continued to maintain results.
Which blood tests should I have for hair loss?
Commonly ferritin and iron studies, thyroid tests and a blood count, and sometimes vitamin D, B12, folate or hormone tests. They are chosen based on your history, since many people with pattern hair loss have normal results.
Does finasteride cause sexual side effects?
A small proportion of men report reduced libido or erectile or ejaculatory changes. We discuss this before you start, and you should report any changes so the plan can be reviewed.
Is PRP worth it?
PRP may help some people with pattern hair loss, especially alongside medicines, but results vary and it is not a substitute for proven treatments. We explain the evidence and costs before you decide.
My hair is falling out in clumps after an illness. Is that permanent?
Heavy shedding two to three months after illness, childbirth or major stress is often telogen effluvium, which usually recovers within months once the trigger has passed. We check for contributors such as low iron or thyroid problems.
When will I see results?
Shedding usually slows within three to six months, while visible thickening tends to take six to twelve months or longer. Photos taken at your first visit help us measure progress fairly.
This page is general information reviewed by a physician and is not a substitute for a personal consultation. Treatment suitability, benefits and risks differ for each person and are discussed with you before any care. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.
Questions about hair loss treatment seoul? Ask us.
Send a message and we'll reply on WhatsApp in English, usually the same day. WhatsApp: +82-10-5700-7597
