MCA logo
MCA logo

PUBLIC PORTAL

MEDICALLY REVIEWED

Balding becoming a bigger problem for Asian men

Bald Asian men in China

Balding, once primarily a problem for Caucasian men, is now affecting Asian men as well.

In the past, only a small percentage of Asian men suffered from hair loss, this is no longer true. Modern lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and smoking are taking their toll on the hairline of Asian men.

According to a recent survey of 50,000 men in China, people in their 30s are experiencing hair loss at a faster rate than any other demographics. In Korea, a study showed that 90% of people without hair loss believe that balding men appear older and less attractive. As a result, hair transplant surgeries are becoming more popular across Asia. In China, the hair transplant industry is expected to be worth $3 billion this year, a four-fold increase from 2016.

Treatments

Hair loss prevention products, including sprays, serums, and shampoos, are also becoming more popular in Asia. E-commerce giant Alibaba reporting that 70% of hair loss prevention orders are from customers under 40. Traditional Chinese medicine has also offered remedies, some of which have dangerous side effects.

According to a study published by the journal JAMA Dermatology, minoxidil is the most well-known treatment for men and women, available in liquid, foam, and shampoo forms. It requires application twice a day on the scalp, but it can cause side effects. They include itching, burning, dryness, scaling, and flaking, and the positive effects can take several months to appear.

Asian and Japanese scientists are also exploring new ways to combat balding. These include the use of stem cells to grow hair transplanted into mice. In Korea, a technique called micro pigmentation tattoo is used. Thousands of dots on the scalp to give the appearance of a shaved head. However, this hairstyle is still associated with negative stereotypes. Having a shaved head is associated with people who have been in prison or who belong to a gang. Therefore the micro pigmentation tattoo technique that mimics this appearance is sometimes also associated with negative stereotypes. Additionally, some people may view the procedure as unnatural or unattractive, leading to further stigmatization.

Despite the increasing popularity of hair transplants and prevention products, there are still very few high-profile bald or balding Asian men. In a culture that values a long-haired male appearance, it remains to be seen whether the rise in balding will lead to a shift in the male beauty standard and break the stigma associated with balding in Asian culture.

Share via

Also worth reading

People also read:

mental health
The Effects of Diet on Mental Health: What You Need to Know

Discover the link between diet and mental health. A healthy diet that is rich in whole foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics can have a positive impact on mood, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being. Learn about the gut-brain connection, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, and how probiotics can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Find out how you can support your mental health through diet.

Read More »
Hong Kong child facemask
Hong Kong ends mask mandate

The government of Hong Kong announced that Hongkongers can finally remove their face masks when going out. The mask mandate that lasted nearly 1,000 days has been lifted. It ends the mask-wearing requirement indoors, outdoors, and on public transport. The mandate has been a global relic, and Hong Kong was one of the last places to enforce it, with violators facing hefty fines.

Read More »