Hair Loss
Identifying the cause is the first step in addressing hair loss.
Even healthy individuals shed about 50 to 100 hairs per day. However, if shedding exceeds this range consistently, or if hair density in a specific area clearly decreases, hair loss should be suspected and its cause identified. Hair loss stems from a mix of factors such as genetics, hormones, stress, nutrition, scalp environment, and systemic conditions.
Main Types of Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia
Male- and female-pattern hair loss. Influenced by genes and hormones. Progresses in an M-shape/crown pattern in men, and as diffuse crown thinning in women.
Telogen Effluvium
Widespread shedding 2–3 months after major stressors — postpartum, sudden weight loss, illness, or surgery.
Alopecia Areata
Autoimmune process. Sudden coin-shaped patches of loss. Varying size and number, with frequent recurrence.
Seborrheic & Inflammatory Hair Loss
Related to scalp seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, or other scalp environment issues.
The Korean Medicine View of Hair Loss
Korean medicine considers hair to be "the surplus of blood" (血餘), closely linked to the state of the blood (血). The kidney (腎) is also said to store essence (精), which produces blood, so kidney function is addressed as well.
Blood-Deficiency Type (血虛)
Postpartum, overwork, or after dieting. Hair becomes thin and sheds widely.
Blood-Heat Type (血熱)
Stress, sleep loss, spicy foods. Warm scalp; often linked to seborrheic hair loss.
Damp-Heat Type (濕熱)
Oily/dandruff-prone scalp with odor and itch. Common with seborrheic dermatitis.
Liver-Kidney Deficiency (肝腎不足)
Aging and chronic fatigue. Progressive thinning centered on the crown.
Signs Worth Checking
Osundosun's Approach to Hair Loss
Even with the same complaint, different causes call for different approaches. We consider not only the scalp but also the whole-body condition and constitution.
Herbal formulas tailored to constitution and type are prepared in our on-site herbal dispensary, and acupuncture may be combined to support scalp circulation and stimulate the hair follicles. A key feature is caring for whole-body factors such as stress, sleep, and digestion together.
Helpful Daily Care
Protein & Iron
Hair is made of keratin protein. Restrictive diets can significantly worsen hair loss.
Sleep & Stress
Sleep loss and stress are major aggravators of hair loss.
Scalp Cleansing
Use lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo suited to the scalp. Dry hair fully before sleep.
Limit Smoking & Alcohol
Both impair scalp circulation and are common aggravating factors.
Hair loss is a signal.
Hair loss is often more than a scalp issue — it can be a whole-body signal.
A comprehensive approach that addresses constitution and lifestyle helps build a more stable scalp environment.
Discuss your hair-loss concerns with Osundosun Korean Medicine Clinic.