Interview with the Director of HairON Clinic: “Hair Loss Is Not a Scalp Problem, but a Whole-Body Issue”

HairON Clinic treats hair loss through an internal medicine-based approach without overtreatment. We spoke with a hair loss specialist about what real hair loss treatment truly means.

When Is the Right Time to Start Hair Loss Treatment?

The moment you feel, “My hair has become thinner,” is the time to visit a clinic.

Male pattern and female pattern hair loss begin with thinning before the hair actually starts falling out. At first, you may not notice it, but eventually your scalp becomes more visible and styling becomes difficult. If you can notice a difference when comparing the thickness of the hair at the back of your head with the hair at the front (or crown), you should come in as soon as possible.

If you develop a coin-sized bald patch, as seen in alopecia areata, you should act even more quickly. This is because there is a higher chance that it can worsen rapidly. If you leave it alone thinking, “It will get better naturally,” there are cases where recovery becomes difficult.

However, if your hair shedding increases by about 20% during seasonal changes, it may be temporary, so observing it for one to two months is reasonable.

We Heard That There Are Cases Where You Do Not Recommend Treatment.

Yes, that’s correct. If we determine that it is not hair loss, we do not provide treatment.

It may sound obvious, but many patients are not certain whether they actually have hair loss or not. That is why we conduct detailed examinations and consultations. If we determine that it is not hair loss, we simply tell the patient, “You’re fine at this point.” We do not want to create unnecessary fear.

Another situation is when the potential risks outweigh the benefits of treatment. Every patient has different medical conditions and may be taking different medications. If there is a high likelihood of side effects or a possibility that an underlying condition could worsen, we do not recommend treatment.

What Is Your Standard for “Good Hair Loss Treatment”?

I look at three things.

First, identifying the exact cause. The causes of hair loss are diverse and complex. It may be related to conditions such as thyroid disease, anemia, diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome. It may also be caused by dieting, stress, childbirth, or medications. If treatment begins without understanding the cause, effectiveness may decrease and the optimal treatment window may be missed.

Second, minimizing side effects. Hair loss is not a condition that ends after a short period of treatment. Using medication too aggressively increases the likelihood of side effects, and patients who experience side effects may discontinue treatment altogether. Since every individual’s physical condition is different, treatment should be adjusted accordingly.

Third, treatment effectiveness. The degree of progression, response to medication, and susceptibility to side effects vary from person to person. However, the goal is to achieve the greatest possible effect through appropriate treatment tailored to the individual.

What Is the Most Common Misconception People Have When Visiting a Hair Loss Clinic?

The biggest misconception is the belief that “hair loss is a scalp problem.” Many people expect that changing their shampoo or receiving scalp treatments will solve the issue. However, from a medical perspective, most forms of hair loss are problems of the hair follicles rather than the scalp itself. Male pattern and female pattern hair loss are primarily caused by genetics and hormones, not because the scalp is unclean.

The second misconception is that “hair dyeing and perms cause hair loss.” This is partly true and partly false. Hair dyeing and perms can damage the hair shaft, but they do not destroy hair follicles and directly cause hair loss. Hair that appears dry, brittle, or thinner is a sign of hair damage, which is a different issue from hair loss. Severe scalp irritation and inflammation may worsen existing hair loss, but they are not the underlying cause.

The third misconception is the belief that “women should not take hair loss medication.” It is true that medications such as finasteride and dutasteride, which are commonly used for male pattern hair loss, have restrictions for women of childbearing age. However, that does not mean all hair loss medications are unsuitable for women. There are other options available, including low-dose oral minoxidil, which does not affect hormones and is commonly used for female hair loss patients. Treatment should be selected based on the individual’s condition rather than gender alone.

The final misconception is the belief that “hair loss can only be maintained, not improved.” That may have been true in the past, but things are different now. Modern hair loss treatment has moved beyond simply maintaining existing hair. When treatment begins early, recovery of hair thickness and density is often achievable, and such cases are very common. Of course, areas where follicles have been completely lost are difficult to restore, but most patients still have a significant number of treatable follicles. The goal of hair loss treatment is not simply maintenance, but active improvement and recovery.

“Hair Loss Is Not Just a Scalp Problem” — What Does That Really Mean?

Many people try to find the cause of hair loss in scalp flakes or excess sebum. That’s why they expect that changing their shampoo or receiving scalp treatments will solve their hair loss.

However, in many cases, the cause is an underlying medical condition. Diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and iron-deficiency anemia can cause hair loss. There are also conditions such as alopecia areata and autoimmune hair loss, in which immune cells attack the body itself, and medications may also be the cause.

From a nutritional perspective, rapid weight loss, insufficient food intake, and an unbalanced diet can also trigger hair loss. That is why we do not look only at the scalp—we look at the entire body.

What Led You to Take an Internal Medicine Approach to Hair Loss?

It happened naturally through clinical practice.

There was a patient who came in complaining of sudden hair loss along with severe fatigue. They thought it was simply stress. However, test results revealed hypothyroidism. After starting thyroid treatment, the hair loss symptoms also improved. That was when I became certain that “hair loss may not be just a hair problem.”

Another patient came in for a hair loss consultation and was newly diagnosed with diabetes. As blood sugar levels became controlled, both scalp condition and hair thickness improved. That reaffirmed that hair loss is closely related to overall systemic health.

In addition, minoxidil, which is used for hair loss treatment, was originally a blood pressure medication. It affects blood vessels and circulation. It should be prescribed only after thoroughly checking the patient’s underlying conditions, current medications, blood pressure, and overall physical status. However, in reality, there are many cases where it is prescribed mechanically as “just minoxidil for hair loss” without considering underlying conditions. Hair loss treatment is a medical process, but prescribing medication without asking about the cause clearly has limitations.

Hair loss is a result, and the cause definitely exists within the body. It is essential to look at overall systemic health and lifestyle habits together.

How Do Hormones, Autonomic Nervous System, and Stress Affect Hair Loss?

Hair repeatedly cycles through the growth phase, regression phase, and resting phase. Hormones, autonomic nervous system balance, and stress directly disrupt this cycle and can both trigger and worsen hair loss.

Hormones, the autonomic nervous system, and stress are not separate factors. They are closely interconnected and collectively alter the environment surrounding the hair follicles.

Starting with hormones, androgenetic hair loss occurs when hair follicles become increasingly sensitive to androgen signals and gradually shrink. During this process, the growth phase becomes shorter and the resting phase becomes longer, causing hair to become progressively thinner and more likely to shed. Thyroid dysfunction can also cause telogen effluvium. In women experiencing hormonal changes, such as those associated with polycystic ovary syndrome or menopause, crown thinning can become more pronounced.

The autonomic nervous system regulates blood vessel constriction and dilation, peripheral blood flow, and body temperature. When the sympathetic nervous system remains chronically overactive, microcirculation in the scalp becomes unstable, reducing the efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Inflammatory responses may increase more easily, and symptoms such as itching and sebum imbalance may also occur. Under these conditions, hair loss treatments tend to produce slower and less stable results.

Stress amplifies all of these factors. Stress is not simply a psychological issue—it is a clear physiological response. When excessive stress continues for a prolonged period, stress hormones such as cortisol become altered, increasing the proportion of hairs that shift from the growth phase into the resting phase. This results in what is known as acute telogen effluvium. This is why many people suddenly experience significant hair shedding approximately two to three months after a major stressful event.

What Limitations Occur When Only Procedures Are Performed Without Addressing Internal Causes?

If the underlying problem remains unresolved, even scalp injections or laser treatments only provide temporary improvement. Over time, hair often falls out again or even worsens.

For example, if the entire body is in a state of nutritional deficiency, hormonal imbalance persists, or chronic disease prevents proper follicle function, even the best procedures cannot maintain long-term effects. It is like continuously planting seeds in soil without water.

Another important issue is that focusing only on hair loss may cause underlying systemic diseases to be missed. In reality, it is not uncommon for conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, or severe iron deficiency to be discovered only after hair loss leads patients to seek evaluation. If procedures are repeated without recognizing these conditions, there is also a risk that the underlying disease itself may worsen.

The causes of hair loss cannot always be solved by medication alone. Irregular eating habits, chronic sleep deprivation, excessive stress, and disrupted lifestyle rhythms can all persist, leading to slow treatment response and repeated cycles of improvement and worsening.

What Do You Evaluate Before Starting Treatment?

We do not simply look at “how much hair has fallen out.”

First, we use a scalp magnification examination to directly assess hair thickness, density, follicle condition, and scalp inflammation or sebum status. The first step is distinguishing between androgenic alopecia and telogen effluvium, or whether they are overlapping.

Next is blood testing to identify internal medical causes. We check thyroid function, iron levels, anemia status, inflammatory markers, and blood glucose levels. This helps evaluate whether systemic diseases that may worsen hair loss are present.

Lifestyle patterns are also important. We assess sleep, diet, stress levels, smoking, and alcohol consumption to identify factors that may trigger or worsen hair loss. If lifestyle conditions are poor, treatment response will be limited no matter how good the therapy is.

Overall physical health is also thoroughly evaluated, including blood pressure, underlying diseases, and current medications, to determine whether hair loss medications can be used safely.

Finally, HRV testing is used to evaluate autonomic nervous system balance. Patients with severe stress and autonomic imbalance may respond differently to the same treatment, so treatment intensity and methods are adjusted based on recovery capacity and stress status.

Why Do Treatment Approaches Differ Even for the Same Type of Hair Loss?

Because even if the condition appears the same on the surface, every patient’s situation is different.

Even with the same medication, some patients respond very well, while others see little effect or cannot continue due to side effects.

Underlying medical conditions are also important. Patients with heart or liver disease may require different types or dosages of medication. In some cases, treating the underlying disease takes priority over treating hair loss itself.

Lifestyle is another variable. It is not appropriate to treat patients under severe stress the same way as those with relatively stable lifestyles.

Ultimately, hair loss treatment is not “the same diagnosis, same treatment,” but a personalized approach that considers both body condition and lifestyle factors.

What Do You Always Explain When Prescribing Follicle Strengthening Injections or Hair Loss Medication?

I believe the most important thing is helping patients fully understand their treatment. Treatment should begin with accurate information so that the process is stable and satisfaction with results is higher.

First, I explain the medication’s name, effects, and side effects in detail. Many patients know they are “taking hair loss medication” but do not understand what they are taking or why.

Another key point is realistic expectations. Hair loss is generally a chronic condition that requires long-term management rather than a complete cure. I explain honestly from the beginning that maintaining improvement requires ongoing treatment.

It is also important that not all hair loss can be solved with medication or injections. For example, individuals with a naturally high hairline or genetically wide forehead have structural limitations that cannot be fully corrected with medication alone.

I also emphasize that responses vary from person to person. However, one thing is clear: doing something is generally more beneficial than doing nothing.

I also explain honestly that the longer hair loss has progressed or the more severe it is, the harder it is to fully return to the original state. In particular, the frontal hairline and M-shaped areas in men often have already lost follicles, making medication or injections limited in effect.

What Trend in the Current Hair Loss Market Should We Be Most Cautious About?

I believe the biggest concern is that marketing is advancing ahead of medical standards.

The current hair loss market includes hospitals, scalp care shops, scalp clinics, and traditional medicine clinics, creating a mixed landscape of options. While variety is good, the problem is that excessive treatments are often recommended regardless of severity or cause.

In particular, even when the condition is mild or temporary, it is sometimes presented as very severe, leading to unnecessary aggressive procedures or expensive treatment programs. This is something that must be carefully avoided.

Another issue is that hair loss is increasingly treated as a cosmetic product rather than a medical condition. Instead of asking why hair loss is occurring, the approach becomes “start with care first” or “start with procedures first,” which may lead to temporary improvement but not a real solution.

Exaggerated marketing claims are also a problem. Some promotions suggest that a few procedures can completely cure hair loss or that everyone will achieve the same results, but in reality, treatment outcomes vary widely and usually require long-term management.

The spread of unverified self-treatment information online is also dangerous. Hair loss is not something that can be solved with a single product or method, and this often leads to delayed proper treatment.

Ultimately, the core of hair loss treatment is not flashy procedures or advertising, but accurate diagnosis and realistic treatment planning. What matters is not a market that increases patient anxiety, but one that enables rational treatment decisions based on accurate information.

When Do Patients Feel “This Clinic Is Different From Others”?

The most common feedback is: “It feels like real medical care here.”

Many patients say that in other places, their scalp was barely examined, or they were prescribed medication without proper evaluation.

At our clinic, we comprehensively assess the patient through scalp magnification, blood tests, and lifestyle evaluation, and build a treatment plan based on those results. During procedures, we also take photos before, during, and after treatment so patients can directly observe changes.

Another point is that patients “feel comfortable asking questions.” Hair loss involves a lot of information and long treatment periods, so questions are natural. I always try to listen carefully and resolve even small concerns.

After experiencing this process, patients often say they feel ‘this is a place that genuinely understands their condition and concerns.’

Ultimately, hair loss treatment is not mechanical prescribing but human-centered care. These fundamentals are ironically what become the differentiating factor.

What Should Patients Know Before Visiting HairON Clinic?

First, I want to emphasize that this is ‘not a place where you must come only for treatment.’

Many hair loss clinics operate in a factory-like system where patients only speak with consultants and may not directly meet a doctor. Because of this, many patients assume they must already decide on a procedure before visiting.

However, we are not a place that recommends procedures first—we prioritize medical consultation.

-Whether you want to know if you truly have hair loss

-Why your hair is falling out

-Whether there might be another underlying cause

-What treatment is suitable for you

You can come with any of these questions.  You do not need to decide on treatment in advance, and you do not need to come only if you are ready for procedures.

You can come, receive an accurate diagnosis of your current condition, and decide on treatment only if necessary. Some patients even leave feeling reassured after consultation alone, with the explanation that treatment is not needed at the moment.

We hope you can think of this as a place you can visit comfortably when you want to understand your condition properly, without pressure that you “must receive treatment.”

A Message for Those Concerning Whether to Start Hair Loss Treatment

We fully understand your worries, anxiety, and concerns.

While it would be ideal if the issue could be resolved without visiting a clinic, the most reliable and effective approach is medical treatment.

If you are unsure whether it is hair loss because symptoms are mild?

Confirming that it is not hair loss is also very important. Early treatment is also more effective if it is confirmed. After examination, if it is not hair loss, you can feel reassured. If it is, you can begin treatment.

Are you worried because of things you read online like “hair loss medication is toxic” or “side effects are severe”?

There is a lot of misinformation and exaggeration online. Depending on the type of hair loss, gender, and individual characteristics, medications and treatment methods differ. We will carefully explain everything—from mechanisms of action to side effect probabilities and real clinical experience.

If you are already noticing visible hair loss?

It is often already in progress. If you think you may have hair loss, please feel free to visit us.

HairON Clinic Is Different in This Way

✓ Honest care without overtreatment
We do not treat if it is not hair loss. If risks outweigh benefits, we do not recommend treatment.

✓ Internal medicine-based root cause evaluation
We look beyond the scalp and comprehensively assess thyroid function, anemia, hormones, and overall systemic health.

✓ Personalized treatment plans
Even with the same diagnosis, body condition, lifestyle, and medication response differ. We provide tailored treatments instead of standardized prescriptions.

✓ Transparent explanations and realistic expectations
We clearly explain medication ingredients, effects, side effects, treatment duration, and limitations.

This interview was conducted in February 2026 and reflects HairON Clinic’s medical philosophy and clinical approach.