'Original Ulzzang' Lee Joo-yeon Admits, "I've Used Hair Fibers" in Hair-Loss Confession... Why Hair-Loss Clinics Are Packed with Patients in Their 20s and 30s [Health Talk]
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- 2026-09-30 10:29:41
- Updated
- 2026-09-30 10:29:41
[Financial News] Actor Lee Joo-yeon, 39, formerly of the group After School, candidly opened up about her concerns over hair loss.
Lee Joo-yeon Says, "My Hair Is Falling Out Too Much and My Scalp Itches"; Visits a Hospital
On the 28th, the YouTube channel 'Iju-ui Juyeon' uploaded a video titled 'Actor Lee Joo-yeon's Care DAY: Getting Scalp Care and Even a Full Meridian Massage~.'
The video showed Lee Joo-yeon receiving a facial meridian massage and scalp care.
Lee said, "I've been under a lot of stress lately," and added, "Now that I have more work scheduled, I feel I can't neglect my self-care anymore."
She said, "It's a little embarrassing to talk about this as a woman, but my hair is falling out too much and my scalp is itchy," adding, "So I came to get scalp care."
While having her scalp checked at a scalp-care salon, Lee also revealed that she had used hair fibers.
The scalp-care specialist explained, "Hair fibers can transfer when mixed with sweat and, in some cases, clog the pores."
Hair Loss on the Rise Among People in Their 20s and 30s... Chronic Stress and Eating Habits Cited as Causes
Although hair loss is commonly thought to be a condition affecting middle-aged men, more young people in their 20s and 30s, like Lee Joo-yeon, are seeking medical treatment for hair loss.
According to data that the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) submitted last October to the office of Kim Ye-ji of the People Power Party, the number of patients who visited hospitals for hair loss rose from 234,780 in 2020 to 241,217 in 2024, an increase of about 2.7% over five years.
By age group, people in their 40s accounted for the largest number in 2024, at 54,724, followed by those in their 30s (51,619), 50s (46,913), 20s (39,079), 60 and older (33,167), and under 20 (20,168). People in their 20s and 30s accounted for 37.6% of the total.
Chronic stress is considered the leading cause of hair loss among people in their 20s and 30s. Concerns about academics and career prospects, along with the psychological pressure faced by people in the early stages of their careers, are said to disrupt the balance of the immune system.
Excessive dieting and eating habits centered on dining out are also believed to play a role. Experts particularly warn that carbonated and sweetened beverages consumed out of habit are major culprits undermining the scalp and hair-follicle environment of modern people.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter