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Stressed younger men in S. Korea cover losses with wigs

May 27, 2015
(Photo courtesy of Michael McDonough via Flickr/Creative Commons)

Namdaemun Market in Seoul, South Korea (Photo courtesy of Michael McDonough via Flickr/Creative Commons)

Hair loss from high stress and other factors is prompting younger men to buy wigs.

According to wig maker Himo’s recent figures, those in their 30s account for 27 percent of its male customers, while those in their 20s make up 4 percent.

Male customers in their 40s account for 32 percent.

This means men in their 50s and below make up 63 percent of male wig customers.

Himo attributed the growing percentage of young customers to genetics, the aftereffects of surgery and excessive stress.

More women are also experiencing hair loss, the company said. Women accounted for 15 percent of its total customers last year.

The market for hair-loss products is growing. Domestic sales of wigs, hair-loss prevention shampoos and hair-loss treatments topped 400 billion won, or about $366 million, in 2004, but grew tenfold to 4 trillion won, or about S$3.66 billion, in 2012.

“Our main customer group is men in their 30s and 40s who are in transition to the hair-loss stage, but recently our customer base has diversified to men in their teens and 20s and women,” a Himo official said.