Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

Good time of the day to those who are listening to this podcast! This is Munisa! Today, I am raising the topic that might have stressed almost all foreigners in Korea (especially those who have long hair) - HAIR LOSS. If you are in Korea and losing a lot of hair, this could be caused by several factors, which may vary from person to person. Some common reasons include: 1. Water Quality - Korea's tap water can be harder than what some people are used to, containing higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. This can affect the scalp and hair, potentially leading to dryness, irritation, or hair breakage. Although, according to The Korea Water Resources Corporation, tap water is clean and completely safe to drink and use for hygienic purposes, the pipes may contain build-up rust and other substances if your building is old. 2. Dietary Changes - A sudden shift in diet can impact overall health, including hair. If your diet in Korea lacks certain nutrients such as protein, iron, or vitamins like Biotin, it could contribute to hair loss. 3. Stress - Moving to a new country often involves stress from adapting to a new culture, lifestyle, or academic/professional demands. Stress is a common trigger for hair loss conditions. 4. Weather and Pollution - Korea experiences extreme weather (hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters), which can affect the scalp and hair health. Additionally, fine dust pollution (미세먼지) can damage the scalp and weaken hair follicles. 5. Hair Products - The hair care products available in Korea might not suit your hair type, especially if your hair has different texture or needs. Some Korean shampoos have ingredients like sulfates or silicones that could irritate sensitive scalps. 6. Hormonal Changes - Changes in lifestyle, sleep patterns, or exposure to different environmental factors might also impact your hormone levels, leading to temporary hair loss. Now, how can you overcome the situation? First, you can switch to filtered water: Use a shower filter to reduce mineral buildup on your scalp. Obvious, yet hard to follow advice: have a nutrient-rich diet. Ensure you're consuming enough iron, protein, and essential vitamins for hair health. For example, egg, fish, spinach, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes are the foods that you might want to eat more. Try switching to a gentler hair care: Use shampoos and conditioners suited to your hair type, and avoid harsh products that contain sulfate. Moreover, protect from pollution. Wear hats or use scalp treatments to guard against environmental damage. Last but not least, manage stress. I know it is only easy to say, but try to practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to reduce stress. In conclusion, the hair loss might be caused by water or air quality, diet or stress. To reduce the effects, along with dietary changes, managing stress, staying hydrated, and avoiding overly harsh hair products can help improve hair health.