According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the number of hair loss patients increased from approximately 220,000 in 2018 to about 250,000 in 2023, a rise of about 14% over five years. The number of patients is on the rise, and the age group of patients is gradually getting younger. Hair loss is not a life-threatening condition, but it has a significant impact both externally and psychologically. This is why more people are seeking shampoos, scalp care products, and health supplements that help promote hair health to prevent hair loss.

If you are experiencing significant hair loss, loss of elasticity, or breakage without strength, you should focus on 'nutrient supply.' Hair, like skin, ages and requires sufficient nutrients. Components that affect hair include proteins, minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and vitamins.

About 80% of hair is composed of a protein called keratin, so protein supply is essential for hair formation. Calcium plays a role in forming bones, teeth, and hair; deficiency can cause hair to become thin and fall out easily. Magnesium helps absorb nutrients necessary for hair and scalp and improves blood circulation in the scalp. Vitamin C helps recover damaged hair follicles, and vitamin B facilitates the metabolism of hair.

Recently, ingredients known to promote hair health have gained popularity. The most representative ones are brewer's yeast and biotin. Brewer's yeast is high in protein and vitamin B. Biotin synthesizes carbohydrates and fatty acids and is involved in amino acid metabolism, positively affecting hair health. However, brewer's yeast is a regular food, and biotin, unless in high doses, falls under the general vitamin category, so it is best to think of it as a supplement when consuming.

Is there any ingredient recognized for hair health functionality? The first in Korea to be recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for hair health functionality is the Job's tears extract complex, Keranet™. The Job's tears extract complex is a 100% plant-derived natural ingredient that concentrates only the core components of Job's tears and wheat. Job's tears are rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as vitamin B group, and contain miliacin, which helps improve keratinocyte metabolism and proliferation involved in hair growth. Wheat contains glucosylceramide, which is used in the synthesis of ceramides that make up the scalp cell membrane and hair.

The Gijangmil extract complex has been published in an SCI-level journal and possesses human application test results. In a study involving 91 healthy adult men and women aged 19 to 60 with mild to severe damaged hair, significant improvements were observed in a total of eight indicators, including hair elasticity, hair diameter (thickness), shine, and participant satisfaction (hair shine, elasticity, thickness, hair texture, and volume).

Health Chosun: What is this? In the hair health section, we explore a variety of information from understanding the hair growth cycle to essential nutrients and lifestyle habits needed for healthy hair, together with Pharmacist Choi Yong-han from Hanam Star Pharmacy.