Advancements in Hair Research: Global Conference Highlights Breakthroughs

Hair health is a global concern, and recently, research into hair regeneration and hair loss treatments using various new technologies has been actively underway. In this context, leading domestic and international experts in the hair field gathered to share their extensive clinical experience and research findings. 

On the 25th, the Korean Hair Research Society held its 21st Annual Academic Conference at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Hotel in COEX.

More importantly, this conference gained even greater significance as a milestone for the World Congress for Hair Research, which will be held in Seoul next May. It featured a rich academic program spanning both clinical practice and research, operating two lecture halls simultaneously. Esteemed researchers from East Asia and prominent scholars from the United States presented, broadly sharing their clinical experience and research findings.

National Taiwan University's Professor Sung-Jan Lin kicked off the first session, sharing research findings on the hair regeneration effects of laser stimulation and offering insights into this recently emerging hair loss treatment.

Peking University's Professor Cheng Zhou discussed trends in the diagnosis and treatment of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Meanwhile, Professor Yohei Natsuaki from Kurume University, Japan, shared his work on treating alopecia areata with JAK inhibitors and Japan's guidelines, providing an opportunity to compare these approaches with the domestic treatment environment.

Professor Luis Garza's lecture, from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, also truly stood out. Befitting his status as a world-renowned scholar in stem cell research, he meticulously explained everything from the structure of hair follicles to the mechanisms that induce hair follicle regeneration through stem cell therapy, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Korean scholars also presented, sharing their remarkable research achievements. 

Professor Jin Seok Ahn of Samsung Medical Center's Division of Hematology-Oncology drew significant attention by introducing the 'cooling cap system' as a way to prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy. Cooling caps have already received approval from the U.S. FDA and Europe's EMA, and are included in cancer treatment guidelines in the U.S. and Europe, where they are used as an ancillary treatment for patients undergoing chemotherapy. In South Korea, the process for registering it as a new medical technology is currently underway.

Professor Jin Seok Ahn presented clinical research results proving the effectiveness of the cooling cap system, emphasizing the vital need for evidence-based hair loss treatment in cancer care.

"Wearing a cooling cap reduces hair follicle damage, increasing the likelihood of faster and thicker hair regrowth after chemotherapy," Professor Ahn explained. "While there are differences depending on the type of chemotherapy and genetic factors, hair loss significantly impacts patients' quality of life by lowering self-esteem. Therefore, continuous attention from the academic community is essential."

This year, presentations were also given on scarring alopecia, in addition to androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Scarring alopecia is a type of permanent hair loss where hair follicles are destroyed due to various causes, leading to irreversible cessation of hair growth. Recently, active research is underway to discover biomarkers for its effective diagnosis.

Professor Jung Eun Kim of the Dermatology Department at Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, provided a detailed explanation of the latest analytical technologies for elucidating the pathogenesis of scarring alopecia, including gene sequencing and single-cell analysis techniques. Additionally, Professor Jin Park of the Dermatology Department at Chonbuk National University Hospital introduced research on scarring alopecia using the microbiome.

Professor Jin Park noted, "Unlike normal individuals, hair loss patients showed a distribution where certain bacteria were more prevalent." He added, "However, to determine if these bacteria directly cause hair loss, further research is needed through a comprehensive approach, including integration with the latest analytical technologies."

Professor Sung-Joo Hwang of Myongji Hospital's Dermatology Department, true to his reputation as a master of hair transplant surgery, shared his extensive clinical experience, demonstrating Korea's excellent capabilities to a global audience. He previously developed the world's first innovative DCT (Depth, Controlled, Transplantation) technology and a specialized implanter, which allow for adjusting the implantation depth to match each individual's unique hair follicle length.

Professor Sung-Joo Hwang vividly explained these development achievements through actual surgical videos, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. He also presented hair transplant surgery guidelines tailored for Koreans, aiding understanding in clinical practice.

Dr. Ohsang Kwon, President of the Korean Hair Research Society, stated, "As we prepare to host the World Congress for Hair Research, this year's conference offered not only traditional topics but also fresh research subjects, encouraging active participation from researchers and clinicians. We also created opportunities to strengthen exchanges with international scholars. We hope it was a meaningful time that boosted our members' research commitment and capabilities."

Meanwhile, the 14th World Congress for Hair Research is set to take place at COEX in Seoul for three days, from May 28 to 31, 2026. Over 1,500 scholars from more than 40 countries are expected to gather, fostering deep connections not only through evidence-based academic exchange but also through personal networking.