Bald Fact: Rise of Japanese Baldness- Dietary and Genetic Change?

Some people thought that hair loss was extremely rare in Japan prior to World War II.  But because of diet and genetic changes following westernization and marriages with Westerners, hair loss has become increasingly more common. About 8 million men in Japan are thought to be worried by hair loss or receding hairlines, and a large industry had built up around their concerns. Complaints about bogus cures are on the rise. 

Since genetic factors play a big role in hair loss, the fact that Japan was largely isolated for many centuries could be one of the reason for baldness being less prevalent; however, this may be true or false understanding about hair loss in Japan.  There are no enough studies to prove that baldness as being rare in Japan prior to World War II.  So, this may be misperception based upon anecdotal observations.

Having said that, the assumption of the rise of baldness in Japan since the end of World War II is on the notice of change from traditional diet to a more Westernized diet and others positing that an increase in marriages with Westerners may be contributing to heredity hair loss. Perhaps as a result, Japan has become a leader in the hair replacement industry.

The Japanese market for baldness cures is estimated to be worth at least 60 billion yen ($642 million), but many of the treatments are of dubious benefit. The Japan-based Aderans group claims to be the world’s “#1 total hair loss treatments business group,” offering both ready-made and custom wigs, hair transplant surgery, hair systems, and hair growth and regeneration techniques. While Reve21, a Japanese hair growth treatment supplier, saw its member base double in the last 5 years.

The growth in the hair replacement industry in Japan suggests that baldness is indeed on the rise in that country. But it may mean that Japan is simply following a global trend since the entire world has developed a growth in this industry in the last several decades as well.  This related to a variety of factors such as more affordable hair replacement options greater availability of quality hair replacement options, and an increased desire on the part of the general public to pursue hair replacement options. 

Either the rise of baldness started before or after World War II, the fact that The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan received 153 grievances and reports about hair-growth products in fiscal 2009, 2.5 times the number in fiscal 2005 is something we cannot ignore.  In many ways, not only in Japan, changes of lifestyle, dietary and genes are associated with baldness.  Among technologies for hair loss, baldness and receding hair lines, hair replacement is one of the top of hair loss treatment.

Related post:

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Cause of Hair Loss – Are You Sure You Know it

Bald Fact: New Gene in Hair Loss