Balding Blues: Hair loss creates big business in China

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"Hair loss" has become a new buzzword among young balding Chinese men as the problem becomes increasingly visible. Their increasing anxiety over their shiny domes has also created lucrative opportunities for related businesses, such as hair transplant surgery. CGTN's Yang Jinghao has more.

Painting on the head? Actually, this is not artistic creation. It's a preparatory step for a hair transplant surgery.

Zhang Tao, a mechanic from southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu, pins his hope on this trendy way to end his long-time struggle once for all.

ZHANG TAO HAIR TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT "I've had this problem for about 9 years and tried many products, including many imported ones, but all in vain. I finally decided to try the transplant option, as I think the technology is more advanced now."

Tens of millions of others in the country share the young man's frustration. The China Association of Health Promotion and Education has estimated about 250 million Chinese are plagued by hair loss.

A latest case. An online recruitment notice for 30 volunteers to test a hair growth product in Chengdu soon went viral, attracting about 20,000 applicants within two days, and most of them were in their 20's and 30's. Medical experts say multiple factors are to blame.

LI LI, DERMATOLOGIST WEST CHINA HOSPITAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY "An important aspect is that people's lifestyles have changed a lot. Despite improvements in living standards, people's workloads have also intensified. Meanwhile, changing recreational habits, like excessive smartphone use, have affected many people's sleep."

Doctor Li adds that other causes like pollution and people's dietary habits cannot be ignored either.

YANG JINGHAO CHENGDU "The increasing anxiety caused by hair loss has created a lucrative market. Besides all kinds of hair care products, China has seen a boom of hair transplant institutions in recent years."

And the emerging industry has attracted the attention of investors. Several leading brands, including Yonghe Hair Transplant, acquired large investments last year.

Last year, Yonghe carried out 38,000 surgeries nationwide, about 20 times the number five years ago. Beyond the increasing demand, its president also says the sector is seeing some new trends.

ZHANG YU, PRESIDENT YONGHE HAIR TRANSPLANT "Our clients are becoming younger on a whole. Our busiest time is usually during the summer and winter holidays. Meanwhile, more and more people now come in for artistic hair transplants. Treatment is not their only need. So the number of female clients is growing fast."

Zhang Yu is expecting some serious competition, and more players are rolling in, which urgently calls for proper regulation of this fast-growing market. YJH, CGTN, Chengdu.