qd male hair loss treatment
Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) typically follows a recognizable pattern — a receding hairline and/or thinning at the crown — driven by genetics and sensitivity to the hormone DHT. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we assess your scalp and hair pattern, then plan an approach that may combine medication and in-clinic treatments. (Results vary by individual.)
is this for me
Who it’s for
Even if none of these describes you, we will look again at the consultation.
- A receding hairline or thinning at the temples
- Reduced density at the crown or vertex
- A family history of pattern hair loss
The right plan depends on your pattern and stage, which are graded at consultation.
Before you pick a treatment name, start with the cause of your concern.
start with your concern
Even a treatment with the same name takes on a different role and scope depending on your current structure, the change you want, what you have had before and the recovery time you have.
01
Where you are now, and where we start
The pattern at the hairline and the crown, the family history and how fast it is moving
02
The change you want, the impression you keep
Rather than adding hair, we separate the hair to keep from the area to bring back, and agree how long that will take.
03
How it differs from similar options
We compare which stage medication, injections, devices and a transplant each suit, and how strong the evidence is for each.
04
Health information and recovery schedule
We check family history, medication, childbirth, illness and stress, test results such as thyroid and iron, and the dates that matter.
the
principle
From magnified examination of the scalp, your history and the pattern of loss, we decide which tests are needed and the order of evidence-based treatment.
In androgenetic alopecia, follicles that are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) gradually miniaturize, producing finer, shorter hairs over time. Management targets this process from more than one angle: oral or topical medication that reduces DHT or supports follicles — such as finasteride or minoxidil — may be discussed and prescribed where appropriate, and in-clinic treatments such as PRP or exosome may be added. Starting care earlier generally gives follicles more to work with. (Results vary by individual.)
How it works
01
DHT sensitivity
In androgenetic alopecia, follicles that are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) gradually miniaturize, producing finer, shorter hairs over time.
02
A recognizable pattern
This typically follows a pattern — a receding hairline and/or thinning at the crown — driven by genetics and hormone sensitivity.
03
Managed from more than one angle
Oral or topical medication that reduces DHT or supports follicles (such as finasteride or minoxidil) may be prescribed, and in-clinic treatments such as PRP or exosome may be added.
04
Earlier gives more to work with
Because miniaturization is gradual, starting care earlier generally leaves follicles with more to respond with. (Results vary by individual.)
The same treatment, never the same plan.
the qd standard
Rather than a fashionable name or a fixed package, we weigh the structure found at examination, safety, recovery and the limits within one plan.
- 01DIAGNOSIS FIRSTCause before nameWe first separate out the tissue and the function behind your concern.
- 02LESS, PRECISEOnly as much as neededRather than an excessive change, we plan the smallest scope with a clear role.
- 03HONEST LIMITThe limits, explained tooWe explain the change you can expect, the alternatives, individual differences and the risks.
From consultation to follow-up, planned as one flow.
personal plan
Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) typically follows a recognizable pattern — a receding hairline and/or thinning at the crown — driven by genetics and sensitivity to the hormone DHT. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we assess your scalp and hair pattern, then plan an approach that may combine medication and in-clinic treatments. (Results vary by individual.)
Scalp and hair examination
Under magnification we look at how far the loss extends and its pattern, changes in hair thickness, breakage, scarring and inflammation.
Telling the causes apart
We check when it began and how fast it moves, family history, childbirth, illness and stress, diet and medication, then decide which tests are needed.
Order of treatment
Around the standard treatment for the diagnosis, we compare the expected effect, the side effects, what you can keep up steadily and what a supporting treatment adds.
What the procedure is like
- Consultation and scalp/hair assessment (pattern grading)
- A personalized plan (medication and/or in-clinic treatments)
- In-clinic sessions as planned
- Follow-up and monitoring over time
Time: The first consultation and scalp check take about 20–30 minutes; in-clinic treatment times vary.
Please read this before treatment
- Downtime depends on the treatments chosen; topical care has little to no downtime.
- In-clinic injections may cause temporary scalp redness or tenderness.
- Oral or topical medication builds effect over months, and side effects may occur; these are reviewed at consultation.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Topical minoxidil may cause scalp dryness, irritation or, early on, a temporary increase in shedding
- Oral medication such as finasteride carries possible side effects that are reviewed before it is prescribed
- In-clinic injections may cause temporary scalp redness or tenderness
When to take extra care
- Finasteride is not for use by women who are or may become pregnant, and tablets should be handled accordingly
- Finasteride can affect PSA blood-test readings — tell other doctors you take it
- Liver conditions or other medications you take — tell your doctor
- Active scalp infection or inflammation in the treatment area
what to expect
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0
Consultation & grading
A scalp and hair assessment with pattern grading, then a personalized plan (medication and/or in-clinic care).
WEEK 1-4
Starting care
Consistent medication begins as prescribed; with minoxidil, some people see a temporary increase in shedding early on, which usually settles.
MONTH 1-3
In-clinic sessions
Any planned in-clinic treatments (such as PRP or exosome) are done as a course, alongside daily medication.
MONTH 3-6
Gradual change
Changes to shedding and density usually appear gradually over several months, and consistency matters. (Results vary by individual.)
ONGOING
Follow-up & monitoring
Male hair loss is managed over time; the plan is reviewed and adjusted at regular follow-up.
Sessions & results
Male hair loss is usually managed over time, combining consistent medication with in-clinic sessions as planned and regular follow-up. Changes appear gradually over months. (Results vary by individual.)
how it compares
How it compares
Male hair loss is usually managed with a combination of consistent medication and in-clinic treatments. These options differ in scope rather than in quality, and the right mix is decided at consultation.
| Combined plan | Medication only | In-clinic treatments only | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Daily medication plus in-clinic sessions | Oral or topical medication | PRP or exosome sessions in clinic |
| Targets | DHT and the follicle environment | Mainly DHT and follicle support | Mainly the follicle environment |
| Typical use | Daily medication with periodic sessions | Daily, ongoing | A course of sessions |
| Downtime | Little to none | None | Little to none |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Before you decide, the questions people always ask
before consultation
The right time is when your hairline begins to move back, when the crown starts to look sparse, or simply when you notice that your hair has become finer. With hair loss it is far easier to hold on to the hair you still have than to bring back hair that is already gone, so the earlier you start, the more options you have.
In male pattern hair loss, the treatments with established evidence are topical minoxidil and oral medication. The two are often used together, and which one to begin with depends on how far the hair loss has progressed, your general health and how you feel about the possible side effects. We go through the expected benefits and the side effects of each one separately.
Symptoms affecting sexual function have been reported, and we also go over the figures on how often they occur and whether they resolve. Ruling the medication out on worry alone is not a good decision, and neither is starting it without a proper explanation. If you feel unwell while taking it, please do not stop on your own but tell us, because there are ways to adjust the treatment.
Once you stop, things generally return to the course your hair loss was already taking. Treatment for hair loss is not a cure; it slows the process down and holds on to what you have, so it matters that we plan together from the very beginning how long you intend to continue. We make that clear before we start.
Where the follicles are already gone, medication will not bring them back, and that is when we consider a transplant. Even after a transplant, though, drug treatment has to continue in order to protect the hair you still have. We examine your scalp under magnification and tell you honestly which stage you are at.
The medical information on this page was reviewed by Hong Sahyeok, plastic surgeon and Medical Director of QD Clinic.
personal consultation
Tell us what bothers you now, the change you want, what you have had done before and any dates that matter. We will compare the possible approaches and their limits, calmly.
Consult now