The 14th World Congress for Hair Research

In the vibrant month of May, world-renowned scholars in hair research will gather in the heart of Seoul to explore the present and future of hair science at a grand academic forum.

The 14th World Congress for Hair Research (WCHR 2026) will be held at COEX, Seoul, for four days from May 28th to 31st. As the most prestigious international academic conference in the fields of hair diseases and hair follicle biology, this event is hosted by the International Federation of Hair Research Societies (IFHRS) and organized by The Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS).

The International Federation of Hair Research Societies (IFHRS) is a global alliance comprising major hair research societies from North America, Europe, Japan, China, Australia, and South Korea, which hosts the biennial World Congress for Hair Research.

The Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS), a founding member and a key partner of the federation, has continuously contributed to global hair research by fostering active international networks. Based on these academic achievements and international trust, the society has finally succeeded in securing the bid for Seoul. Notably, this will be the first time the congress is held in Korea in 12 years since the 2014 Jeju event, marking a significant leap forward in the global stature of Asian hair research.

As a founding member and a key partner of the International Federation of Hair Research Societies (IFHRS), The Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS) has consistently contributed to global hair research. This photo captures Professor Huh Chang Hun introducing the KHRS at the World Congress for Hair Research held in Dallas, USA, last year.

The detailed academic program is structured around three main pillars: ▲Basic and Translational Research, ▲Disease-Oriented Clinical Research, and ▲Surgery and Technology, offering a vivid overview of the latest research trends. By exchanging clinical experiences and sharing the most recent insights, the congress is expected to foster global collaboration in hair research.

In the Basic and Translational Research track, the congress will focus on the increasingly precise trends in hair research, centered on cell biology, immunology, and iPS-based regenerative studies. These studies actively incorporate cutting-edge methodologies such as single-cell analysis and spatial omics, which have recently gained significant attention. This demonstrates that hair research has entered a stage of precise understanding at the molecular and cellular levels.

Disease-oriented clinical research is another indispensable part of the program. Presentations will cover the pathophysiology, treatment strategies, large-scale cohort studies, and real-world data (RWD) related to various types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and cicatricial alopecia. Furthermore, the congress is expected to provide practical clinical insights by focusing on cutting-edge treatments, including JAK inhibitors, and predictive research as core themes.

The congress will also shed light on hair disease treatment modalities that extend well beyond traditional pharmacotherapy. By examining diverse approaches such as surgical interventions, digital health technologies, and advanced imaging analysis, we will share the transformative shifts currently shaping the field of hair loss treatment.

The Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS) operated a promotional booth at the World Congress for Hair Research held last year, showcasing the nation’s research capabilities and the society's global stature.

Renowned global experts in hair research, including Dr. George Cotsarelis, Dr. Angela Christiano, Dr. Jerry Shapiro, Dr. Maria Hordinsky, Dr. Ralf Paus, Dr. Claire Higgins, and Dr. Maksim Plikus, will headline the keynote and main lecture sessions. They will present the latest breakthroughs and offer insights into the future directions of stem cell research and hair follicle biology.

Furthermore, distinguished scholars from across Asia—including China, Japan, and Taiwan—alongside leading experts from South Korea, will present their significant research findings in basic immunology, genomics, clinical cohort analysis, and surgery. Their contributions will stand on par with their international counterparts, underscoring the parity and excellence of the Asian research community on the global stage.

Pre-registration for the World Congress for Hair Research is currently progressing smoothly. As of March 26th, the number of registered participants has already surpassed 1,000, with over 70% of them confirmed to be international attendees. The active participation of domestic residents and young researchers is also particularly noteworthy.

The abstract submission phase has concluded amidst overwhelming interest. More than 700 abstracts were submitted, with a well-balanced distribution between clinical and basic research. Notably, studies on alopecia areata and immune mechanisms, as well as regenerative medicine, injectable therapies, and big data-driven research, were prominent. This reflects the ongoing expansion of hair research into the fields of immunology, precision medicine, and data science.

Professor Huh Chang Hun of the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, who serves as the Co-President of the World Congress for Hair Research, expressed his high expectations, stating, 'The overwhelming global interest demonstrates that this congress is functioning as a truly practical global academic platform rather than being focused on any specific region. This event will serve as a pivotal turning point for Korea to establish itself as a primary hub for global hair research.

The Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS) stated, 'As the pre-registration period is set to conclude at the end of this month, we encourage all interested researchers to participate in a timely manner.' Pre-registration can be completed via the official World Congress for Hair Research website (http://hair2026.org).