By the age of 50, nearly half of women encounter hair thinning, which affects scalp and hair density and leads to noticeable shedding. Hair is more than just an accessory—it’s the symbol of femininity, vitality and self-expression., For many women in Singapore and globally, hair is not just a matter of appearance but a key part of their identity, influencing how they feel seen and understood by the world. This article aims to provide insight into common causes of female hair loss and the methods to combat it effectively.
To understand and manage female hair loss, it’s crucial to learn about the hair growth cycle, which comprises four distinct stages: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Early Anagen. Each stage plays an important role in maintaining hair health, promoting growth and preventing thinning.
Your hair undergoes an active growth period during the Anagen phase, which can last between two to six years. During this time, your hair cells multiply rapidly, leading to the continual lengthening of your hair.
The Catagen phase is a transitional period normal hair cycle that lasts approximately two to three weeks. In this stage, your hair growth slows significantly, and the hair follicle starts to shrink.
The Telogen phase is when your hair enters a resting state. Typically lasting about three months, this phase culminates in the natural shedding of hair strands. It’s normal for you to only lose between 50 to 100 hairs a day during this phase.
Early Anagen marks the final stage of the hair growth cycle. Hair strands start to form from the dormant follicles and push through the scalp.
Experiencing hair loss can be distressing. In Singapore, various treatments available cater specifically to women’s needs. Should you wish to explore these options further, get in touch with a professional to discuss your individual situation.
DrScalp’s signature treatment addresses women’s hair loss with a blend of advanced technology and natural products. Personalised care plans are crafted following an AI-powered scalp analysis, promoting hair regrowth and scalp health.
Tailored for new mothers, this treatment combats postpartum hair loss. DrScalp’s approach nurtures hair back to health, enhancing hair volume and considering hormonal changes and nutritional needs.
Specifically designed for hijabi women, this treatment addresses hair loss due to prolonged hijab wearing. DrScalp’s solutions ensure a gentle yet effective recovery for the scalp and hair.
In general, scalp therapy involves treatments designed to soothe, hydrate, and rejuvenate the scalp. It can address dandruff, psoriasis and dermatitis, promoting healthier hair growth through massages, oils, and medicated products.
When exploring treatment options for female hair loss in Singapore, you may consider a few types of medications.
This topical solution can stimulate hair growth and is readily available as an OTC (over the counter) medication. While results vary, consistent application over several months is necessary for potential effectiveness.
Initially used for male hair loss, Finasteride is a prescription medication that may be beneficial. However, its use in women is subject to medical advice due to potential side effects and contraindications (reasons or conditions to avoid it).
Spironolactone is a medicine prescribed off-label for androgenetic alopecia in women due to its anti-androgen effects, potentially reducing hair loss.
These are injections of corticosteroids directly into the scalp. They’re used to treat alopecia areata and other inflammatory conditions causing hair loss, reducing inflammation and promoting hair regrowth.
This treatment uses chemicals applied to the scalp to induce an allergic reaction, which can alter the immune response causing hair loss, such as in alopecia areata, encouraging hair regrowth.
Efforts to restore hormonal balance can include the following:
For hormonal disruptions, such as menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), specific PCOS hair loss treatments along with hormone replacement therapy might be considered to alleviate symptoms and potentially improve hair health.
In cases where hair loss is prominent, surgery may be a necessary option to help you restore your confidence.
FUT is a hair transplant method where a strip of scalp with healthy hair is removed, divided into grafts and transplanted to balding areas, promoting natural-looking hair growth.
This procedure involves removing healthy hair follicles from a donor site, usually the back of the head and grafting them onto the thinning areas. This technique is lauded for its natural-looking results and minimal scarring.
Regenera Activa is a minimally invasive hair restoration treatment that utilises the patient’s tissue to stimulate hair growth. By extracting micro-grafts from the scalp and injecting them into areas affected by hair loss, it harnesses the body’s natural repair mechanisms. A key benefit is its ability to significantly reduce hair thinning and loss with minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for those seeking effective results.
In some cases, scalp reduction surgery may be an appropriate treatment. This procedure involves the surgical removal of bald areas of the scalp, followed by the stretching and repositioning of the hair-bearing scalp to cover the removed section.
A non-invasive option to address hair loss, this method uses photons emitted from laser diodes to rejuvenate scalp tissues, which can help stimulate hair growth.
Another form of non-invasive treatment available in Singapore is blood-based therapy, often referred to as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections or therapy. Here, your blood is used. The process involves drawing a small amount of your blood, centrifuging it to concentrate the platelets and then injecting this enriched plasma into your scalp to encourage hair growth.
These treatments may be implemented as part of a hair loss treatment regime.
Designed to complement and amplify the effects of initial hair treatments, these tonics deeply nourish, hydrate and calm the scalp. Formulated to work in harmony with treatments like those offered by DrScalp, they support the journey towards achieving denser, more robust hair growth.
Hair supplements, designed for optimal hair nutrition, are formulated with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to support hair growth and combat hair loss, enhancing overall hair health.
A therapeutic approach aimed at mitigating stress levels to prevent or reduce stress-induced hair loss. Techniques include mindfulness, meditation and counselling to enhance overall well-being and hair health.
Personalised dietary advice focused on promoting hair growth and scalp health. A nutritionist identifies deficiencies and recommends a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins essential for maintaining healthy hair.
A treatment used during chemotherapy to minimise hair loss. These caps cool the scalp, reducing the amount of chemotherapy medication reaching hair follicles, thereby lessening hair fall.
When seeking treatment for female hair loss in Singapore, it’s critical to consult with a doctor specialising in treating hair loss conditions. Your journey begins with a consultation to diagnose the cause and determine the most effective treatment options.
Before receiving treatment, you’ll discuss your medical history, current health condition, and any previous treatments you’ve tried with a medical professional. Be transparent about any medications you’re taking, as these can influence the outcome of hair loss treatments.
Remember to ask questions and clarify any doubts. Keep in mind that treatment efficacy varies from person to person and a tailored approach is often the best course of action.
Below is a general outline of what you may expect from a female hair loss treatment in Singapore:
Remember to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by your hair loss specialist to maximise the benefits of the treatment.
Follow-Up: Post-treatment care is crucial for effective results. Note your scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure your hair regrowth is progressing as expected.
Listed below are the types of female hair loss and their defining characteristics.
If one or more of the above symptoms apply to you, see a healthcare provider or trichologist for diagnosis and treatment discussion.
Female Hair Loss Condition | Suggested In-Clinic Treatments |
Androgenetic Alopecia |
|
Telogen Effluvium |
|
Alopecia Areata |
|
Traction Alopecia |
|
Anagen Effluvium |
|
Cicatricial Alopecia |
|
For professional guidance on managing hair loss, we’re just one contact form away. The faster you act, the better the chances of salvaging your hair – so act now!
The Ludwig Scale is a visual chart used to classify female pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia. It ranges from stages I to III:
Video trichoscopy, a detailed scalp analysis tool, allows for careful observation of the scalp to assess hair loss. At DrScalp, we carry out scalp analysis using AI technology.
Your doctor will enquire about your family’s health history. A hereditary predisposition can often influence female pattern baldness.
Blood tests help detect issues like thyroid dysfunction or iron deficiency which can impair blood flow and affect scalp health.
In a physical exam, doctors visually check for signs and symptoms of hair loss to identify specific patterns.
Beyond standard exams, you may undergo tests such as a biopsy or pull test to understand the health of your hair follicles.
Medications like minoxidil may cause scalp irritation or unwanted hair growth on adjacent skin. Prescription drugs such as finasteride can lead to hormonal imbalances. Hair transplant surgery, though less common for women, carries its own risks, including infection or scarring. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Treatments for hair loss might include medications that can occasionally lead to side effects, such as the growth of unwanted facial hair and in rare cases cardiovascular issues. To manage risks effectively, discuss all concerns with your healthcare provider.
Female Hair Loss Treatment | Cost Estimates in SGD |
Minoxidil | SGD 40 – SGD 160 per month |
Finasteride | SGD 180 – SGD 330 for 3 months |
Spironolactone | Around SGD 20 for 30 tablets |
Corticosteroid Injections | SGD 50 – SGD 200 |
Topical Immunotherapy | Up to SGD 5,000 |
Hormone Therapy | From SGD 170 |
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) | SGD 6,000 – SGD 13,000 |
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) | SGD 6,000 – SGD 15,000 |
Regenera Activa (Autologous Micrograft Transfer) | Starts at around SGD 3,000 |
Scalp Reduction Surgery | Between SGD 6,000 – SGD 20,000 |
Light Therapy (LLLT) | Varies by clinic; up to SGD 6,500 |
PRP Therapy | Around SGD 1,000 per session |
Note: These are estimated costs. Actual costs may vary based on the specific clinic, the extent of the treatment, and additional fees. It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for precise pricing.
In Singapore, female hair loss treatment is generally not covered by subsidies like MediSave as it’s a cosmetic procedure. For specific programmes and assistance, check with medical professionals and institutions such as the Ministry of Health (MOH) and your insurance provider.
Feeling the blues because of hair loss? Connect with our specialists at DrScalp and take the first step towards regaining your confidence today.
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FAQ
Sudden hair loss may stem from various causes, including stress, hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorders and anaemia. Timely intervention by a professional can help reverse hair fall.
Yes, if your hair loss is not genetic. However, we recommend seeking the help of a professional, as using the wrong shampoos, hair products and/or DIY treatments could potentially worsen your hair loss.
It depends on the cause of hair loss. The good news is, that if your hair loss is due to temporary stress or hormonal changes, regrowth is likely with proper treatment. Consult a specialist for tailored advice on hair regrowth options.
No, female hair loss treatments in Singapore generally cause minimal discomfort. Most procedures are non-invasive and focus on revitalising your scalp without pain.
Consider your family history and hair loss pattern. Genetic hair loss often starts at the centre parting with finer strands over time, influenced by family history. Temporary hair loss, like Telogen Effluvium, involves increased shedding across the scalp without thinning strands and lacks a strong family link.
Certain foods in your diet may contribute to hair loss. Consider limiting the consumption of these foods:
In managing hair loss, prioritise a balanced diet rich in key nutrients:
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Ho, C., Chen, J. Y., Hsu, W., Yu, S., Chen, W., Chiu, S., Yang, H., Lin, S., & Wu, C. (2023). Female Pattern Hair Loss: An Overview with Focus on the Genetics. Genes, 14(7), 1326. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14071326
Iamsumang, W., Leerunyakul, K., & Suchonwanit, P. (2020). Finasteride and Its Potential for the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Evidence to Date. Drug Design Development and Therapy, Volume 14, 951–959. https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s240615
Melo, D. F., De Almeida, R. F. C., Frattini, S. C., Santos, L. D. N., & Ramos, P. M. (2022). Minimally invasive procedures for the management of female pattern hair loss. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(11), 5405–5408. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15160
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