Hair loss is a common concern in Singapore, affecting individuals across various age groups. It’s a common challenge that impacts both men and women and for women and can be especially distressing, often influencing self-esteem. According to a 2022 beauty-related survey, hair loss was the number one concern for 44% of respondents, nearly half of the population. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent balding, making early intervention crucial.
Understanding the different types of hair loss is essential. Conditions like androgenetic alopecia (commonly known as male or female pattern baldness) and telogen effluvium (temporary shedding) are just some of the many factors contributing to hair thinning. Genetics, stress, and poor health are often the key contributors that trigger or exacerbate hair loss.
Let’s explore the different types of hair loss, from androgenetic alopecia to telogen effluvium and uncover the common factors contributing to hair thinning, such as genetics, stress and poor health.
Hair loss can be attributed to several factors. Here are some of the most common causes (bear in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive):
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia, affecting up to 80% of men and 50% of women in the course of their life. In males, androgenic alopecia is otherwise referred to as MPHL (male pattern hair loss); in females, it is referred to as FPHL (female pattern hair loss). As this condition is genetic, the pattern in which it manifests varies for each individual. Androgenic alopecia usually takes place gradually over the years. While it is theoretically possible that any hair loss is unlikely to grow back, the rate of hair loss can be slowed with treatment.
Studies have found that in men, androgenic alopecia is connected to diseases such as enlargement of the prostate and coronary heart disease. For women, having androgenic alopecia could increase their risk of getting PCOS (polycystic syndrome), which could in turn lead to weight gain, irregular menstruation, acne and more.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterised by transient, non-scarring hair loss and preservation of the hair follicle. The hair loss can take many forms ranging from loss in well-defined patches to diffuse or total hair loss, which can affect all hair-bearing sites. Although the exact cause of alopecia areata is poorly understood, genetics and immunity are confirmed as the most important contributors to the disease.
Unlike androgenic alopecia, telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss. It is characterised by “diffuse” hair loss: as opposed to balding in spots, hair starts thinning rather evenly throughout the head. The onset of telogen effluvium can be rather sudden and usually arises as a result of metabolic stress, hormonal changes, or medications. Telogen effluvium can occur in people of all ages and its effects are reversible.
Unlike androgenic alopecia, telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss. It is characterised by “diffuse” hair loss: as opposed to balding in spots, hair starts thinning rather evenly throughout the head. The onset of telogen effluvium can be rather sudden and usually arises as a result of metabolic stress, hormonal changes, or medications. Telogen effluvium can occur in people of all ages and its effects are reversible.
As part of a normal hair growth cycle, the average person can lose up to 100 strands of hair per day. Any more than that, and you could be experiencing hair loss. Although hair loss symptoms vary, they typically fall under one of these three broad categories:
Remember — a certain degree of hair loss is normal and inevitable, but it’s important to spot any warning signs of hair loss early. Unsure if what you’re experiencing is hair loss? It may be time to consult a dermatologist or relevant medical professional.
Some hair loss treatments take place in a clinical setting, whereas others are carried out at home.
The cost of hair loss treatment in Singapore can vary depending on the type of treatment, the severity of the condition, and any additional services included. Prices typically range from $100 to $5,000 per session.
At DrScalp, we offer a trial hair loss treatment session at an affordable price of $88, with no commitment required. This allows you to experience our services before committing to a full treatment plan.
Additionally, the cost of hair loss treatment in Singapore can vary as follows:
| Treatment | Average Cost |
|---|---|
|
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy |
$300 – $800 per session |
|
Laser Therapy |
$200 – $500 per session |
|
Topical Medications |
$50 – $200 per month |
|
Hair Transplant Surgery |
$5000 – $15000 depending on no. of grafts |
Here are a few tips you could try to prevent or limit hair loss:
Limit your use of dyes, chemicals and perms as much as possible
Make sure you’re consuming enough protein
Supplement your usual diet with vitamins
Limit your alcohol intake, and the amount you smoke (if applicable)
DrScalp uses A.I. technology in its initial and post-treatment scalp analysis. First, scans photos are taken of four specific portions of the scalp, and these are put through an A.I. program. Any potential issues then are identified and scored based on the following: oil concentration, dandruff, sensitivity, melatonin and density. If you start your treatment journey with us, the A.I. technology will be able to track your progress along the way, tweaking its data to produce more accurate recommendations and results.
Here’s how A.I. technology factors into the hair loss treatment process
When choosing a medical provider, it’s important to choose one that is trustworthy. Our Bioscience team, the team in charge of research and development, is helmed by Dr. Tom K.C. Kuo and Dr. Kevin C. Weng, two professors who have over 20 years of experience each. If you have any queries about our products and services, feel free to drop us a line.
The pain associated with hair loss treatment is minimal. For example, in the case of hair transplants, local anaesthesia is typically administered before the procedure is carried out. Another hair treatment option, scalp cooling, may come with minor discomfort such as headaches, but you are unlikely to experience actual pain.
At DrScalp, each session of hair loss treatment takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes, This duration includes all the necessary steps of the treatment from AI analysis and ZynStem™ Bio-Cells, ensuring a comprehensive and effective treatment experience.
AI Scalp Analysis
The journey to effective hair loss treatment begins with a comprehensive, unbiased scalp analysis. Using our AI analysis to assess your scalp’s health and identify issues like dandruff, dryness, or thinning hair. This precise analysis provides a tailored treatment plan and allows us to recommend the most suitable ZynStem™ Bio-Cell treatment for your specific hair restoration needs.
ZynStem™ Bio-Cells
ZynStem™ Bio-Cells stands at the forefront of hair loss treatment, combining advanced bio-cell technology with specialised formulations. This powerful solution works at a cellular level to address the root causes of hair thinning and other scalp concerns. By stimulating hair follicles, ZynStem™ promotes healthy hair growth, giving your hair and scalp a revitalised, rejuvenated appearance.
NanoJet Delivery System
To ensure maximum effectiveness, the NanoJet Delivery System delivers ZynStem™ Bio-Cell ingredients directly into the scalp for optimal absorption. This non-invasive, precise, and gentle treatment method speeds up the process of hair rejuvenation, ensuring that you see faster and longer-lasting results
Medications such as Minoxidil may come with certain side effects. Specifically, with Minoxidil, new strands of hair that grow after treatment may differ in texture and colour from old hair strands. If the cause for hair loss is an excess of androgens (including testosterone), anti-androgens may be prescribed. The downside of anti-androgens is that they could potentially cause fatigue, weight gain, loss of libido and depression.
When it comes to surgical procedures like hair transplants, the risks may be even more pronounced. After the surgery, your skin may become infected, and in the worst-case scenario, you could end up suffering permanent nerve damage (the possibility of such is low, but it exists nevertheless). Do read up on all potential risks involved before opting for any hair loss treatment.
After you’ve received treatment for your hair, your doctor may request to follow up with you. One reason for this is that the actual results of hair loss treatment aren’t usually visible right away. Rather, it can take up to 3-6 months for your hair to grow back after hair loss treatment. Whenever in doubt, remember to consult your doctor.
At the time of writing, no subsidies for hair loss treatment are available in Singapore as it is a cosmetic procedure. This applies to students, SAF, and the elderly. Medisave is used to pay for selected outpatient treatments, hospitalisation, long-term care and insurance premiums. CHAS (community health assist scheme) can be used only to cover common illnesses (e.g., cough, flu), chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, epilepsy) and certain dental services. However, the cost of medical tests and check-ups may be covered under your personal insurance.
In Singapore, the cost of hair loss treatment can vary widely. While a single session at a typical salon can set you back over $100, our trial session at DrScalp is priced at just $88. Don’t miss the chance to experience our effective solutions without any commitment – book your slot today!
Results can vary, but generally, it can take up to 3-6 months to see visible results after undergoing hair loss treatment. Patience and consistency with the recommended treatment plan are key factors in achieving successful outcomes.
While some home remedies may help improve the overall health of your hair, they may not be sufficient for treating underlying causes of hair loss. Consultation with a medical professional is recommended to determine the most effective and personalised treatment plan.
The effectiveness of hair loss treatment can vary from person to person. Factors such as the underlying cause of hair loss, individual response to treatment, and consistency in following the prescribed regimen play a role in determining the success of the treatment.
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Babadjouni, A., Pouldar Foulad, D., Hedayati, B., Evron, E., & Mesinkovska, N. (2021). The Effects of Smoking on Hair Health: A Systematic Review. Skin Appendage Disorders, 7(4), 251–264. https://doi.org/10.1159/000512865
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Famenini, S., Slaught, C., Duan, L., & Goh, C. (2015, October 1). Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.063
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