Hair loss treatments have become increasingly popular as more people seek effective solutions to combat this widespread concern, According to a beauty-related survey conducted in Singapore in 2022, hair loss was the #1 concern, with 44% of respondents (or nearly 1 in 2 people) concerned about it. A distressing problem faced by both men and women, hair loss could lead to permanent balding if it isn’t addressed and treated in time.
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):
Up to 70% of men aged 50 and above experience hair loss. Some men may start showing signs of hair loss as early as their 20s.
In males, the hair loss pattern typically manifests in the manners below:
By age 50, FPHL affects about 40% of women. Unlike MPHL, female hair loss starts in the middle of the scalp and may not be very noticeable at first. Initially, the hair in the middle portion thins out. Without proper treatment, the area affected widens until there is an obvious gap.
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.
Anagen effluvium is a form of nonscarring alopecia commonly associated with treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy. In this form of hair loss, affected anagen hairs suffer a toxic or inflammatory insult, resulting in a fracture of the hair shaft. Scalp cooling may be used to combat hair loss. Anagen effluvium is reversible and hair regrowth is observed 2–3 months after the treatment and/or the intake of the medication ceases.
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.
Regardless of age or gender, hair loss can be a highly stressful event for anyone. One effective habit you can cultivate today is to start applying sunscreen daily–not just on your face but also on your scalp if it is exposed. Protecting your scalp outdoors is equally important; consider wearing a hat, scarf or any suitable covering to shield your scalp from harmful UV rays. These small steps can help maintain a healthy scalp, which is important for promoting hair growth and preventing further hair loss.
Some hair loss treatments take place in a clinical setting, whereas others are carried out at home.
In the clinic:
At-home treatments:
At DrScalp’s hair loss clinic, we are dedicated to providing you with the best service available. Our flagship solution ZynStem, a nano bio-cell therapy, can help address your hair loss concerns and improve the overall condition of your hair. (Disclaimer: while we are committed to giving our 100%, please bear in mind that results cannot be guaranteed.)
To diagnose hair loss, a number of tests may be performed. A scalp biopsy, where a small sample of skin, including hair follicles, is taken from the scalp for testing and analysis, is a quick way to assess hair health by checking for follicle blockage, dandruff, irritation and so on. If necessary, blood tests to check for sex hormones, thyroid function and micronutrient composition may be performed as well.
Find out about DrScalp’s available products and services here.
When it comes to the cost of hair loss treatment in Singapore, a fairly wide range exists. At a typical hair salon, one session can cost you upwards of $100. At DrScalp, a trial hair loss treatment session costs $59, and you can book your slot here (no commitment required).
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DrScalp uses A.I. technology in its initial and post-treatment scalp analysis. First, photos are taken of four specific portions of the scalp, and these are put through an A.I. programme. 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.
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 reach out to us any time.
FAQ on Hair Loss Treatment
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, our hair loss treatment lasts for 60 minutes and involves three steps:
1. Detailed Scalp Analysis: A thorough examination of various parts of your scalp.
2. Scalp Profile Presentation: You will be shown your scalp profile, detailing any concerns.
3. Personalised Solution Recommendation: Based on the analysis, a customised solution will be recommended for your specific needs.
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 color 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, do 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 as well. 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 $59. 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.
Hair Loss Treatment: A Quick Summary | |
Treatment Time | 60 minutes |
Recommended Interval | Varies based on the specific treatment; Consultation needed for personalised advice |
Recovery Time | Minimal downtime, but results may take 3-6 months to become visible |
Ideal For | Both men and women experiencing hair loss issues |
Benefits and Results | Improved hair health, slowed hair loss, and potential regrowth with consistent treatment |
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Lina Alhanshali, Michael Buontempo, Jerry Shapiro, Kristen Lo Sicco, Medication-induced hair loss: An update, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 89, Issue 2, Supplement, 2023, Pages S20-S28, ISSN 0190-9622, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.04.022.
Natarelli, N., Gahoonia, N., & Sivamani, R. K. (2023). Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(3), 893. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12030893
Sibbald, C. (2023, May 1). Alopecia Areata: An Updated Review for 2023. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery; SAGE Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1177/12034754231168839
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