Understanding Hair Loss in Singapore

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common condition that affects both men and women in Singapore. It can have a significant impact on self-confidence and quality of life. While some hair shedding is normal—losing around 50-100 strands per day—persistent thinning or bald spots may indicate underlying issues that need medical attention. 

Early treatment can be crucial for preventing further hair loss and promoting regrowth. Hair loss can result from a variety of causes, including genetics, medical conditions, stress, or lifestyle factors. This article explores the different types of hair loss, causes, and the effective treatment options available in Singapore.

Male Pattern Hair Loss

Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) is the most common form of hair loss affecting men worldwide, including in Singapore. This progressive condition typically follows a predictable pattern of hair thinning and baldness, starting either at the hairline (resulting in a receding hairline) or at the crown (vertex) of the scalp. 

As the condition progresses, the hair on the top of the scalp continues to thin, often leaving only hair along the temples and sides, creating a horseshoe pattern of balding. In some cases, complete baldness may develop at the crown and top of the scalp.

What Causes Male Pattern Hair Loss?

The two primary contributors to male pattern hair loss are genetics and the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

• Genetics: If hair loss runs in your family, you are more likely to experience it yourself. Androgenetic alopecia is inherited from either parent’s side and affects how sensitive hair follicles are to hormonal changes over time.
  
• DHT: This hormone, a derivative of testosterone, binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink (a process known as miniaturization) and produce thinner, shorter strands. Over time, the affected follicles may stop producing hair altogether, leading to permanent baldness.

Other factors that can aggravate male pattern hair loss include:

• Stress: High stress levels can increase DHT levels, exacerbating hair loss.
• Poor lifestyle habits: Smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise contribute to hair loss by affecting blood flow and nutrient delivery to the scalp.
• Age: The risk of male pattern hair loss increases with age, with many men experiencing noticeable thinning by the time they reach their 40s or 50s.

Signs and Stages of Male Pattern Hair Loss

The progression of male pattern hair loss typically follows a series of stages. The Hamilton-Norwood Scale is commonly used to classify these stages, with seven stages mapping out the extent of hair thinning and baldness.

• Stage 1: Minimal hair loss, with slight recession at the hairline.
• Stage 2-3: Noticeable recession at the temples and thinning at the crown.
• Stage 4-5: Hair loss progresses further, with clear bald patches developing on the top of the scalp and the crown.
• Stage 6-7: Advanced baldness, with only a fringe of hair remaining around the sides and back of the scalp.

Common signs include:

• Receding hairline at the temples.
• Thinning at the crown, with the thinning area expanding over time.
• Hair shedding during washing or brushing.
• Reduced density of hair on the top of the scalp, resulting in visible scalp patches.

How Common is Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Male pattern hair loss is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. In Singapore, hair loss in men mirrors global trends:

• 30% of men experience hair loss by the age of 30.
• 50% of men experience some degree of hair loss by age 50.
• By age 70, up to 80% of men will show visible signs of male pattern baldness.

This prevalence highlights the importance of early intervention, as timely treatment can slow the progression and stimulate regrowth.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) is the most common form of hair loss in women and presents differently from male hair loss. Instead of developing bald patches, women often experience diffuse thinning, particularly along the natural hair parting at the crown. As the condition progresses, thinning may spread across the top of the scalp, but the frontal hairline is generally preserved until the later stages. Complete baldness is rare in women.

What Causes Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Female pattern hair loss is influenced by genetics and hormonal changes, such as fluctuations in estrogen and androgens.

• Genetics: A family history of hair loss can increase the risk of developing androgenetic alopecia in women. It can be inherited from either parent, making hair follicles more susceptible to hormonal changes over time.
• Hormonal Factors: Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, menopause, or the use of birth control pills can trigger or worsen hair loss by affecting hormone levels.

Other factors that can aggravate female pattern hair loss include:

• Stress: High levels of stress may trigger hair thinning.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Insufficient intake of iron or protein can weaken hair follicles.
• Age: Hair thinning becomes more common as women approach menopause due to hormonal shifts.

Signs and Stages of Female Pattern Hair Loss

The Ludwig Scale is commonly used to classify the stages of female pattern hair loss:

• Stage 1: Mild thinning along the hair part.
• Stage 2: Widening of the part with noticeable thinning at the crown.
• Stage 3: Significant thinning across the top of the scalp, though the hairline remains intact.

Common signs of female pattern hair loss include:

• Widening hair part along the scalp.
• Thinning hair across the crown.
• Increased hair shedding during washing or brushing.
• Reduced hair density, making the scalp more visible.

Female pattern hair loss often progresses gradually, making early intervention essential to prevent further thinning and stimulate regrowth.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss isn’t always due to genetics or aging; various external and internal factors can disrupt the normal hair cycle, leading to conditions like Telogen Effluvium and Alopecia Areata. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage these conditions effectively.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss caused by a disruption in the hair growth cycle. This condition typically occurs when a large number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase, leading to noticeable shedding across the entire scalp.

• Causes: It often follows stressful events such as childbirth, surgery, severe illness, or sudden weight loss. Other triggers include certain medications, extreme emotional stress, or changes in hormone levels.
• Characteristics: Diffuse hair thinning across the scalp, with increased hair fall during brushing or washing.
• Resolution: In many cases, hair regrowth occurs naturally within 3 to 6 months as the hair cycle normalizes. However, if shedding persists, medical intervention may be required to accelerate recovery.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, causing sudden, patchy hair loss. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, beard, or other body hair, with the severity varying from small bald spots to complete hair loss (alopecia totalis).

• Characteristics: Circular patches of hair loss that appear suddenly, often leaving smooth, hairless areas on the scalp or body.
• Treatment: Intralesional steroid injections are commonly used to suppress the immune response and stimulate regrowth. In some cases, topical immunotherapy or oral corticosteroids may be considered for more extensive hair loss.

While Alopecia Areata may resolve on its own in mild cases, recurring episodes are possible. Early treatment improves the chances of sustained regrowth.

Hair Loss Treatment Options Available in Singapore

Singapore offers a variety of effective treatments for male and female pattern hair loss. Depending on the severity and type of hair loss, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following options.

Topical and Oral Medications for Hair Loss

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a widely used medication for both male and female pattern hair loss, available in topical spray and oral tablet forms. It works by enhancing blood circulation to hair follicles, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen, which stimulate hair regrowth.

• Form: Topical spray or oral tablets.
• Mechanism: Increases blood flow to hair follicles, prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle.
• Usage: Applied or taken daily for at least six months for visible improvement.
• Side Effects: Possible scalp irritation, dryness, and initial shedding during the first few weeks of topical use, as new hair replaces older ones. Oral use may lead to mild dizziness in some individuals.

Finasteride

Finasteride is effective for male pattern hair loss by addressing hormonal causes. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT—the hormone responsible for follicle miniaturization and hair loss.

• Form: Oral tablets or topical spray.
• Mechanism: Reduces DHT levels, slowing follicle shrinkage and promoting regrowth.
• Usage: Requires consistent use for six months or longer to see noticeable results.
• Side Effects: Some users may experience temporary side effects such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue). These side effects are uncommon and typically improve upon discontinuation.

Combination Therapy

Combining Minoxidil and Finasteride produces superior results by addressing hair loss from multiple angles—stimulating growth while also preventing further thinning. This approach ensures better regrowth and helps maintain existing hair. Combination therapy is often recommended for male patients with advanced or persistent hair loss.

Hair Growth Supplements

Clinics in Singapore offer hair growth supplements such as Miriqa and Nourkrin to support and enhance hair regrowth. These supplements are designed to nourish hair follicles from within, providing essential nutrients that promote healthier, stronger hair.

• Benefits: These supplements supply vitamins, minerals, and proteins that support the natural hair growth cycle. They also help improve hair density, reduce breakage, and strengthen weak or thinning hair.
  
• Safety: Both Miriqa and Nourkrin are HSA-approved, drug-free, and clinically tested for safety. They are suitable for both men and women, with no known significant side effects, making them ideal as part of a long-term hair care routine.

These supplements work best when combined with other treatments like oral / topical Minoxidil and Finasteride or Regenera Activa, offering a holistic approach to hair restoration.

Regenera Activa

Regenera Activa is a non-invasive hair restoration treatment that uses the patient’s own scalp tissue to stimulate hair growth by reactivating dormant follicles. This treatment isolates progenitor cells and growth factors from a small sample of healthy scalp tissue, which are then injected into areas of thinning hair to encourage natural regeneration. 

Unlike traditional hair transplants, which involve relocating hair follicles, Regenera Activa focuses on revitalizing existing follicles to enhance hair density and thickness.

Procedure:

• A small sample of healthy scalp tissue, usually collected from the back of the head, is extracted using a punch biopsy tool (2.5 mm in size).
• This tissue is processed to isolate progenitor cells, growth factors, and other regenerative elements essential for hair growth.
• The resulting solution is injected into areas of thinning hair to stimulate the follicles and promote natural regrowth. The procedure typically takes around one hour and is performed under nerve block.

Downtime:

• Minimal to none. Patients may experience mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site, which generally resolves within 24-48 hours. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, though vigorous exercise, swimming, or washing the hair should be avoided for 24 hours.

Results:

• Initial improvements, such as reduced shedding, can be observed within 2-4 weeks. Visible hair regrowth typically appears within 3-6 months. Full results, including increased hair thickness and scalp coverage, may take up to a year.
• While results can last for an extended period, some clinics recommend repeating the treatment every 12-18 months to maintain optimal hair density.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Hair Loss

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of hair loss:

• Healthy Diet: Ensure adequate intake of iron, zinc, and vitamins essential for hair health.
• Manage Stress: High stress levels can exacerbate hair loss. Techniques like meditation and exercise can help.
• Avoid Harsh Hair Treatments: Overuse of styling tools and chemical treatments can weaken hair.
• Get Quality Sleep: Poor sleep can increase DHT levels, worsening hair loss.

Finding the Best Hair Loss Clinic in Singapore

Choosing a reputable clinic for hair loss treatment is crucial to achieving effective results. Look for clinics that offer:

• Multiple treatment options tailored to your condition.
• Experienced doctors who specialize in hair restoration.