What is Hair Loss?
Androgenetic Alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss affected both men and women. Each gender has a distinctive pattern of hair loss which will be covered in more detail in the next section.
Hair loss is usually a gradual and progressive process that is undoubtedly frustrating and can at times even affect one’s self-confidence and by extension, one’s quality of life.
Alopecia is the medical term used to describe hair loss and factors such as medical health problems or even stress can lead to alopecia. For example, new mothers who have just given birth may experience increased hair fall or hair thinning. This is known as Telogen Effluvium and can be attributed to hair follicles prematurely transitioning to the resting phase of the hair cycle.
An average person may normally lose up to 100 strands of hair over the course of one day. However, once hair thinning is observed, it is best to seek help early.
Male Pattern Hair Loss versus Female Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern hair loss usually affects the front and / or the vertex (top). As it progresses, the entire front and top of the scalp may become bald, leaving hair only on the temples (sides of the scalp).
Female pattern hair loss will usually start with thinning along the natural parting of your hair (hair parting). As it progresses, hair thinning will spread outwards from the hair parting. It is rare for hair on the back and sides of the scalp to be affected in ladies. Frontal hairline involvement may be present in late stages of female pattern hair loss.
What causes Male Pattern Hair Loss ?
Male Pattern Hair Loss is largely due to genetics and can be inherited from both the father’s or mother’s side of the family. Another contributing factor is excessively high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT levels may be elevated due to lifestyle factors such as increased stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and smoking of cigarettes.
Hair loss in males is a very common condition and studies suggest that by 50 years of age, at least half of the male population will experience some degree of hair loss.
Learn more about Male Pattern Hair Loss Treatment here.
What causes Female Pattern Hair Loss?
Medical conditions linked to excessive androgens (male hormones) such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and genes (family history of hair loss in ladies) are associated with Female Pattern Hair Loss.
Other contributing factors are poor nutritional status, hormonal changes (pregnancy or birth control pills), high levels of stress and medications such as anti-depressants.
Learn more about Female Pattern Hair Loss here.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
Severe emotional or physical stress on the body can lead to excessive hair loss and a condition known as Telogen Effluvium.
Examples of such stress include drastic changes in diet (anorexia), pregnancy, major surgery, immunosuppressive drugs or even hair treatments that have damaged the scalp.
The stressful event may occur several months before the hair loss is noticed. In severe cases, there may even be a decrease in 50% of hair volume.
At times, Telogen Effluvium may resolve without further treatment. However, if hair loss is severe, it is recommended to start treatments without delay.
Oral Medications for Hair Loss Treatment
Minoxidil
Minoxidil exists in both topical (hair spray) and oral form. It can be used to treat hair loss in both male and females and both forms (topical and oral) can be used concurrently.
Originally, Minoxidil was used as a blood pressure lowering medication. However, it was incidentally found to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and thereby delivering more nutrients to the hair roots. Ever since the discovery, it has been one of the most popular treatment options for hair loss.
Minoxidil should be applied and / or taken for at least 6 months for the best results. Some individuals may experience scalp irritation when using topical Minoxidil.
Learn more about Minoxidil here.
Finasteride
Another commonly used ingredient is Finasteride for the treatment of male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss in post-menopausal ladies. It also exists in both topical (hair spray) and oral form.
Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. High levels of DHT are associated with increased male pattern hair loss. Over time, the hair loss process will be slowed, and hair regrowth is stimulated.
Like Minoxidil, Finasteride should be taken for at least 6 months.
Rare side effects include loss of libido, sexual dysfunction, and gynecomastia in men. These side effects are temporary and will improve once the medication is stopped.
Learn more about Finasteride here.
Combination Therapy Using Minoxidil and Finasteride
Combination treatment of both oral and topical Minoxidil and Finasteride produces better results when compared to using them individually.
Learn more about Hair Loss Oral Medications here
Hair Growth Supplements
Nourkrin Hair Growth Supplement is a medically proven hair regrowth supplement that is exclusively available in clinics.
It is:
- HSA and FDA approved
- Natural, Safe and 100% drug-free
- No Side Effects
- Clinically Proven Hair Regrowth Supplement for both Men and Women
Learn more about Nourkrin Hair Growth Supplement here
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT works by using laser light energy to increase blood flow to the scalp, delivering vital nutrients for nourishment of the hair roots and stimulating hair growth.
LLLT also reduces scalp inflammation and improves scalp health.
Regenera Activa
Regenera Activa for hair loss is a minimally invasive, close to zero downtime microsurgical treatment that slows down hair loss and boosts hair regrowth.
The initial assessment is crucial as certain types of hair loss may not respond well to the treatment. In suitable candidates, results can be expected to be seen after 1 month and there are no side effects for this treatment.
It is also safe and effective for both men and women.
Regenera Activa works by stimulating your body’s ability to produce new healthy functioning hair follicles by “activating” the areas of the scalp that are experiencing hair loss.
The treatment begins by first shaving a 50 cent coin size portion of the scalp (usually on the back). Grafts are then extracted from the donor site under local anesthesia and then placed in a special “regeneracon” device which breaks down the earlier extracted graft tissue into smaller micrografts.
These micrografts are mixed together with a suspension containing stem cells and growth factos. The micrograft suspension is then injected into the targeted treatment areas of the scalp to “activate” the hair follicles.
Some patients may experience mild shedding for up to 6 weeks as the hair follicles are being signaled and activated to enter the growth phase.
Regenera Activa should be combined with oral medications such as Minoxidil and / or Finasteride.
Learn more about Regenera Activa here.
How Do I Find The Best Hair Loss Treatment Clinic In Singapore?
Every clinic offers different Hair Loss treatment options. No one clinic is same as the other. If you want to make sure that the Hair Loss treatments are performed safely and effectively, make sure that the clinic is experienced in treating hair loss. The clinic should also offer information on the various types of hair loss treatment before proceeding.
