Why Hair Loss Medications Are Important for Effective Hair Regrowth
Hair loss can arise from a variety of causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medical conditions. While topical haircare products and scalp treatments may offer supportive benefits, clinically proven hair loss medications remain the cornerstone for effectively slowing hair shedding and stimulating new hair regrowth at the follicular level.
Medical-grade treatments such as Minoxidil and Finasteride work by targeting critical pathways involved in hair miniaturisation and follicle dormancy. These medications are backed by extensive clinical research and are known to prolong the hair growth (anagen) phase, prevent further thinning, and reactivate dormant follicles to promote thicker, healthier hair.
When prescribed appropriately and monitored by a medical professional, hair loss medications can significantly enhance hair density, scalp coverage, and overall hair quality over time. They offer a doctor-directed solution for individuals seeking to address hair loss at its underlying root causes with evidence-based therapies.
If you would like to understand more about the causes of hair loss, we invite you to explore our dedicated resources on male hair loss treatment and female hair loss treatment.
What Active Ingredients should you look out for?
When selecting effective hair loss medications, it is important to look for clinically proven active ingredients that target hair follicle health, support hair growth, and reduce hair thinning. At our clinic, we formulate medical-grade solutions containing the following key actives:
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is one of the most widely studied topical medications for hair regrowth. It works by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, improving blood flow to hair follicles, and enhancing follicular size. Minoxidil is suitable for both men and women experiencing androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and is available in varying strengths depending on clinical needs.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral medication that helps to slow hair loss and promote regrowth by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in hair follicle miniaturisation. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride can effectively stabilise and reverse hair thinning in suitable patients.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, plays a vital role in strengthening keratin structures in hair, skin, and nails. While biotin deficiency is rare, supplementation can support overall hair resilience and complement primary treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride. Medical-grade hair supplements often include therapeutic doses of biotin to optimise results.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hair tissue growth and repair. It also helps maintain the oil glands surrounding hair follicles. Zinc supplementation can be particularly beneficial in individuals with nutritional deficiencies contributing to hair thinning or scalp inflammation.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Niacin promotes healthy blood circulation to the scalp, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. By supporting vascular health at the scalp level, niacin can enhance the effectiveness of other active treatments and encourage healthier hair growth.
Incorporating these evidence-backed ingredients into a medically supervised hair loss treatment plan can significantly improve outcomes over time. Depending on the severity of hair loss and underlying causes, combination therapies involving medications, supplements, and regenerative scalp treatments may be recommended.
Incorporating these evidence-backed ingredients into a medically supervised hair loss treatment plan can significantly improve outcomes over time. Depending on the severity of hair loss and underlying causes, combination therapies involving medications, supplements, and regenerative scalp treatments may be recommended.
In addition to medical-grade hair loss medications, other treatment options such as low-level laser therapy, regenerative scalp treatments, and microneedling are also available to support hair regrowth. Learn more about comprehensive hair loss treatment options in Singapore.
How Minoxidil and Finasteride Work for Hair Regrowth
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is one of the most established treatments for hair loss and is available in both topical (spray) and oral tablet forms. It is suitable for treating hair thinning in both men and women and, in some cases, both forms can be used concurrently for enhanced results.
Originally developed as a medication to lower blood pressure, Minoxidil was incidentally found to stimulate hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp and delivering essential nutrients to hair follicles. This discovery led to its widespread adoption as a first-line therapy for hair regrowth.
For best results, Minoxidil should be used consistently for at least six months. It is important to apply the topical solution or take the oral medication as prescribed to maximise hair follicle stimulation. Some individuals may experience mild scalp irritation when using topical Minoxidil, but this usually resolves with continued use or adjustment of the formulation.
Finasteride
Finasteride is another widely prescribed treatment for addressing male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss in post-menopausal women. It is available in both oral and topical formulations.
Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Elevated levels of DHT are strongly associated with hair follicle miniaturisation and progressive hair thinning. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride slows the hair loss process and promotes regrowth over time.
Similar to Minoxidil, Finasteride should be used for at least six months to achieve visible results. Rare side effects, including reduced libido, mild sexual dysfunction, or gynecomastia (breast tissue swelling in men), have been reported but are typically reversible upon discontinuation of the medication.
Combination Treatment: Minoxidil + Finasteride
For suitable patients, combining Minoxidil and Finasteride often yields superior outcomes compared to using either medication alone. This synergistic approach targets both vascular stimulation (via Minoxidil) and hormonal pathways (via Finasteride), providing a more comprehensive strategy to slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
During consultation, Dr Edwin will carefully assess your hair loss pattern, scalp condition, and medical history to determine if a combination therapy is appropriate for your specific needs.
Choosing Between Topical and Oral Hair Loss Medications
When treating hair loss, both topical and oral medications can be effective, depending on the severity of hair thinning, patient preferences, and overall health considerations.
Topical hair loss treatments, such as Minoxidil and Finasteride sprays, deliver active ingredients directly to the scalp, minimising systemic absorption. They are often recommended for individuals who prefer a lower risk of systemic side effects or those seeking a non-invasive approach. Topical formulations can be particularly suitable for early-stage hair loss or for patients who wish to complement oral therapy with localised scalp stimulation.
Oral hair loss medications, such as oral Minoxidil and oral Finasteride, provide systemic action throughout the body and may offer more consistent benefits, especially in moderate to advanced stages of hair thinning. Oral treatments are often more convenient for patients who prefer a once-daily regimen instead of topical application. However, because they work systemically, there is a slightly higher potential for side effects, which must be monitored carefully under medical supervision.
In certain cases, a combination of topical and oral therapies may be recommended to achieve synergistic effects—enhancing both scalp circulation and hormonal balance to optimise hair regrowth.
At our clinic, Dr Edwin will conduct a thorough evaluation of your scalp condition, hair loss pattern, lifestyle factors, and medical history before recommending the most appropriate treatment strategy. Whether topical, oral, or combination therapy, every hair loss management plan is individually tailored to maximise safety, comfort, and clinical outcomes.
Expected Timeline for Results With Hair Loss Medications
Hair loss treatments are not instantaneous. They require consistent use over an extended period to allow the hair growth cycle to respond and for visible improvements to occur.
In the first one to two months of treatment with medications such as Minoxidil or Finasteride, some individuals may experience increased hair shedding. This phenomenon, known as "shedding phase," is a positive sign that older, weaker hairs are being pushed out to make way for new, healthier growth.
By around the three-month mark, hair shedding typically stabilises, and subtle improvements such as reduced hair fall during washing or brushing may be noticed. Some patients report early signs of hair thickening at this stage.
Between six to nine months of consistent treatment, more noticeable improvements in hair density, scalp coverage, and overall hair quality are expected. Hairs may appear thicker, stronger, and healthier as the medications continue to support follicular recovery and growth.
Full results often become apparent after twelve months of uninterrupted use. Continued adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen is crucial to maintain and further enhance gains. Discontinuation of medications can lead to gradual reversal of progress, as the underlying causes of hair loss are not permanently "cured" but rather controlled with ongoing therapy.
At our clinic, patients are closely monitored with regular reviews to assess progress, adjust treatment protocols if necessary, and provide support to optimise long-term outcomes.
Safety and Side Effects of Hair Loss Medications
Hair loss medications, when prescribed and monitored by a qualified medical professional, are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, like all medical treatments, it is important to understand the potential side effects and ensure that proper monitoring is in place throughout the course of therapy.
Topical treatments, such as Minoxidil sprays, may cause mild localised side effects such as hair shedding, scalp redness, dryness, irritation, or flaking. These effects are usually temporary and can often be minimised by adjusting the formulation strength or frequency of application.
Oral medications, including oral Minoxidil and oral Finasteride, provide systemic action but carry a slightly higher risk of side effects. With oral Minoxidil, side effects may include changes in heart rate, blood pressure or facial flushing in some individuals. Finasteride may cause rare side effects such as reduced libido, mild sexual dysfunction, or breast tissue sensitivity (gynecomastia) in men. Importantly, these side effects are generally reversible upon cessation of the medication.
At our clinic, patient safety is a top priority. Before initiating any hair loss medication regimen, a thorough consultation is conducted to assess your suitability based on your medical history, current health status, and treatment goals. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress, address any concerns, and make timely adjustments to your regimen if needed.
Prompt reporting of any unexpected side effects allows early intervention to ensure that your treatment remains safe, effective, and comfortable throughout your hair regrowth journey.
Understanding Hair Shedding With Hair Loss Medications
It is common to experience increased hair shedding during the early stages of starting hair loss medications such as Minoxidil. This temporary phenomenon, often referred to as the "shedding phase," typically occurs within the first one to two months of treatment.
Hair shedding at this stage is a normal and expected response. It indicates that older, weaker hairs are being pushed out as the hair follicles prepare to enter a healthier, more active growth phase. Although this initial shedding can be alarming, it is generally a positive sign that the medication is working at a biological level to stimulate follicular activity.
The shedding phase usually stabilises by the third month of consistent treatment. Following this period, patients often notice a reduction in daily hair fall, along with gradual improvements in hair thickness, density, and scalp coverage.
Understanding and anticipating the shedding phase helps patients stay committed to their prescribed regimen. At our clinic, Dr Edwin will provide detailed counselling before initiating treatment to ensure that you are fully prepared for this phase and supported throughout your hair restoration journey.
Other Treatments to Support Hair Regrowth
In addition to medical hair loss medications, certain supportive treatments can further enhance hair regrowth outcomes by improving scalp health, stimulating follicular regeneration, and optimising hair vitality.
Regenera Activa
Regenera Activa is a minimally invasive, microsurgical scalp treatment that stimulates natural hair regrowth using regenerative cells harvested from the patient's own scalp tissue. It helps to slow hair thinning, reactivate dormant follicles, and is effective for both men and women experiencing early to moderate stages of hair loss.
This close-to-zero downtime procedure is often performed as a complementary therapy alongside medical treatments such as Minoxidil and Finasteride to optimise long-term hair restoration results.
Learn more about Regenera Activa treatment here
Nutritional Support: Hair Growth Supplements
Maintaining optimal nutritional health can play an important role in supporting the effectiveness of hair loss medications. At our clinic, we offer clinically validated hair growth supplements, including Nourkrin® Hair Growth+ inCLINIC and MIRIQA® Hair Extra Strength, to complement medical treatment plans.
Nourkrin® is formulated with a proprietary marine protein complex that supports the normal hair growth cycle by replenishing essential proteoglycans in the hair follicles. It is drug-free, well-tolerated, and suitable for both men and women experiencing hair thinning.
MIRIQA® Hair Extra Strength is a comprehensive nutraceutical supplement containing clinically researched ingredients such as ashwagandha, curcumin, biotin, and saw palmetto. It addresses multiple factors linked to hair loss, including oxidative stress, scalp inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, promoting stronger and healthier hair over time.
While medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride target the core biological pathways involved in hair loss, nutritional supplementation provides internal support to further optimise hair and scalp health. When thoughtfully combined, supplements and medications can offer a holistic and synergistic approach to achieving better hair regrowth outcomes.
Learn more about our recommended Hair Growth Supplements here
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Loss Medications
How to Choose the Best Hair Loss Medication Clinic in Singapore
Finding the best clinic for hair loss medications is key to achieving safe, effective, and long-lasting results. When considering treatments such as Minoxidil or Finasteride, it is important to work with an experienced, medically-led clinic that can accurately diagnose your hair loss condition and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.
The best hair loss medication clinics typically offer:
- Comprehensive doctor consultations before initiating any treatment
- Personalised medication regimens based on clinical assessment
- Clear education on how each medication works, including potential benefits and side effects
- Ongoing follow-up care to monitor progress and adjust treatment for optimal results
At our clinic, Dr Edwin personally evaluates each patient's hair loss concerns and designs a treatment plan based on scientific evidence, clinical experience, and individualised care — ensuring safe, customised solutions for hair regrowth.
Start Your Hair Regrowth Journey Today
If you are concerned about hair thinning or hair loss, professional medical treatment can make a significant difference. At our clinic, Dr Edwin offers doctor-led, customised hair loss medication programs designed to stimulate regrowth safely and effectively.
With personalised assessment, evidence-based treatments, and ongoing care, we are committed to helping you achieve healthier, fuller hair.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out which hair loss treatment plan is right for you.
