Total: $SGD 0.00
Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, refers to the condition where hair thinning or shedding occurs. It can affect the scalp or other areas of the body where hair typically grows. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent and may vary in severity.
Causes of Hair Loss
Genetics - Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern baldness, is a hereditary condition that results in gradual hair loss. In men, this often manifests as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown of the head. Women, on the other hand, usually experience a more diffuse thinning of hair across the entire scalp. This condition progresses over time, leading to a noticeable reduction in hair density.
Medical Conditions - Conditions like alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder) and scalp infections can cause sudden and localized hair loss. Other health issues, such as lupus, can also affect hair growth.
Medications & Treatments - Drugs for cancer (chemotherapy), high blood pressure, and depression can cause hair loss as a side effect by disrupting the hair growth cycle.
Hormonal Changes - Hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can significantly affect hair growth patterns. For example, after giving birth, women often experience a dramatic shift in hormones, which can lead to considerable hair loss. This kind of hormonal fluctuation disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, causing an increased rate of shedding and thinning of the hair. Similarly, the hormonal imbalances associated with menopause or thyroid conditions can interfere with the hair's ability to grow and maintain its fullness.
Nutritional Deficiencies - A deficiency in essential nutrients like iron, protein, and vitamins can severely affect hair health. Without these crucial components, your hair may experience thinning or loss. Iron is important for proper blood flow to the scalp, protein is essential for hair growth, and vitamins support overall hair function. Insufficient levels of these nutrients can hinder your hair's ability to grow strong and healthy.
Hair Care Practices - Regular use of harsh hair treatments, along with tight hairstyles, can severely damage the hair. This damage often leads to breakage and can contribute to a condition called traction alopecia, where hair loss occurs due to ongoing tension and stress on the hair follicles. Over time, the combined effects of these harsh practices and tight styles can cause significant thinning and loss of hair.
Stress & Trauma - Significant physical or emotional stress can act as a trigger for telogen effluvium, a condition that results in increased hair loss. When a person experiences high levels of stress, it can interfere with the natural hair growth cycle, causing more hair to enter the shedding phase prematurely. This disruption in the normal cycle leads to noticeable hair thinning and loss.
Aging - As individuals get older, their hair follicles gradually become smaller and less efficient. This process results in a noticeable decrease in hair production. Consequently, the hair that does grow tends to be thinner and less dense, leading to an overall reduction in the volume and fullness of the hair over time.
Types of Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia - Commonly known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness, this genetic condition results in progressive thinning of hair. In men, it typically begins at the hairline or crown, while in women, it usually causes diffuse thinning across the entire scalp.
Telogen Effluvium - This type of hair loss occurs when a large number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. It is often triggered by stress, illness, hormonal changes, or medication, leading to diffuse thinning across the scalp.
Cicatricial Alopecia - Also known as scarring alopecia, this type involves inflammation that damages hair follicles and leads to scar tissue formation. It results in permanent hair loss in affected areas, as the scar tissue replaces the hair follicles.
Alopecia Areata - This autoimmune disorder causes sudden, round patches of hair loss. The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to bald patches that can appear on the scalp or other areas of the body.
Anagen Effluvium - Typically caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, this type of hair loss happens during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. It results in rapid and widespread hair loss.
Hormonal Hair Loss - Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in androgens, can lead to hair loss. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or menopause can trigger this type of hair loss.
Traction Alopecia - This form of hair loss is due to prolonged tension or pulling on the hair, often from tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, or extensions. It can lead to localized thinning and damage to hair follicles.
How Is Male Pattern Hair Loss Diagnosed?
Male Pattern Hair Loss is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation by a physician, involving a detailed consultation and examination. Laboratory tests are not required for this diagnosis. To assess the extent and severity of hair loss, the Norwood-Hamilton scale is used to classify the condition.
How Is Female Pattern Hair Loss Diagnosed?
Androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss, is common in women, leading to thinning on the top and sides of the head. It affects about one-third of women, often starting after menopause or puberty.
Normal hair loss is 100-125 hairs per day, which are usually replaced. True hair loss occurs when this shedding surpasses 125 hairs daily and the lost hairs don’t grow back. It can be inherited from either parent.
Hair Loss Treatments
Consultation with a Specialist
Consulting with a dermatologist or trichologist can be crucial in identifying the underlying reasons for hair loss. These specialists have the expertise to assess your condition thoroughly and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns.
Medications
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter topical treatment that stimulates hair growth and helps slow down hair loss. Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription oral medication that works by lowering levels of DHT, a hormone associated with hair loss, to reduce hair thinning. Both treatments are commonly used to combat hair loss.
Scalp Treatments
Specialized shampoos, conditioners, and treatments are formulated to promote a healthy scalp environment and minimize hair loss by addressing specific needs and concerns. These products are designed to enhance scalp health, improve hair strength, and prevent issues that could lead to hair thinning or shedding.
Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses low-intensity laser light to penetrate the scalp and stimulate hair follicles. This can boost cellular activity, improve blood flow, and enhance hair growth by revitalizing dormant or thinning follicles. It’s a non-invasive treatment often used to complement other hair loss therapies.
Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining a balanced diet that includes essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D, is crucial for supporting hair health. Additionally, managing stress through practices like meditation, regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep can help prevent hair loss.
Hair Transplant Surgery
In this procedure, hair follicles are carefully extracted from regions of the scalp where the hair is naturally denser, typically from the back or sides of the head. These follicles are then transplanted to areas experiencing thinning or hair loss, helping to restore a fuller appearance.
