Are you tired of struggling with hair loss? It’s a common condition in Singapore, affecting both men and women.
There are various solutions available online and offline, and it can be hard to make sense of everything. To help you narrow down your search, we’re sharing 5 essential treatments and medications. These include minoxidil, finasteride and other rigorously-tested solutions to hair loss.
Minoxidil is a medication approved by the Health Sciences Authority in Singapore and is available over the counter.
As a vasodilator, minoxidil widens the blood vessels in the scalp, allowing for increased blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. This increased blood flow can help revive dormant hair follicles, leading to new hair growth.
In addition to its vasodilatory effects, minoxidil is thought to prolong the hair cycle’s anagen (growth) phase, leading to longer, thicker hair. It may also stimulate the production of proteins and growth factors necessary for hair growth.
In a review of the use of minoxidil for hair disorders, it was found that minoxidil provided significant benefits to patients.
One study on men with androgenetic alopecia, for instance, found that the mean difference of hair growth between the placebo group and the group that received a 2% minoxidil treatment was 8.11 hairs/cm2. For women, the mean difference between those who received a 2% minoxidil treatment and the placebo group was 12.41 hairs/cm2.
Studies have shown that finasteride can effectively promote hair growth in men with male pattern baldness. In Singapore, finasteride is a medication that your doctor may prescribe to help treat hair loss and thinning. It can be topically applied or consumed orally.
Finasteride is a dihydrotesterone (DHT) blocker. It blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles in men with male pattern hair loss. Finasteride can help to slow or even reverse the process of hair loss by reducing the levels of DHT in the scalp.
If you are experiencing male pattern hair loss, speaking with a scalp specialist can help you determine whether finasteride or other medications may suit you.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a handheld device with tiny needles to create micro-punctures in the scalp. It promotes hair growth by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
When the scalp is punctured with tiny needles, it triggers a mild inflammatory response that stimulates the production of growth factors and other proteins essential for hair growth.
Sometimes microneedling involves infusion of growth serums that boost hair growth.
Laser therapy uses low-level laser light to penetrate the scalp and stimulate the hair follicles. This light energy is absorbed by the cells in the hair follicles, increasing their metabolic activity and promoting the production of new hair.
Laser therapy can also help improve blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, further enhancing hair growth benefits. It may also help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair loss.
Laser therapy is typically used with other treatments, such as topical minoxidil or finasteride, for enhanced benefits.
At SL Aesthetic Clinic, we use the Fotona Hair Growth Laser for patients with hair loss. It is a non-invasive treatment where thermal heat pulses are applied to the scalp to trigger cell regeneration and hair growth. This method enables precise energy delivery and minimises discomfort to patients.
Hair transplant surgery involves the removal of hair follicles from a donor site, typically the back or sides of the scalp, and transplanting them into the balding or thinning areas of the scalp. The transplanted follicles are usually taken in small groups called follicular units, which can contain one to four hairs.
The follicular units are then embedded into the balding area of the scalp, where they can continue to grow and produce hair. The transplanted follicles are typically resistant to the hormone DHT, which is responsible for shrinking hair follicles in male pattern baldness.
When done before hair loss is too severe and in the hands of an experienced surgeon, a hair transplant in Singapore is usually a one-time procedure.
Hair loss and thinning doesn’t have to be permanent. With tried and tested methods and medications, you can achieve thicker, fuller hair.
Although some solutions can be easily bought over the counter, we recommend that you consult with a doctor before starting any treatment. A doctor can assess the unique needs of your scalp and recommend the most suitable medication and treatment.
At SL Aesthetic Clinic, we are a Singapore-based provider for hair loss and thinning solutions. Our doctors are highly trained and experienced to treat hair loss and thinning based on your health needs and aesthetic goals. To book a consultation, contact us today.
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