What Are The Common Causes Of Hair Loss?
Common reversible causes are:
- Illness
- Hair styling habits
- Stress
Male pattern hair loss, on the other hand, can be slightly trickier to tackle!
What Causes Male Pattern Hair Loss?
Male Pattern Hair Loss, aka Androgenetic Alopecia, is the MOST common type of hair loss in men. About 85% of men will have major hair thinning by the age of 50.
Male Pattern Hair Loss is due to male hormones – DHT
DHT binds with scalp receptors, which causes hair thinning, weakening hair grafts (miniaturization), and eventual hair loss.
Progression of Hair Loss
- Begins with a receding hairline (front of head)
- Followed by hair loss over the vertex (top of the head).
- Occipital scalp (back of the head) is spared.
How Is Male Pattern Hair Loss Diagnosed?
Male Pattern Hair Loss is diagnosed clinically through a doctor’s consultation and examination.
No laboratory tests are necessary.
The Norwood-Hamilton classification is used to determine the stage/ severity of hair loss.
What Happens When You Delay Treatment For Hair Loss?
The longer you wait before seeking treatment, the less likely you are to recover hair that has already been lost.
This is because hair follicles undergo miniaturization.
The hair follicle’s diameter shrinks and reduces to the point where new hair no longer grows.
What Treatments Are Currently Available For Male Pattern Hair Loss?
1. Oral Finasteride (Propecia)
Things to know/what to expect:
- It is more effective over the vertex of the scalp.
- The temples and anterior hairline regions are recommended to be treated with a hair transplant.
- Recommended dosage: 1mg once daily.
Effects:
- Improve both total and new hair counts.
- It prevents or slows the progression of hair loss.
- Effects become noticeable after 3-6 months and peaks around after 12 months.
Possible side effects:
- Loss of libido
- Sexual dysfunction
- Growth of breast tissue in men
These are all temporary side effects, and patients usually recover once the medication is stopped.
2. Topical (spray)
Minoxidil
Things to know/what to expect:
- Recommended dose: 1 mL applied twice daily on the dry scalp, and left in place for at least 4 hours.
Effects:
- Minoxidil only slows down hair loss.
- It is unlikely to result in the growth of new hair.
Possible side effects:
- Skin irritation
- Increased heart rate
What Treatments Exist For Male Pattern Hair Loss That Do Not Involve Taking Medications?
1. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Things to know/what to expect:
- You can expect stronger and thicker hair shafts.
- Recommended treatment regimes are 20 minutes of treatment, 3 times a week.
LLLT works by:
- Increasing blood flow in the scalp
- Reducing scalp inflammation
2. FUE Hair Transplant Surgery
Things to know/what to expect:
Hair transplant in Singapore is suitable for:
- Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss
- Alopecia areata (if stable for more than 1 year)
- Scarring alopecia
FUE Hair transplant is a permanent solution to increasing hair density on a bald scalp.
How Are FUE Hair Transplants Carried Out?
Expected results of FUE Hair Transplant:
- Transplanted hairs will drop in the first 3 months.
- The transplanted hairs re-grow after 3 months, and the best results will occur at 18 months.
- You should undergo hair transplant at least 9 months before any important social events! (ie marriage, graduation ceremony etc)!
Are There Better Alternatives To Hair Transplant?
Autologous Micrografts “Regenera Activa” – Hair Transplant Alternative
Why is Regenera Activa our patients’ favourite hair growth treatment?
Regenera Activa is a US FDA and Europe CE approved minimally invasive hair loss treatment that uses autologous micrografts.
How Much Does Medical Hair Loss Treatment Cost In Singapore?
Hair Loss Treatment Cost | |
|---|---|
Doctor consultation | $60-120 |
Finasteride cost in Singapore | $60-80/month |
Low-Level Laser Therapy cost in Singapore | $1000-1200 |
Autologous Micrograft “Regenera Activa” cost in Singapore | $3800-6000 |
from $10,000. Average price at $5/graft for 2,000 grafts. | |
