Causes of Hair Loss (And What You Can Do About It)

It is perfectly normal to lose up to 100 strands of hair a day. However, if you are consistently losing more than 100 hairs a day, you could potentially be having a hair loss problem. You should see a doctor to have it treated as early as possible. 

According to statistics, hair loss is a very common problem that affects both genders. It affects about 30 million men and 20 million women globally. 

Hair loss may seem more obvious in men because of the way it presents itself. In men, hairline usually recedes upwards, with both sides of the temples losing hair faster than the front. On the other hand, dispersed hair thinning is more common in women as the female hormone, estrogen, prevents male pattern baldness. 

We pick the brains of one of the most brilliant aesthetic doctors in Singapore, Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, to find out the causes of hair loss and the treatment options available.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

HEREDITARY FACTORS One of the leading causes of hair loss is due to poor genes. Although you may keep a healthy diet and maintain an active lifestyle, you can still experience hair loss. You can attribute your hair loss problem to your parents, says Dr. Siew, who said that one of the leading causes of hair loss is poor genes.

“Hair loss is one of the issues that is strongly linked to your family history,” says Dr. Siew. “However, several other factors also play an important role in determining the density of your hair.”

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS Some illnesses such as thyroid disease, scalp infection, and alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles) affect healthy hair growth.

If you have any medical condition that coincides with your hair loss issue, look for a doctor to determine the cause. He will be able to recommend some treatments to address the problem.

STRESS When exposed to prolonged period of stress, the lifecycle of your hair may be disrupted. Your hair follicles may be pushed into the resting phase for an extended period of time. The period between the resting phase and growth phase may be extended because of the stress your body is experiencing.

During a stressful period, you may notice that your hair may fall out in large clumps. Your hair may also appear dull and weak.

HAIR PRODUCTS Truth is, hair products don’t cause hair loss per se. They only cause problem if they are not properly removed at the end of the day. Most of the beauty products such as gel, wax, hairsprays have chemicals that may stick to the scalp, preventing your hair follicles to regulate and purge toxins and dead skin cells from the scalp.

MEDICATIONS Before you consume any medicine, your doctor should have informed you about the side effects, if any. Otherwise, here is a recap of some medications that can potentially lead to hair loss: Anticoagulants, gout medication, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, Vitamin A and derivatives, antidepressants, anticonvulsants.

If you suspect that your medication falls into one of the categories above, consult a doctor to discuss your options.

Effective Hair Loss Treatment in Singapore

TOPICAL TREATMENT For people who are unwilling to undergo medical treatment, Dr. Siew recommends a topical treatment containing minoxidil. It is a medication applied directly onto the affected area.

Monoxidil for hair loss treatment

In 2006, minoxidil was approved by FDA for the nonprescription treatment of androgenic alopecia of the vertex of the scalp. It works by increasing the blood supply to the hair follicles so as to sustain the hair in the follicles.

“Although there are no known serious side effects, the problem with minoxidil is that you have to keep using it consistently to maintain the benefits.” says Dr. Siew.

LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY Also, known as LLLT or LED Light Therapy, it is a painless, non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that is useful for those who do not wish to undergo long-term medication.

LED Light Treatment 

LED Red Light Therapy stimulates cell metabolism and increase blood flow in the scalp. By doing so, it encourages hair growth and reactivates dormant hair follicles. A laser comb was approved by FDA in 2007 to treat male and female pattern hair loss. Alternatively, in-house LED Light Treatment is also available at most aesthetic clinics in Singapore.

COMBINATION MEDICAL TREATMENT A proprietary, unique hair loss program was designed by Dr. Siew in December 2017 to combat people with moderate to severe hair loss.

“Combining a special laser for hair loss treatment with PDRN therapy, Hair Restoration Program works has created miracles for many clients who experience severe hair loss,” says Dr. Siew.

The hair loss laser treatment is a new concept that leverages on an advanced cosmeceutical delivery system that creates micro-channels on the scalp to increase the absorption of hair serum and to increase blood flow and stimulate the follicles to produce stronger, thicker hair.

The PDRN therapy is then injected into the superficial layer of the scalp to repair and rejuvenate the scalp at the cellular level. It activates dormant hair follicles and improves the scalp foundation to provide an ideal environment for hair growth.

Dr. Siew is the Medical Director and co-founder of Radium Medical Aesthetics.

Radium Medical Aesthetics offers a wide range of customized medical treatments to enhance your anti-aging journey, making your skincare routine a sensorial ritual that you look forward to every day.

It is conveniently located at #03-326 Suntec City Mall, Tel: 6837 0507. For more information, visit http://www.radium-aesthetics.com/