Do you ever glance at the drain after a shower, see a giant clump of hair and go “Eek! Am I suffering from hair loss?” Cue the freakouts as you comb your fingers through your hair (the one that’s still on your head of course!) while your brain runs amok with thoughts of premature balding.
Here’s the thing – we drop about 50 to 100 strands of hair every day on average. If you have longer hair or style your hair every day, you might be dropping more. But with about 100,000 hair follicles — or more — on your scalp, losing 100 strands every day won’t have a noticeable difference.
What is hair loss?
Hair loss (alopecia) can be a temporary or permanent occurrence, as a result of many factors including genes, hormonal changes, and ageing. It can also happen on other parts of the body besides the scalp.
Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp, and hereditary hair loss is one of the biggest causes of baldness. It’s nothing to be ashamed about – some people prefer to let nature take its course, some prefer to cover it up with strategically styled hairstyles, makeup, or hats, some prefer to seek treatment to prevent further hair loss or restore growth.
Causes of hair loss
Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is hair loss due to pulling your hair into tight hairstyles, which causes it to break and come loose. Think Ariana’s Grande’s iconic high ponytail, tight buns, braids, and cornrows. Hair extensions also add weight to your scalp, which would weaken your hair.
Avoid tight hairstyles to prevent further damage such as thinning hair, bald spots, and receding hairlines.
Nutritional deficiencies
If you’re on an extreme diet, or your daily diet just isn’t balanced enough, it can also cause your hair to fall out. If your diet does not have enough protein and certain vitamins, such as iron, Vitamin D, and B complex, it can lead to excessive hair shedding.
If you suspect that a nutritional deficiency might be the cause of your hair loss, consult a doctor for a blood test to determine if you need to make some diet and lifestyle changes.
Hormone/ birth control pills
As if hormone and birth control pills don’t already come with a whole slew of nasty side effects, hair loss is yet, another one. If you’re on the pill, try opting for one with a low androgen index. Of course, you should still speak to your doctor about your concerns and find a pill that best suits you.
If you have an increased risk of genetic hair loss, you may want to opt for a non-hormonal type of birth control such as an implant instead.
You’re using the wrong shampoo/ conditioner
With so many shampoos and conditioners, it can be hard to find the perfect one that doesn’t have harsh detergents, fragrances, and harmful ingredients, while also leaving your scalp feeling clean and fresh.
When selecting your hair care, it’s important that you know your hair type – normal, oily, dry, fine, flaky scalp. How often you shampoo your hair and use heat tools or dye your hair also plays a part in the efficacy of the product. In general, shampoos should keep your tresses clean without completely stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Severe stress and anxiety
Yes, your hair may fall out more when you’ve got that big client deal or major exam coming up. When you’re stressed or anxious, your body produces the ‘fight or flight response’, creating extra hormones to help it deal with any potential threat. As such, your hormone levels are altered, and can have an effect on different parts of your body including your scalp, affecting the growth patterns and regeneration rate of the hair.
If you’re experiencing hair loss because of stress and anxiety, the first step is to manage your stress levels. Take care of yourself by getting sufficient sleep, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, and maintain a healthy diet. These little self-care steps can go a long way and help you see its long term effects.
Hereditary hair loss
While you may have been blessed with perfect eyesight or the tall gene, you might have unfortunately inherited hair loss from your parents too. This is of course, beyond your control. hereditary hair loss usually occurs gradually in a predictable pattern: a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair along with the crown of the scalp in women.
What can I do if I’m experiencing hair loss?
To prevent hair loss, you may want to try changing your lifestyle to reduce stress, and eat a well-balanced, all-rounded diet, ensuring that you get the necessary proteins, fats, and vitamins and minerals.
Other steps you can take include switching to a lightweight shampoo and conditioner, and taking breaks in between getting hair extensions to avoid weighing down your hair. Keep the tight hairstyles and heat tools to a minimum as well.
It’s also important to be gentle with your hair. Start by using a detangling brush, and most definitely do not tug through the knots when you’re brushing or combing (even worse if your hair is wet!). A wide-toothed comb is your best friend for taming your hair without ripping it out from your scalp with the full-force tug!
Symptoms of hair loss
The onset of hair loss can appear suddenly, gradually, on your scalp or on your whole body. We’re going to share with you the five most common symptoms of hair loss so you can be more aware!
Gradual thinning on the top of your head
The most common type of hair loss caused by ageing, hair often recedes at the hairline on the forehead for men, while the hair on women will begin thinning along the crown of the scalp.
Bald spots
Bald spots may appear in circular or patchy shapes – on the scalp, brows, or beard area. Before the hair falls out, you might experience some itch and discomfort on the skin.
Scaly patches
Usually a sign of ringworm on the scalp, the scaly patches tend to start off small before growing in size on the scalp. Other side effects include increased hair breakage, redness, swelling, and even oozing of pus and blood if the affected areas aren’t treated in time, yikes.
Sudden loosening of hair
Physical shocks to the scalp may cause hair to loosen, leading to handfuls of hair coming out when combing, washing, or gently tugging at your hair. Read on to learn how to do the “pull test” on your hair.
Hair loss can appear in many different ways, depending on what’s causing it. It can come on suddenly or gradually and affect just your scalp or your whole body.
How do you tell if you’re losing too much hair?
While there may not be much cause for concern, you can perform a “pull test” on your hair if you notice more hair dropping than usual and the hairballs you sweep up into your dustpan getting larger.
Make sure your hair is dry, then run your fingers through it until you reach the end, tugging gently once you get to the end of the strands. If your hand comes off with a wad of what looks like 10 hair strands, you should probably go see a doctor.
Don’t be alarmed, because hair loss can always be fixed!
Best shampoos for hair loss
Kerastase Specifique Anti Hairloss Shampoo
A preventive solution to hair loss and thinning hair concerns, this can be used frequently to optimise micro-circulation.
Besides helping to reduce hair loss, it also increases the texture of your hair fibre so it looks volumised instantly.
Retails for S$43. Click on the link to check for the latest promotions.
Sebamed Shampoo Anti-Hair Loss
This soap-free shampoo for hair loss contains caffeine and ginkgo biloba to improve the microcirculation of the scalp so that it can receive a better supply of nutrients and oxygen. This in turn improves the growth condition for stronger and healthier hair.
Retails for S$29.85. There are ongoing promotions at the time of writing. Click on the links to compare prices.
Naturvital Hair Loss Shampoo
This anti-hair loss shampoo contains aloe vera extract and vitamin B5 to protect hair and scalp from environmental aggressors.
On top of protecting hair, it also has ingredients to combat hair loss, nourish the scalp, and strengthen fragile hair from breakage.
Retails for S$8.80. There are ongoing promotions at the time of writing. Click on the links to compare prices.
Ryo Hair Loss Shampoo for oily scalp
Tapping on the regenerating benefits of ginseng, this hair loss shampoo helps prevent hair loss by keeping scalp and hair strong and healthy.
The brand also has a unique hair loss care technology in the formula that helps improve hair growth.
You’ll be happy to know that it’s free from common chemicals to ensure greater safety and is gentler on sensitive scalp.
Retails for S$19.90. There are ongoing promotions at the time of writing. Click on the links to compare prices.
Grafen Root Booster Shampoo
You may have seen its eye-catching videos around. This hair loss relief and prevention shampoo contains natural ingredients that help thicken hair while preventing hair loss.
It contains 22 types of amino acids to nourish hair, and besides delivering nutrients to the scalp to prevent hair loss, it also helps relieve dandruff.
Retails for S$24.90. There are ongoing promotions at the time of writing. Click on the links to compare prices.
Look At Hair Loss True Hair & Scalp Shampoo
This silicone- and paraben-free hair loss shampoo leaves a pleasant and refreshing sensation that users really love.
Besides cleansing your scalp thoroughly, it also delivers nutrients to the hair follicles to improve hair growth.
Retails for S$25. There are ongoing promotions at the time of writing. Click on the link to check for the latest price.
Rene Furterer Anti-Hair Loss Triphasic Shampoo
This contains scalp- and hair-loving ingredients to help fortify hair so that it’s stronger and more resilient.
Besides preventing hair loss, it also helps you achieve healthier-looking hair.
Retails for S$159. There is a huge discount available at the time of writing. Click on the link to check for the latest price.
Plantur Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo for Fine Brittle Hair over 40
This German brand is well known for its hair loss solutions and this particular shampoo is designed for women over 40 years old.
It contains caffeine to reduce hair loss, strengthen hair growth, and even smoothen damaged hair structure so your hair can look shinier.
Retails for S$18.90. There are ongoing promotions at the time of writing. Click on the links to compare prices.
Alpecin Caffeine Hair Energizer Shampoo C1
This has a unique caffeine formula that strengthens fine hair, protects hair roots, and promotes healthy hair growth.
You have to use it for at least two minutes for the formula to penetrate into hair roots in order for the product to deliver 24-hour nourishment to your scalp.
Retails for S$12.90. There are ongoing promotions at the time of writing. Click on the links to compare prices.
Michiru Anti-Hair Loss Normal to Dry Shampoo
Using Japanese technology that strengthens hair, reduces breakage, and increases hair volume, this formula gives a gentle cleansing experience that’s great for those with dry hair.
Designed especially for Asian hair and scalp, this is made with high-quality Japanese ingredients such as sakura, silk powder, senburi, and rice germ oil.
Retails for S$31.10. Click on the link to check for promotions.
OGX Anti-Hair Fallout Niacin3 & Caffeine Shampoo
This scalp-stimulating shampoo helps encourage a healthy scalp environment so that hair fall can be prevented.
It’ll also help strengthen hair against daily damage and breakage that can cause hair to look even thinner.
Retails for S$16.90. Click on the link to check for promotions.
Hair loss treatments in Singapore
If hair care at home isn’t improving your hair loss condition, you can consider hair loss treatments instead. Check out these hair loss treatment deals from hair treatment centres so you can fix your locks and have fuller, thicker hair once again!
Trichomed
Enjoy an hour-long FolliGain Hair Growth Treatment (for thinning hair) at Trichomed for S$180!
The treatment will stimulate the growth of hair follicles and boost your scalp’s blood circulation so you can get those tresses back to their healthy state.
Address: 22 Malacca Street, RB Capital Building, #06-01A, Singapore 048980
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon to Fri) | 11am – 7pm (Sat, Sun & PH)
Contact: 6841 1141
Website | Facebook
Pulse TCM Clinic
Pulse TCM Clinic’s Anti Hair Loss Acupuncture (45 minutes) helps tackle various types of hair loss, including Involutional Alopecia, Male Pattern Baldness, Female Pattern Baldness, and Alopecia Areata.
You can look forward to a consultation with a TCM physician, followed by an acupuncture treatment that will stimulate hair follicles, nerves and blood vessels of the head, reducing the immune reactions that are causing the bald patches.
Address: See the full list of locations on the website
Opening hours: View the opening hours on the website
Contact: Find the full list of contact numbers on the website
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Biorevive HairGro
Biorevive HairGro uses a perfect combination of more than 20 different ayurvedic herbs & Bio-Botanical nutrients ingredients.
All combined, these enriched ingredients are enough to help repair scalp damage. Not only that, but the treatment also unclogs hair follicles, prevents the formation of sebum, and makes your hair roots stronger than ever before from deep inside.
With the two-hour BioRevive HairGro Hair Loss Treatment, you can enjoy customised herbal treatments combined with scientifically proven hair growth technology for healthy hair growth.
Special enhanced blends of products are designed for hair fall to overcome the thinning of hair and alopecia. It promotes the natural growth of hair which comes with reactivating the follicles.
The treatment includes an all-rounded scalp cleansing & repair, anti-dandruff treatment, bio light for scalp rejuvenation, and the signature herbal scalp treatment for hair growth and alopecia.
Address: 1187 Upper Serangoon Road, The Midtown, #02-02, Singapore 533971
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon to Sun)
Contact: 6397 6322 or book online
Website | Facebook
Svenson
Among the many treatments that Svenson offers which target common hair loss problems such as stress-related hair loss, pattern baldness, and alopecia areata, the Deep Infusion System Treatment stands out the most for being a universal solution.
You can say goodbye to thinning, weak hair with Svenson’s DEP Infusion System, a new non-invasive transdermal delivery technology that has been approved by the FDA.
The tech enables serums to be absorbed 10 times more effectively while stimulating scalp microcirculation, and increase the skin’s permeability by allowing micro and macro molecules to be safely delivered directly into hair follicles and roots, without damage to scalp tissue or alteration to the serum’s ingredients.
Find out more information here.
Address: 360 Orchard Road, International Building, #09-06/07, Singapore 238869 |
80 Marine Parade Road, Parkway Parade, #02-11, Singapore 449269 |
1 Jurong West Central 2, Jurong Point, #B1-59, Singapore 648886
Opening hours: See the full list of opening hours on the website
Contact: 1800 7777 333, 9438 7088 (WhatsApp only) or book online
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TK TrichoKare
TK TrichoKare is the first and leading trichological centre that provides customised European Herbal Hair Remedies, validated by certified trichologists, and products formulated by professional herbalists.
The trichological centre believes in the marriage of dietary nutrients from natural food sources, and carefully formulated treatments and products with premium-grade European herbs to achieve beautiful, thick, and lustrous locks that shine from inside out.
The Hair Fall Preventive System (HFP) starts off with regulating your scalp sebum, followed by strengthening the hair follicles, and lastly, promoting hair density to restore your scalp.
There’s also the Advanced Age Defying Hair Treatment for both men and women – with this treatment, you can counteract age-related changes in the density and diameter of the hair by incorporating premium European Herbal Hair Remedy to promote hair growth as well as nourish and strengthen hair follicles.
Find out more here.
Address: See the full list of locations on the website
Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon to Fri) | 10am – 7pm (Sat, Sun & PH)
Contact: 6338 8680 (general hotline)
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Yun Nam Hair Care
Household name Yun Nam is now offering a S$28 first-trial promotion for a scalp and hair treatment package!
The package includes a computerised hair and scalp scan, FASTGro hair and scalp treatment, as well as a haircare kit.
The FASTGro treatment reduces your daily hair fall, strengthens hair roots, and stimulates healthy hair growth for better, healthier locks!
Find out more here.
Address: See the full list of locations on the website
Opening hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon to Sat) | 10am – 7pm (Sun & PH)
Contact: View the opening hours on the website
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