Hair loss is a common concern among men, with male androgenetic alopecia (also known as male-pattern baldness) in particular affecting 30-50% of men by age 50. While it’s a natural part of ageing for some, it can significantly impact self-esteem and confidence no matter how prepared you may feel for it. Fast-paced lifestyles, high stress levels, and environmental factors in Singapore further contribute to the issue and can even accelerate or worsen hair loss.

While male-pattern baldness is the most commonly known form of male hair loss, it’s not the one. Understanding the underlying causes of hair loss in men is crucial in finding the right hair fall treatment and restoring hair health. Read on to explore the common causes of male hair loss and various treatment options available in Singapore.

What Causes Hair Loss Among Men?

Identifying the specific cause behind your male hair loss is essential for determining the most effective treatment strategy.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Male-Pattern Baldness)

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness. This hereditary condition is caused by a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT miniaturises hair follicles over time, leading to shorter, thinner hair and eventually, hair loss2. This typically starts with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, eventually progressing to more extensive hair loss and hair fall across the scalp.

Other Causes

• Telogen Effluvium: This condition occurs when a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding. It can be triggered by stress, illness, medication, or nutritional deficiencies.
• Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune disorder causes the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetics and environmental triggers.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein can disrupt hair growth and contribute to hair loss or excessive hair fall.

Knowing the root cause of your hair loss allows you to not just tackle the symptoms, but explore targeted treatments and achieve the best possible outcomes for overall hair health.

Treatment Options for Male Hair Loss

Fortunately, there’s a wide range of treatment options available in Singapore to address the common causes of hair loss among men. These vary in their approach, effectiveness, and potential side effects. Hence, it’s essential to consult a qualified hair loss specialist to determine the most suitable option for your individual needs.

Approved Medications

Finasteride (Propecia) [Oral]

Finasteride (sold under brand names including Propecia) is an oral medication approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness. It specifically targets the enzyme 5α-reductase that inhibits the production of DHT, the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. By blocking this enzyme, it effectively lowers DHT levels in the scalp. This reduces DHT’s impact on hair follicles and can even help slow down or stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth in some men.

Finasteride is taken orally as a pill, typically once daily. It may take several months to see noticeable results. As recently as 2022, a review found that 1mg/day finasteride usage resulted in a significant increase in total hair count3. While generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some men, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, which can impact men’s mental health in turn4. Lesser-observed but serious side effects may include impacts on fertility, testicle pain, and breast tenderness. These side effects are usually reversible upon immediate discontinuation of the medication.

Suitable for: Male pattern baldness.

Usage: Taken orally once daily.

Prescription required? Yes, finasteride is a prescription medication in Singapore.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) [Topical]

Minoxidil is a topical medication available over-the-counter in Singapore for the treatment of hair loss. It is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels. When applied to the scalp, it increases blood flow to the hair follicles, delivering more oxygen and nutrients. This can help stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss.

Minoxidil is available as a 2% or 5% solution and typically comes in liquid or foam, such as through a minoxidil shampoo or minoxidil serum. It is applied topically to the affected areas of the scalp twice daily. In a five-year study, 2% topical minoxidil was observed to result in peak hair growth in males in year one followed by a decline in subsequent years; the 5% solution and foam forms were not significantly different in their efficacy compared to the 2%5. Side effects are generally mild and may include scalp irritation, dryness, or unwanted hair growth in other areas.

Suitable for: Male pattern baldness, other types of hair loss.

Usage: Applied topically to the scalp twice daily.

Prescription required? No, minoxidil can be purchased OTC in Singapore without a prescription.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelets are rich in growth factors that can stimulate hair follicle activity and promote hair growth. During PRP therapy, a small amount of your blood is drawn and processed to separate the platelet-rich plasma. This concentrated PRP is then injected into the scalp, where the growth factors stimulate cellular activity and promote hair regeneration. This treatment is often used in conjunction with other hair loss therapies to enhance their effectiveness.

Suitable for: Male pattern baldness, other types of hair loss.

Prescription required? While no prescription is required, PRP therapy is typically performed by a medical professional.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

SMP is a cosmetic procedure that involves micro-tatooing the scalp to create the appearance of hair follicles. Specialised needles and pigments are used to create tiny dots on the scalp that mimic the appearance of hair stubble. This can be an effective solution for men who prefer a shaved head look or want to strategically camouflage areas of thinning hair.

Suitable for: Men with shaved heads, those with thinning hair who prefer a shaved look.

Prescription required? While no prescription is required, SMP is typically performed by a trained technician.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. This process, known as photobiomodulation, can encourage hair growth, improve hair thickness, and reduce shedding. It’s a safe and effective option for men with various types of hair loss, including male pattern baldness. V Aesthetics Hair Grow’s V Magic hair growth treatment incorporates LLLT as a key component of its comprehensive hair restoration program. This treatment combines LLLT with other science-backed methods to address various hair loss concerns and promote healthy hair regrowth.

Suitable for: Male pattern baldness, other types of hair loss.

Prescription required? While no prescription is required, LLLT is typically performed by a medical professional.

Hair Transplant Surgery

For men with significant hair loss, hair transplant surgery can be an effective permanent solution. This surgical procedure involves transplanting hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back of the head) to the balding areas.

Follicular Unit Extraction or Follicular Unit Excision (FUE)

FUE involves extracting individual hair follicle units (i.e. natural clusters of one to four hairs each) from the donor area at the back of the head and transplanting them to the recipient area6. This method leaves minimal scarring and allows for a faster recovery. Hair growth post-FUE is gradual and may take several months to become noticeable.

Advantages:

• Minimal scarring
• Faster recovery time

Recovery: Typically involves minor discomfort and scabbing for a few days. 

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT involves removing a strip of scalp 0.5cm to 1.5cm in width and between 5cm to 30cm long from the donor area on the scalp and dissecting it into individual follicular units for transplantation back into the scalp7. This method can yield a higher number of grafts but leaves a linear scar in the donor area, unlike FUE. Hair growth for FUT follows a similar timeline to FUE.

Advantages:

• Can harvest a larger number of grafts compared to FUT

Recovery: Involves a longer healing time due to the linear scar. 

Lifestyle Changes

While medical treatments and procedures can be highly effective, incorporating certain lifestyle changes can further support hair health and enhance the results of male hair loss treatment.

Fitness and Testosterone Balance

Regular exercise is crucial for overall health, including hair health. Exercise improves blood circulation, which delivers essential nutrients to the hair follicles. Additionally, activities like HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and resistance training can help boost testosterone levels, which can be beneficial for hair growth. However, it’s important to avoid overtraining, as excessive exercise can increase cortisol levels (a stress hormone), potentially contributing to hair thinning.

Diet & Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in hair-healthy nutrients is essential for optimal hair growth. Focus on consuming adequate protein, which is the building block of hair. Include foods rich in zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support hormonal balance and scalp health. For busy men in Singapore, incorporating multivitamins and making small dietary adjustments can be helpful. Consider adding a handful of nuts and seeds to your breakfast or swapping sugary drinks for fresh fruit juices.

Grooming Tips for Men

Proper grooming habits can also contribute to hair health while improving your confidence and self-esteem. Avoid using heavy styling products that can clog hair follicles and hinder hair growth. Ensure you cleanse your scalp regularly to remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup. This is especially important for men who wear helmets, head wraps, or caps daily, as these can trap sweat and debris, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and contribute to hair loss, leading to conditions such as Telogen Effluvium. Finding effective stress management techniques and striving for work-life balance is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Engage in activities that help you relax and unwind, such as sports, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying outdoor activities in Singapore’s many parks and green spaces.

Choosing the Right Treatment

With so many male hair loss treatment options available in Singapore, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here’s some guidance:

1. Consult a Specialist: A qualified hair loss specialist can assess your individual needs, identify the underlying causes of your hair loss, and recommend the most suitable treatment plan.
2. Consider Your Hair Loss Pattern and Cause: The type and extent of your hair loss and hair fall, as well as the underlying cause, will influence the most effective treatment approach.

Empowering Your Hair Journey

Hair loss can be a challenging or isolating experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are numerous effective solutions available in Singapore to help you restore your hair and your confidence. By acting early and exploring your options, you can take control of your hair loss journey and achieve the results you desire.

At V Aesthetics Hair Grow, we offer science-backed and FDA-approved male hair loss treatments tailored to your specific needs and condition. Our signature treatment combines advanced technologies like scalp analysis, Dermal Electroporation, LLLT, and our proprietary Miracle Growth Serum to address various conditions, including androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. We understand the unique challenges faced by men in Singapore and are committed to providing effective and convenient hair restoration solutions.

References

1. Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. [Updated 2023 Jan 25]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/
2. Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. [Updated 2023 Jan 25]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/
3. Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Talukder M, Bamimore MA. Finasteride for hair loss: a review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Jun;33(4):1938-1946. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2021.1959506. Epub 2021 Aug 2. PMID: 34291720.
4. Mysore V. Finasteride and sexual side effects. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2012 Jan;3(1):62-5. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.93496. PMID: 23130269; PMCID: PMC3481923.
5. Gupta AK, Talukder M, Venkataraman M, Bamimore MA. Minoxidil: a comprehensive review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Jun;33(4):1896-1906. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2021.1945527. Epub 2021 Jul 20. PMID: 34159872.
6. Guide to FUE Hair Transplant: Benefits, Process & Recovery. ISHRS. Accessed December 2024. https://ishrs.org/fue-what-is-it/ 
7. Guide to FUT Hair Transplant: Benefits, Procedure & Recovery. ISHRS. Accessed December 2024. https://ishrs.org/fut/