Hair loss can affect both men and women at different stages of life. Whether you are noticing increased hair shedding, gradual thinning or areas of reduced hair density, these changes can have a significant impact on confidence and self-image. Because hair loss can arise from a range of underlying factors, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is an important first step.

What Is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, refers to the partial or complete loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. While some degree of daily shedding is normal, excessive hair loss can occur when the hair growth cycle is disrupted or when hair follicles become damaged.

Hair loss can affect both men and women of all ages. Depending on the cause, it may present as gradual thinning, increased shedding, patchy bald spots or more widespread hair loss. Factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies and stress can all contribute to its development.

Normal Hair Growth Cycle

Healthy hair growth follows a continuous cycle consisting of four phases. Disruptions to any stage of this cycle may result in excessive shedding or reduced hair growth.

• Anagen (Growing Phase) – This is the active growth stage, during which hair follicles produce new hair. The anagen phase can last several years and determines the maximum length of hair growth.
• Catagen (Transition Phase) – A short transitional stage where hair growth slows and the follicle begins to shrink.
• Telogen (Resting Phase) – During this phase, hair remains in place while the follicle rests and prepares for a new growth cycle.
• Exogen (Shedding Phase) – This is the stage where older hairs are released and shed naturally before new hairs begin to grow.

What Are Different Types of Hair Loss?

Identifying the type of hair loss is an important step in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

• Androgenetic Alopecia

  The most common form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia is influenced by genetics and hormones.
  • Male Pattern Hair Loss – Typically presents as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, which may progress over time.
  • Female Pattern Hair Loss – Usually appears as diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp while preserving the frontal hairline.

• Telogen Effluvium

  This temporary form of hair loss occurs when a larger-than-normal number of hairs enter the resting phase. Common triggers include illness, major stress, surgery, rapid weight loss and post-natal hair loss.

• Alopecia Areata

  An autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to target hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss.
  • Alopecia Totalis – A more extensive form of alopecia areata involving complete loss of scalp hair.
  • Alopecia Universalis – The most severe form, resulting in the loss of hair across the entire body.
  • Alopecia Ophiasis – Characterised by a band-like pattern of hair loss along the sides and back of the scalp.

• Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia)

  A group of inflammatory conditions that permanently damage hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue. Early diagnosis is important to help prevent further hair loss.

• Traction Alopecia

  Caused by repeated tension on the hair from tight hairstyles such as braids, buns or extensions.

• Trichotillomania

  A condition involving repetitive hair pulling, which can lead to noticeable hair loss and thinning.

What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Hair Loss?

Hair loss can affect the scalp or other areas of the body. The severity varies from mild thinning to more extensive hair loss.

• Receding Hairline

  A gradual backward movement of the hairline, commonly seen in male pattern hair loss.

• Patchy Bald Spots

  Round or irregular areas of hair loss that may develop suddenly.

• Gradual Hair Thinning

  A reduction in hair density, often most noticeable along the crown or parting line.

• Excessive Daily Shedding

  Finding more hair than usual on pillows, clothing or in the shower.

• Sudden Loosening of Hair

  Hair may come out easily during washing, brushing or gentle pulling.

• Full-body Hair Loss

  Loss of hair affecting areas beyond the scalp, including eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair.

• Scalp Conditions

  Redness, itching, scaling, pain or inflammation may indicate an underlying scalp disorder contributing to hair loss.

If you notice any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention early can help identify the cause and improve treatment outcomes.

What Are Possible Causes and Risk Factors of Hair Loss?

Hair loss may develop as a result of genetic, hormonal, medical or lifestyle-related factors. Some of the common causes and risks of developing hair loss include:

• Ageing

  Hair growth slows with age, while follicles may become smaller and produce finer hairs.

• Genetics

  Inherited conditions such as androgenetic alopecia are among the most common causes of hair loss.

• Hormonal Imbalance

  Changes in hormone levels related to pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders or other conditions may contribute to hair loss.

• Medical Conditions

  Autoimmune diseases, infections and systemic illnesses can affect hair growth.

• Scalp Conditions

  Inflammatory scalp disorders may interfere with healthy follicle function.

• Medications (Side Effects)

  Certain medications may contribute to temporary or ongoing hair loss.

• Excessive Traction on Hair

  Repeated pulling forces can damage hair follicles over time.

• Nutritional Deficiencies

  Low levels of iron, protein, zinc and certain vitamins may affect normal hair growth.

• Stress

  Physical or emotional stress can trigger temporary shedding in some individuals.

How Is Hair Loss Diagnosed?

Hair loss assessment typically begins with a detailed review of your medical history, symptoms and hair care habits, followed by an examination of your scalp and hair. Early diagnosis helps identify the underlying cause and allows treatment to begin before further progression occurs.

Other Diagnostic Assessments May Include:

• Video Trichoscopy – Magnified imaging of the scalp and hair follicles to evaluate hair density, shaft thickness and scalp health.
• Blood Tests – Used to identify nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders or other underlying medical conditions.
• Scalp Biopsy – A small sample of scalp tissue may be examined when inflammatory or scarring hair loss is suspected.
• Allergy Tests – May be performed if an allergic reaction is suspected to be contributing to scalp symptoms.
• Hormonal Evaluations – Useful when hormonal imbalances are suspected as a contributing factor.
• Hair Pull Test – A simple clinical test used to assess active shedding.

What Hair Loss Treatments Are Available?

Some recommended treatments include:

Oral and Topical Medications

• Minoxidil – Minoxidil is available in topical and oral formulations and may help stimulate hair growth while slowing hair loss in suitable individuals.
• Finasteride (for Men) – Finasteride is an oral medication commonly prescribed for male pattern hair loss. It works by reducing the effects of hormones that contribute to follicle miniaturisation.
• Anti-Inflammatory Lotions/Steroids – These medications may be used to reduce inflammation affecting the scalp and hair follicles in certain inflammatory hair loss conditions.
• Oral Supplements – Supplementation may be recommended when nutritional deficiencies are contributing to hair loss or poor hair growth.

Corticosteroids

• Oral Medication – Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed in selected cases to help suppress inflammation and reduce further hair loss.
• Scalp Injections – Corticosteroids can be injected directly into affected areas of the scalp to target localised hair loss and encourage regrowth.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

  LLLT uses low-energy light to stimulate hair follicles and may help improve hair density in selected individuals with thinning hair.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

  PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets derived from your own blood into the scalp. These platelets contain growth factors that may support hair follicle function and hair growth.

• Exosome Scalp Therapy

  Exosome therapy uses cell-derived signalling molecules that may help support tissue repair and stimulate hair follicles. It may be recommended as part of a broader hair restoration plan.

• Microneedling with Hair Serums

  Microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the scalp, allowing specialised hair serums to penetrate more effectively while stimulating the scalp's natural healing response.

• Hair Transplant Surgery

  Hair transplant surgery involves relocating healthy hair follicles to areas affected by hair loss. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) harvests individual follicular units, while Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area before transplanting the follicles.

• Nutritional & Lifestyle Modifications

  Addressing factors such as nutritional deficiencies, stress, poor sleep and hair care practices may help support scalp health and complement other hair loss treatments.

How to Prevent Hair Loss?

While not all forms of hair loss can be prevented, certain habits may help support scalp and hair health:

• • Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, iron and essential nutrients
• • Avoid tight hairstyles that place excessive tension on the hair
• • Use gentle hair care products suited to your scalp condition
• • Minimise excessive heat and chemical treatments
• • Manage stress through healthy lifestyle practices
• • Seek prompt medical attention for persistent shedding or scalp concerns

Hair Loss Treatment with Dr Patricia Yuen

Hair loss can affect more than your appearance. It may also impact confidence and emotional well-being. Fortunately, many forms of hair loss can be managed effectively with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

At Patricia Yuen Dermatology in Singapore, Dr Patricia Yuen provides personalised assessment and treatment for a wide range of hair and scalp conditions. Drawing on more than 25 years of dermatology experience, she develops evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.

Whether you are experiencing recent hair shedding, gradual thinning or patchy hair loss, our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hair Loss

Contact us by filling in the form below, or calling our clinic number: (65) 6235 1200

There are many reasons for hair loss including aging, genetics, hormonal imbalance, and nutritional deficiencies. Although hair loss is not a serious health threat, it may cause negative self image and embarrassment. Most people normally shed around 100 hairs a day as part of the hair renewal process. However some people suffer from excessive hair loss at one time. There are a few types of hair loss: male pattern androgenetic alopecia, female pattern alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. Oral and topical medications are available to treat certain types of alopecia.

Contact us by filling in the form below, or calling our clinic number: (65) 6235 1200