Hair loss is common among men and women, yet it shows up and progresses differently in each. Understanding these differences is crucial for spotting symptoms early and finding the right treatment.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of male and female hair loss, the symptoms and causes, and what anti hair loss solutions are available.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Symptoms
Male pattern hair loss, otherwise known as androgenetic alopecia, usually starts at the hairline and crown of the head. The most common signs include a receding hairline, where the hairline gradually moves back, forming an “M” shape.
Another common symptom is thinning at the crown, where hair at the top of the head starts to thin and may eventually lead to bald spots. Over time, these thinning areas can spread, leading to more extensive hair loss and potentially complete baldness.
Causes
The primary cause of male pattern hair loss is a combination of genetics and hormones. The genetic factor is linked to how your body responds to androgens, the hormones that affect hair follicles. The gene responsible for male pattern baldness can be inherited from either parent. As a result, men with a family record of androgenetic alopecia are at higher risk of developing it, as their hair follicles may be more sensitive to these hormonal changes.
Hormones, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, are believed to shrink hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Age is also a contributing factor, with hair loss typically progressing as you get older, starting as early as the late teens and becoming more noticeable by middle age.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Symptoms
Female-pattern hair loss appears differently than in men. Women usually experience diffuse thinning across the entire scalp instead of receding hairlines or bald spots.
One noticeable symptom is a widening part, where the part in a woman’s hair becomes visibly wider over time. Additionally, there is an overall decrease in hair volume, with hair appearing less dense.
Causes
Similar to male-pattern hair loss, female-pattern hair loss is influenced by genetics and hormones, but with some distinct differences. Women with a family history of hair loss are more susceptible to hair loss.
Hormonal changes, particularly those related to menopause, can trigger hair loss. During menopause, typically occurring in a woman’s late 40s to early 50s, the body undergoes a dramatic shift in hormone levels. The most notable change is the decline in oestrogen and progesterone, two hormones that help maintain healthy hair growth.
Certain medical conditions, high-stress levels, poor diet, and lifestyle habits are other contributing factors to female pattern hair loss.
How to care for male and female pattern hair loss
Dealing with hair loss can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can make a big difference. For both men and women, caring for hair loss is largely the same. You should focus on good habits and personal care.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Ensure your diet contains essential nutrients that support hair health, such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and E. Incorporate foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
- Reduce stress: High-stress levels can exacerbate hair loss. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or regular workouts to promote overall well-being and support hair health.
- Use gentle hair care products: Pick shampoos and conditioners designed to nourish and protect the scalp. Do not use products with harsh chemicals that can damage hair and irritate the scalp.
- Consider topical treatments: Products like minoxidil can effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Check with a hair and scalp specialist to determine if this treatment suits you.
- Address underlying health issues: Hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, and other medical issues can contribute to hair loss. Work with your specialist to address any underlying health problems affecting your hair.
- Consult a specialist: A specialist can provide personalised recommendations and anti-hair loss treatments based on your specific condition.
How can a hair and scalp specialist help?
A hair and scalp specialist diagnoses and treats hair loss issues, offering expert guidance tailored to your needs. They would conduct a thorough evaluation of your hair and scalp. This includes analysing your hair loss pattern, assessing scalp health, and considering any underlying conditions to provide a tailored treatment plan.
A specialist also educates you on how to care for your hair and scalp properly, including recommending the best hair care products and practices to complement your treatment plan. This knowledge helps you take proactive steps in managing your hair health.
Anti-Hair Loss Treatments
Thanks to medical and cosmetic science, various anti-hair loss treatments have been developed to manage and reduce hair loss in both men and women. These are some treatments available at TrichoLab.
Hair Loss Prevention Treatment
Hair Loss Prevention Treatment removes excess sebum and dandruff that can clog hair follicles and hinder growth. The treatment nourishes the scalp with essential nutrients to reinforce hair follicles.
Hair Loss Prevention Treatment is formulated with Ginkgo Leaf Extract, and Vitamin E. Ginkgo Leaf Extract is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. It helps enhance blood flow to the scalp, supports healthy hair follicles, and encourages stronger and more resilient hair growth.
Vitamin E protects hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. It also supports maintaining a healthy scalp environment by nourishing the skin and promoting overall hair vitality.
Hair Loss Prevention Treatment also includes anti-hair loss products—mask, shampoo, and ampoule—that work together to clear scalp buildup, strengthen hair roots, and effectively prevent hair loss.
Signature Microneedling Hair Growth
Signature Microneedling Hair Growth treatment by TrichoLab combats hair loss and promotes new hair growth. This treatment involves using microneedles up to 0.6mm to create micro-injuries on the scalp, stimulating natural healing processes and collagen production. The micro-injuries trigger an inflammatory response that activates the body’s repair mechanisms, promoting the regeneration of healthy hair follicles.
The microneedling system delivers a unique blend of botanicals, peptides, and growth factors into hair follicles. Peptides help to strengthen hair follicles and enhance cellular function, while growth factors support the repair and revitalisation of damaged hair follicles. This anti hair loss treatment neutralises hair loss and encourages new hair growth, visibly improving hair density and strength.
Intense Scalp Treatment
The Intense Scalp Treatment is one of TrichoLab’s best-selling treatments. It is designed to keep your scalp and hair in top shape. This 14-step anti hair loss treatment is customised to your scalp and hair’s needs on the day of treatment.
Intense Scalp Treatment provides a deep cleanse of scalp buildup and nourishes your scalp for optimal health. It can help unclog the hair follicles to reset the sebum production levels, allowing your hair to grow back healthier and thicker.
Youth-V Protect Scalp Treatment
UV protection is vital for your scalp, just as for your face. Lack of protection can contribute to hair loss, dandruff, an ageing scalp, and more. The Youth-V Protect Scalp Treatment protects your scalp from harmful UV rays, stimulates hair growth, strengthens hair follicles, and promotes overall health.
This anti hair loss treatment uses microbubble technology to enhance shampoo absorption into the scalp and radiofrequency technology to increase blood flow to hair follicles. Your hair will also be treated with EGCG peptide serum.
EGCG peptides are a naturally occurring compound derived from green tea. They shield the hair from free radical damage and inhibit the effects of DHT to prevent hair follicles from shrinking and ensure they remain in their active growth phase for extended periods.
The peptides in the serum work to strengthen hair follicles, improve their ability to produce new hair and promote the growth of thicker, more resilient strands.
Anti-Hair Loss Treatment in Singapore
Understanding the differences between male and female hair loss is essential for effective treatment. While genetics and hormones are the main culprits in both types of hair loss, the symptoms and progression can vary. Fortunately, with anti-hair loss treatments by TrichoLab, you can regain confidence and improve your overall hair health.
TrichoLab is a hair and scalp solutions provider. We offer customised solutions tailored to individual hair and scalp conditions. By combining topical treatments, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle changes, we offer a holistic scalp and hair care approach.
Book an appointment with our hair and scalp specialist to learn more about anti-hair loss treatments.