In women, hair loss typically occurs in their 40s or later and presents as a general thinning over the entire scalp, with the most extensive hair loss at the crown.

In men, hair loss occurs over 7 stages as defined by the Nordwood Scale:

Stage 1

There are no obvious signs of thinning or hair loss but if you observe that you are losing more than 100 strands of hair a day, it is time to seek professional help.

Stage 2

More strands of hair fall out when you comb or shampoo your hair. As a result of increased hair loss, especially along your temples, you may notice a receding hairline.

Stage 3

You find that you have little or no hair left in your temporal regions and a bald spot has emerged on your scalp.

Stage 4

More prominent balding is spotted.

Stage 5

Higher visibility of hair loss that is hard to mask.

Stage 6

More prominent receding hairline at the top of your head and hair loss on the sides of your head.

Stage 7

Full-blown baldness in the shape of a horseshoe or cul-de-sac pattern.

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Temporary hair loss can be treated at any stage but the earlier you seek treatment, the better your chances are of recovering from it.

At Nassim Plastic Surgery, we believe your treatment plan should be tailored to fit your needs, preferences and budget. Our doctors will carefully assess your condition and work closely with you.

Your treatment plan may include one or a combination of the following:

• Lifestyle modifications
  You would first want to be gentle with your hair. After washing your hair, try using a detangler and wide-toothed comb to prevent pulling hair out. Let your hair dry naturally and if you must use a hairdryer, avoid extremely high heats. If you use styling tools regularly, consider reserving them for events or occasions and opt for more casual hairstyles for your everyday look.
  Secondly, keep your stress levels in check. Stress often throws us off both mentally and physically. Instead, try and cultivate a way of life where you have enough time to rest and recharge whether it be through regular workouts or meditation. A balanced diet would also provide your body with the right amounts of nutrients to support your health.
• Topical medication
  Minoxidil is an effective topical solution that you can purchase over the counter. It is available as a lotion or foam, to be applied to the affected area of the scalp.
  While hair growth varies from person to person, continuous use of Minoxidil for at least 2 to 4 months will yield some results. However, it is worth noting Minoxidil is for long term usage. Hair loss will reoccur over 3 to 4 months after you stop treatment.
• Oral medications
  Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription medication available to men only. It may take a few months to see effects of this medication but many men have reported slowing hair loss since beginning this form of treatment.
  Similar to topical solutions, oral medications are a long-term treatment and hair loss will reoccur once you stop treatment. It is not uncommon for doctors to supplement lasers or even a hair transplant with oral medications, especially if your hair loss is hormonal.
• Laser therapy
  Low level laser therapy is widely accepted as a safe and less invasive alternative to hair transplant surgery. A small number of studies show that low level laser therapy is effective in improving hair density.
• Hair transplant
  Hair transplants are a permanent way to improve hair density. Most patients do not require more than 2 hair transplants unless the treatment area is fairly large.
  A hair transplant is carried out in a doctor’s setting and involves three simple steps:
  1. Grafts will be retrieved from your healthy scalp at the back of the head
  2. The area where the grafts were retrieved from will be stitched up and concealed by hair
  3. Grafts will then be cut and relocated to tiny holes at thinning or bald spots

  Hair grafts can be extracted as slit graphs (4 to 10 hairs per graft) or micrographs (1 to 2 hairs per graft). In Singapore, up to 6,000 hair grafts can be transplanted, depending on your needs.