How to Treat Hair Loss: A Doctor’s Guide to Hair Regrowth

Hair loss is a common concern affecting both men and women. Whether you notice increased hair shedding, a widening parting, or thinning around the crown, treat hair loss early can improve the chances of preserving and regrowing your hair.

The good news is that there are effective, evidence-based treatments available. In many cases, surgery is not the first option. Medical treatments such as topical minoxidil and low-level light therapy (LED or hair laser) are commonly recommended before considering hair transplantation.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss can occur for many reasons, including:

• Genetic or hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
• Hormonal changes
• Stress or illness
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Certain medications
• Ageing

A proper medical assessment helps identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

1. Treat Hair Loss with Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is one of the most widely used treatments for hair loss. It is applied directly to the scalp once or twice daily.

Minoxidil works by:

• Stimulating hair follicles
• Prolonging the hair growth (anagen) phase
• Encouraging thicker and healthier hair growth

Most patients require at least 3 to 6 months of consistent use before noticeable improvement. Hair growth occurs gradually, and continued treatment is usually needed to maintain the results.

Topical minoxidil may be suitable for both men and women experiencing early to moderate hair thinning.

2. LED and Hair Laser Therapy

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), commonly known as LED or hair laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red light to stimulate hair follicles.

Potential benefits include:

• Improving blood circulation to the scalp
• Supporting healthier hair follicles
• Encouraging thicker hair growth
• Reducing ongoing hair thinning

Hair laser therapy is painless and does not require downtime. Treatment is typically performed as a series of sessions, and results improve gradually over several months.

Many doctors recommend combining hair laser therapy with topical minoxidil, as the treatments work through different mechanisms and may complement each other.

Combining Treatments Often Gives Better Results

Hair loss is rarely treated with a single solution.

Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend a combination of:

• Topical minoxidil
• LED or hair laser therapy
• Nutritional advice where appropriate
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce contributing factors

Starting treatment early is important because hair follicles become less responsive once significant thinning has occurred.

When Is a Hair Transplant Needed?

Hair transplantation is generally considered when medical treatments are no longer sufficient or when there is significant permanent hair loss.

During a hair transplant, healthy hair follicles are moved from areas with good hair density to thinning or bald areas of the scalp.

Although hair transplantation can restore hair in suitable candidates, it is still important to maintain the remaining natural hair. Many patients continue using medical treatments such as topical minoxidil or low-level light therapy after surgery to help preserve existing hair.

For most people with early or moderate hair loss, non-surgical treatments are usually recommended before considering a hair transplant.

When Should You Treat Hair Loss?

You should consider seeing a doctor if you notice:

• Increased daily hair shedding
• A widening parting
• Receding hairline
• Thinning at the crown
• Visible scalp
• Progressive hair loss despite using over-the-counter products

Early diagnosis often leads to better treatment outcomes.

Take the First Step Towards Healthier Hair

Hair loss is easier to manage when treated early. If you have noticed thinning hair or increased hair shedding, a medical assessment can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

At Arium Clinic, we offer personalized consultations and non-surgical hair restoration treatments, including topical therapies and hair laser therapy, to help patients manage hair loss based on their individual needs.

Call us now to schedule your personalized consultation for aesthetics treatment with Dr Donna.

OUR DOCTOR

Dr Donna Chow, Medical Director, Arium Clinic

Dr Donna has many years of experience in the field of Aesthetics Medicine. She graduates with a medical degree from National University of Singapore and holds two post graduate diplomas in Family Medicine and Dermatology (Distinction).

She is certified by the Singapore Medical Council Aesthetic Procedures Oversight Committee in the administering aesthetics injections, chemical peels, lasers for pigmentation, skin resurfacing and hair removal, non surgical skin tightening treatments and non invasive body contouring treatment. Click here to read more about her.

FILL UP THE ENQUIRY FORM BELOW AND WE WILL GET BACK TO YOU WITHIN 24 HOURS.