Why is Your Hair Thinning and Can You Reverse it?

While it is mostly men who seek treatments for hair loss, both men and women experience hair thinning. And although some will get used to how they look with less or no hair, it can still cause a lot of distress and make people feel self-conscious, especially when out in public. 

Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore explores the causes of hair thinning, as well as the things that can help slow down or reverse hair thinning.  

So, what causes thinning hair?

Genetics, lifestyle habits, or both, as well as certain medical conditions, can contribute to thinning hair and hair loss. Below are the factors that might be at play:

• Aging – Hair growth slows as we age, causing the hair to thin or even lose its color. Aging can also cause the hairline to start receding. 
• Genetics – In many cases, hair loss or thinning is hereditary or caused by genes. Hereditary hair loss is referred to as male or female pattern hair loss, medically known as androgenic alopecia. Hair thinning or shrinking can start as early as teens, but usually begins later in life.
• Hormonal imbalances – Fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen, androgens, thyroid, insulin, and cortisol can cause disruption in the hair’s growth cycles. This can contribute to thinning or hair loss. These can occur during:

• Pregnancy and childbirth 
• Menopause
• Thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid; hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid)
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Hair styles and treatments – These include harsh treatments or overtreating your hair with dyes, perms, relaxers, and more. Over time, these can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss. The same is also true for tight hairstyles or those that pull on your scalp. Continual pulling can lead to traction alopecia. 
• Medications – Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications, particularly those used for cancer, depression, arthritis, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
• Scalp infection – Apart from scales in the scalp, it can also cause inflammation in some areas that appear like tiny black dots, but are stubs of hair. Treating the infection can cause the hair to grow back. 
• Nutritional deficiencies – Not getting enough nutrients such as biotin, iron, protein, or zinc can negatively affect the overall health of your hair and contribute to noticeable hair loss. 
• Chronic stress – Being in a constant state of stress can cause an increase in cortisol or stress hormones. Too much cortisol can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where stress pushes hair follicles into a resting phase. This can worsen other hair loss conditions like alopecia areata. 

Can you reverse thinning hair?

Treating early is essential to reverse thinning hair. Soon after you notice thinning or hair loss, you can  start with the treatment, which can depend on the cause of your hair loss. Here are a few ways that can help slow down hair thinning.

• See a skin or aesthetic doctor – This is to evaluate the overall health and condition of your scalp and skin. A thorough examination is essential in developing a tailored treatment plan for your hair loss or thinning hair.
• Lifestyle changes – Treating your hair right can go a long way in slowing down hair thinning. This can include avoiding pulling your hair tight, forgoing/limiting harsh hair treatments, and going to a professional for hair care services (particularly for perms and relaxers). 
• Medications – There are several medications that can help improve thinning or prevent future hair loss. One popular treatment is minoxidil solution, a vasodilator that helps promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, promoting hair growth. Minoxidil can be applied on the scalp or taken orally as per the doctor’s instructions. A consultation with a doctor can help determine which medication is right for you.
• Laser therapy – Some studies revealed that at-home laser therapy, also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or red-light therapy, shows promising results in stimulating hair growth. More research, of course, is needed to learn more about the benefits and side effects of these devices. Laser light treatments are available in caps and combs. 
• Multivitamins and supplements – If your blood test reveals that you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals or if nutritional deficiency is to blame for your thinning hair, your doctor may recommend taking supplements. These may include iron, biotin, or zinc. 

How Cutis can help

At Cutis, we offer medical microneedling with the use of exosomes to help stimulate the hair follicles to grow. We use the Dermapen 4 device, which creates micro-injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing response. This promotes blood flow and nutrient absorption, which can potentially enhance the effectiveness of hair growth solutions like the MG-EXO-GROW.

MG-EXO-GROW is specifically formulated to be used alongside microneedling treatments. It delivers active ingredients or concentrated exosomes directly into the scalp to help with:

• Improving scalp health and follicle regeneration
• Reducing inflammation
• Promoting thicker, fuller hair

MG-EXO-GROW features a formula that contains a blend of proteins, peptides, and ceramides encapsulated in a patented bioscience formula. It helps repair damaged follicles, renew the hair growth lifespan, and protect against hair loss.

Book a consultation

Hair thinning can result from genetics, aging, hormonal changes, chronic illness, or infections. Starting treatment early with a professional can help manage thinning hair effectively.

Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore offers hair restoration solutions that nourish the scalp and strengthen weakened hair. WhatsApp us today at +65 9780 2079 to learn more or schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.