Hair loss can be a major cause for concern if hair is coming out in bunches and is adversely affecting your self-confidence. Although some hair treatments in salons can help to nourish and strengthen your hair, they are unlikely to benefit the more severe cases of hair loss. On the other hand, hair transplants are a more permanent solution that one can opt for when dealing with severe hair loss concerns. To help you understand this treatment better, here are the key things you need to know about hair loss and hair transplant procedure in Singapore.

DISCLAIMER: The Beauty Insider platform does not promote or support any specific treatment. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and we strongly advise all readers to thoroughly research and consult with a doctor accredited by the Ministry of Health before undergoing any aesthetic or medical procedures.

What are the symptoms of hair loss?

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Although some hair fallout on a daily basis is normal, here are some hair loss symptoms that can be a cause for concern. Here, symptoms can vary depending on the different causes of hair loss:

  1. There is visible gradual hair loss at the top section of your head
  2. Your hair comes out in bunches even when you’re just pulling at it gently
  3. You have patchy or circular bald spots that are very obvious
  4. Hair loss on all other areas of the body like the eyelashes, eyebrows, arms, legs, and private area

Different types of hair loss

Otherwise known as alopecia, hair loss can occur on both your scalp as well as other parts of your body. While severe hair loss is quite commonly genetic, here are other types of hair loss that can occur in some individuals.

Traction alopecia

stantly pulled back into a tight bun or ponytail. Additionally, it can also happen when you wear hair weaves, extensions and tight braids for long periods of time. Because of the constant tension at the roots of your hair, it can lead to permanent hair loss if something isn’t done about it early on. Hair loss from traction alopecia tends to occur along the front hairline. Hence, to keep the hair follicles from becoming too damaged for hair regrowth, prevention is certainly better than cure. So, a good way to keep traction alopecia at bay is to change your hair parting from time to time and wear looser hairstyles.

Androgenic alopecia

Also known as pattern baldness, androgenic alopecia is commonly a result of one’s genetic makeup as well as hormones. While it occurs in both men and women, research shows that it is more prevalent in men. In fact, studies show that over 50% of men over 50 years of age have male-pattern baldness. Moreover, one is at risk of developing androgenic alopecia if one has family members with this form of hair loss. While men tend to experience a receding hairline, women experience androgenic alopecia in the form of overall hair thinning. Also, female-pattern baldness tends to occur in women after menopause.

Anagen effluvium

Next, we have anagen effluvium which is a form of hair loss that arises from chemotherapy. Since up to 90% of our hair is in the growing (aka anagen) phase, cancer drugs can impede the growth of our hair at this stage. As a result, hair sheds and falls out at an alarming rate. However, this form of hair loss is certainly reversible once a patient recovers and no longer requires chemotherapy.

Telogen effluvium

While we rarely hear of telogen effluvium, this form of hair loss is actually pretty common. Essentially, it is a temporary hair loss condition that arises when our bodies experience stress such as childbirth and nutritional deficiencies. Besides that, stress, illnesses, and environmental damage can also cause bouts of telogen effluvium. While about 90% of our hair is in the growing (anagen) phase, about 10% is under the resting or shedding (telogen) phase. Normally, this telogen phase lasts anywhere between 2 and 4 months. However, when one experiences telogen effluvium, about 30% of hair stops growing and prematurely enters the telogen phase. So instead of losing a normal hair count of 100 strands per day, you may lose about 300 strands on a daily basis. While this can be alarming, telogen effluvium is a temporary condition and should resolve itself after 6 months.

What causes hair loss?

Before considering a hair transplant, it is important to understand the underlying causes of hair loss. Here are some of the most common causes amongst those with hair loss concerns.

  1. Hereditary: This is by far the most common cause of male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss.
  2. Stress: Continuous exposure to stress can result in temporary forms of hair loss.
  3. Nutritional Deficiency: A deficiency in protein and other vital nutrients can result in telogen effluvium. It can also result in thinning hair and weak strands.
  4. Hormonal Fluctuations: Women who are expecting or going through menopause may experience telogen effluvium.
  5. Medication: Sometimes, hair loss can be a side a effect of medication or treatments like chemotherapy.

Who is eligible for hair transplant?

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Overall, you would have to meet the following criterion to be eligible for a hair transplant:

  • Currently, you do not have an existing medical condition that would impede the procedure.
  • You have healthy blood vessels on the bald or sparse areas.
  • Sufficient hair follicles on a healthy donor site. Ideally, donor sites are on the sides or the back of the scalp.
  • Your hair loss is not widespread throughout your scalp.
  • You are unlikely to develop raised scars post-surgery.
  • Also, your hair loss should be of a permanent nature.

The types of hair transplants

Now, here are the different types of hair transplant procedures available in Singapore.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

First, we have Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Currently, it is the most common form of hair transplant treatment in Singapore. Because Asian skin is usually thicker and more taut, wound healing is actually slower. Hence FUE hair transplant is better for Asian skin as it poses a lower risk of scarring. In practice, FUE hair transplant involves harvesting individual hair follicles from donor sites. Then, the doctor embeds these hair follicles into tiny incisions made on the bald or sparse areas. Although it is quite a time-consuming process, there is minimal downtime and scarring for FUE hair transplant.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

her risk of causing keloid scars post-procedure. In essence, FUT takes a strip of skin with attached hair follicles taken from the donor site. Then, the doctor sections them off into smaller groups of tissues known as hair grafts. Next, the doctor makes tiny incisions into the bald areas and inserts these hair grafts into these incisions. While this procedure is faster than FUE, it leaves a very obvious horizontal scar behind. Additionally, it also requires a longer downtime than an FUE procedure.

What is the procedure like?

Typically, a hair transplant involves 4 key steps for hair restoration. First, the doctor will disinfect and inject a local anesthetic onto the donor site. This step is to prepare the donor site for the extraction of hair follicles. Besides the sides or back of your scalp, donor sites can also be your underarms or other parts of your body. These hair follicles will be set aside in a special solution until they’re ready for implantation.

Next, each hair graft undergoes a rigorous selection process through a microscope to ensure its viability and survivability. They make sure to choose healthy hair follicles that will be used for implantation. The chosen hair grafts will be positioned strategically to keep the transplant looking as natural as possible. Finally, the doctor can proceed with the implantation of the bald or sparse areas.

Are they expensive?

Generally, the cost of an FUE hair transplant procedure in Singapore can fall anywhere between the $6000 to $10,000 range. Overall, the total cost depends on the severity of your hair loss and the survival rate of your hair grafts. Hence, a low survival rate would require you to incur high costs for multiple treatments. Additionally, there is also the risk that your hair loss condition will be unresolved if your hair grafts do not survive.

Frequently asked questions

Does the hair transplant surgery hurt?

Since the doctor is using local anesthesia during the hair transplant surgery, you will not feel pain aside from the discomfort of a needle injection. However, you may experience swelling and inflammation post-procedure. Hence, your doctor may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to relieve any pain and discomfort.

How long before I can expect new hair growth?

After about 2 weeks, you may notice some of the newly transplanted hairs falling out. However, do not be alarmed as this is a fairly common occurrence after a hair transplant procedure. In fact, this is actually part of the recovery process to make way for new hairs to grow. After 9 to 12 months of recovery, you can begin to see results from your hair transplant. Sometimes, results can be seen as early as 6 months depending on the success of the procedure.

Does transplanted hair look very obvious?

While FUT treatments leave behind an obvious scar, transplanted hair from FUE treatments look more natural due to its lower risk of scarring. Additionally, how natural your hair transplant looks depends on the experience and skill of your doctor.

How long does transplanted hair last?

It goes without saying that hair restoration done with the surgical procedure are meant to be permanent. However, there are certain factors that can affect the longevity of treatment results. Aside from the skill of your doctor, recovery, and healing also play a major role in the success of your treatment. For instance, infections and poor wound healing can considerably decrease the survivability of your hair grafts.

How can I improve the success rate of my hair transplant?

To improve the success rate of your hair restoration surgical procedure, your doctor has to consider the following:

  1. Extraction of hair follicles in the same direction of your hair to reduce trauma to the hair follicle and donor site.
  2. Proper and meticulous preservation of hair follicles prior to implantation. This is essential to ensuring the survivability of your hair grafts.
  3. The depth at which to implant the hair follicles. The implants should receive sufficient blood supply for them to survive.

In addition to that, here are some steps you can take post-treatment to aid with the recovery process:

  1. Elevate your head slightly when you sleep.
  2. Refrain from washing your hair for a week.
  3. Take time off work if you need to recover.

What is the downtime and will I have scars?

Normally, one may experience swelling at the donor site and the areas of implantation. On the whole, the recovery process can take a few weeks. Also as mentioned previously, FUT can leave behind an obvious scar while FUE poses a lower risk of scarring.

Clinics in Singapore that provide hair transplants

Now that you have a clearer idea about hair transplant procedures, here are a list of clinics that currently offer them in Singapore.

1. Freia Medical

Known for their FUE hair transplants, Freia Medical performs hair transplant treatments in varying severity. Here, Dr. Harold focuses on using “permanent or safe” donor site hairs to improve the survival rate of the implants.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

LocationRoyal Square Novena, 101 Irrawaddy Road, #14-12/13, Singapore 329565
Opening hoursMon, Wed & Thu: 9am – 7pm
Tue & Fri: 9am – 9pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm, Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
Contact detailsTel: +65 6735 8180
WhatsApp: +65 8223 0609

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2. Terra Medical Hair & Aesthetic Clinic

Next, we have Terra Medical Clinic led by Dr. Joshua Chong. In addition to his years of experience in hair loss treatments, Dr. Joshua also has a profound passion for helping patients living with alopecia. Additionally, the clinic offers a wide range of hair lost treatments and procedures for a variety of hair concerns.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

Location9 Scotts Road, #11-03 Scotts Medical Centre, Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
Opening hoursTue – Fri: 10am – 8pm
Mon & Sun: Closed
Contact detailsTel: +65 6909 0927
WhatsApp: +65 9187 0470

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3. Dr. Tyng Tan Aesthetics & Hair Clinic

Next, we have a clinic that does personalised skincare and hair loss treatments. Dr. Tyng’s clinic prioritizes a patient’s comfort and safety above all else. Additionally, Dr. Tyng has also been approved by the Singapore Medical Council to perform hair transplants. She also has specializations in both FUE and FUT procedures.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

Location391B Orchard Road Ngee Ann City Tower B, #08-04, Singapore 238874
Opening hoursMon – Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm
Sun: Closed
Contact details+65 6235 0010

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4. Sozo Aesthetic Clinic

Led by Dr. Justin Boey, Sozo Aesthetic Clinic offers a variety of skin, hair, and body treatments. In addition to hair transplants, Dr. Boey also carries out non-invasive hair loss treatments for those looking for alternatives to surgery.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

LocationSozo Aesthetic Clinic, 1 Raffles Place #05-12/13, One Raffles Place (Shopping Mall), Singapore 048616
Opening hoursMon – Fri: 10am – 8pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
Contact detailsTel: +65 6935 1811
WhatsApp: +65 9610 5102

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5. The Clifford Clinic

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Besides FUE and FUT hair transplants, The Clifford Clinic also offers ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant. Essentially, it combines technology with traditional hair implantation techniques to treat various hair loss concerns.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

Location24 Raffles Place, #01-03 Clifford Centre, Singapore 048621 (Exit A from Raffles MRT)
Opening hoursMon – Fri: 10am – 8pm
Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
Contact detailsTel: +65 6532 2400
WhatsApp: +65 8318 6332

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6. Dr. Eileen Tan Skin, Laser & Hair Transplant

Helmed by Dr. Eileen Tan, the Dr. Eileen Tan Skin, Laser & Hair Transplant offers a myriad of treatments ranging from a chemical peel, laser therapy, wart removal, and hair transplant. They offer follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) donor site harvesting treatments. With their expertise and technology, they will ensure that the hair transplant looks natural to ensure clients’ satisfaction.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

Location38 Irrawaddy Road, #05-38 Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Singapore 329563
Opening hoursWeekday: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Closed on Sunday and Public Holiday
Contact details+65 6223 8898

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7. Alaxis Aesthetics

Alaxis Aesthetics is a clinic that offer various types of invasive and non-invasive surgeries all under one roof. Particularly for hair transplant, they adopted the Follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique which provides a permanent solution with minimal downtime and pain. Equipped with certified technology and machines, they prioritize the client’s safety and comfort during the treatment.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

Location360 Orchard Road 04-02 International Building Singapore 238869
Opening hoursWeekday: 9 am – 7:30 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 2:30 pm
Closed on Sunday
Contact detailsTel: +65 6235 0880
+65 6235 0880

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8. Angeline Yong Dermatology

Next, Angeline Yong Dermatology is a clinic with various treatments and dedicated staff. They offer different types of treatments for all your aesthetic needs, including hair transplants. During the consultation, they will advise you on the suitable treatments whether Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), depending on your conditions to ensure optimal results.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

Location6 Napier Road, #03-02 Gleneagles Medical Centre Singapore 258499
Opening hoursWeekday: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Saturday: 8.30 am – 12.30 pm
Closed on Sunday
Contact detailsTel: +65 6252 0026
+65 6592 1311

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9. SL Aesthetic Clinic

SL Aesthetic Clinic is an aesthetic clinic in Singapore that deliver optimal results to its clients. They offer a comprehensive list of services ranging from chin fillers, pico laser, HD liposuction, and hair transplants. Furthermore, their team comprises trained and experienced medical professionals that will go the extra mile to ensure that you obtain the desired looks. Besides that, their hair transplant procedure enables you to have fuller-looking hair with minimal downtime. The estimated price for a hair transplant is $5 per graft.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

Location1 Woodlands Square, 04-11, Causeway Point S(738099)
Opening hoursWeekday: 10 am – 9:30 pm
Weekend: Saturday 10 am – 8:30 pm
Sunday 10 am – 7: 30 pm
Contact details+65 9850 7112

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10. Dr. Jon Yong Aesthetic Clinic

Founded by Dr. Jonathan Yong, the Dr. Jon Yong Aesthetic Clinic is the clinic that has comfortable ambiance and treatments. At Dr. Jon Yong Aesthetic Clinic, you can find various treatments including hair transplants. They will personalize the treatments to ensure effective results by taking into account these three factors, treatment, support, and maintenance. With their technology and experienced medical professionals, you will be in good hands.

Click here to find out more or to book a consultation.

Location9 Scotts Road, #10-05 Scotts Medical Center, Singapore 228210
Opening hoursMonday: 3 pm – 8 pm
Tuesday to Friday: 10 am – 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 3 pm
Closed on Sunday and Public Holiday
Contact detailsTel:  +65 8518 5100
+65 8518 5100

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