What is happening to the hair
Male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is driven by DHT and genetics. Follicles shrink over time and make finer hair. The process tends to continue over time.
Earlier treatment aims to preserve more follicles. Plans differ with the pattern of loss, family history and previous treatment.
How male hair loss treatment plans in Singapore are built
Options that may form part of the plan
| Option | What it is | Its limit |
|---|---|---|
| Oral DHT-pathway therapy | Medicine, such as finasteride, that acts on the hormone behind pattern loss | Does not restore follicles already lost |
| Topical vasodilator | Minoxidil applied to the scalp | Does not block DHT |
| Luminescence Laser | A non-ablative 1540 nm laser, used on the scalp as part of a hair loss plan | Not a stand-alone answer, and of no use in scarring loss |
| H2LT | A low-level laser protocol, used as a non-drug layer | Cannot regrow follicles already lost |
| In-clinic exosome treatment | An adjunct for the scalp, timed within the plan | Adjunct only |
| Derive Serum and Nourkrin | A daily exosome scalp serum, and a nutritional supplement | Support only |
Review points
Reduced shedding is the first thing looked for, and this is also your formal review.
This is when regrowth is looked for.
The full response is assessed against your first photographs.
These are time points for review, not promises. Some men will see less change, and results vary.
Medicine in more detail
For most men, medicine sits at the centre of the plan. Oral DHT-pathway therapy acts on the hormone behind pattern loss. A topical vasodilator, such as minoxidil, works differently and does not block DHT. Some men use one, and some use both. This is a prescribing decision made after your assessment and blood tests, and it can change if side effects appear. Topical finasteride may also be discussed if you want lower systemic exposure. Bear in mind that some is still absorbed.
Who it may suit
These plans are for men with male pattern hair loss. The stage decides the depth of the plan. Some men start with medicine and laser only. Others need several layers together. Early thinning generally leaves more to work with, so there is value in having it looked at soon. If you are unsure whether your thinning is pattern loss at all, that is a good reason to be assessed. Sudden patchy loss and scarring are different problems and need a different pathway. It also helps to be honest about commitment. These plans need steady use of medicine and attendance at reviews. If you cannot commit to that, say so at the start, because a simpler plan may be more realistic. Please bring earlier photographs if you have them.
Who should wait or avoid it
Active scalp infection, inflammation or open wounds should settle before any procedure. Scarring or patchy loss goes to dermatology.
Liver disease, heart conditions or low blood pressure are reviewed individually. A history of mood disorder or sexual side effects is discussed before you start.
Thinning from thyroid disease or low iron should be corrected first.
Bleeding disorders or blood thinners are reviewed before any scalp procedure.
Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle finasteride.
What treatment cannot do
Where follicles have been dormant for years, medicine and energy devices may not produce regrowth. A hair transplant may then be discussed. Dr Sin Yong refers transplants on and does not perform them. Laser does not block DHT, and exosome treatment does not replace a medical base. A lost follicle cannot be regrown, and pattern hair loss does not stop for good after a course. Stopping oral therapy typically leads to hair loss resuming, so plan for long-term care. No outcome is promised.
Risks and side effects
Changes in libido, erection or ejaculation in a minority of men, reported mood changes, and lower PSA readings. Please tell any doctor screening your prostate.
Scalp irritation, early shedding and unwanted hair on the face or body.
Mild warmth, redness or scalp tenderness that settles.
Tenderness, redness, swelling or bruising at treated points. Infection or allergy is uncommon.
Low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm, persistent sexual changes, breast tenderness or lumps, testicular pain, rash, lip or facial swelling, trouble breathing, chest pain or dizziness.
Follow-up and monitoring
Bring a list of what you have tried, how long you used it and what happened. Photography at reviews makes change easier to judge than looking in the mirror. Follow-up blood tests help check response and safety, including liver function with oral therapy. Medicines can be stopped or changed if side effects occur. Combination, sequence and whether oral therapy suits you are all decided at consultation. Session frequency for any procedure is set for you and not fixed in advance.
How fees are set
No prices are published. Your fee depends on which medicines and procedures are included, the area involved, and the blood tests needed. A written quote is given at consultation, which also decides whether treatment is advised at all. Read how we quote. For the wider picture, see the hair loss treatment overview. Your quote will set out what is planned for the first stage of care. If laser or exosome treatment is not needed, it should not be in your plan. Please ask which parts of your plan are essential and which are optional.