Types of Hair Loss: Causes, Patterns, and What It Means for You

Understanding Hair Loss & Hair Growth

Hair loss and hair growth are natural processes that everyone experiences to some extent. On average, a person loses between 50 to 100 strands of hair each day as part of the normal hair growth cycle. But when hair loss becomes excessive or patchy, it may point to deeper physiological or environmental triggers.

In Singapore, hair loss is a rising concern among both men and women, with contributing factors ranging from high humidity and urban pollution to dietary changes and work-related stress. This article provides a deep dive into the many causes of hair loss, helping you understand its complexity without jumping into treatment options.

Types of Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern hair loss

Common Triggers: Genetics, hormones

Telogen Effluvium: Temporary shedding after a shock to the system

Common Triggers: Stress, illness, childbirth

Alopecia Areata: Autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss

Common Triggers: Immune dysfunction

Traction Alopecia: Hair loss from tension or styling

Common Triggers: Tight hairstyles

Anagen Effluvium: Sudden hair loss during growth phase

Common Triggers: Chemotherapy, toxins

Why Hair Loss Happens: A Multifactorial Condition

1. Genetics

Genetics play a significant role, especially in cases of androgenetic alopecia. If you have a family history of hair thinning or balding, you may be predisposed to experiencing hair loss earlier or more extensively than others.

2. Age

As we age, the hair growth cycle slows down. Hair becomes thinner, shorter, and less pigmented. In Singapore, many start noticing early signs of hair thinning in their late 20s to early 30s, especially men.

3. Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can all impact the hair growth cycle. For women, postpartum shedding and menopausal thinning are especially common.

4. Nutrition

A balanced diet is critical for hair health. Deficiencies in iron, protein, zinc, or vitamin D can contribute to hair loss. Crash diets and disordered eating patterns, which are becoming more prevalent in Singapore's image-conscious society, can exacerbate the issue.

5. Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing more hairs into the shedding phase. Telogen effluvium, a common form of stress-related hair loss, is often seen after intense emotional or physical events.

6. Lifestyle Factors

Poor sleep, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake can all affect scalp circulation and overall hair vitality. The sedentary yet high-pressure lifestyle in Singapore can silently contribute to hair thinning over time.

7. Environmental Factors

Humidity, UV exposure, and urban pollution in cities like Singapore can impact both scalp health and hair quality. Fine particles from the air may clog hair follicles or increase oxidative stress on the scalp.

8. Chemical and Heat Damage

Frequent colouring, perming, bleaching, or use of heated tools can weaken hair structure. While this doesn’t always cause root-level hair loss, it can lead to breakage and thinning appearance.

9. Medications and Treatments

Some prescription medications, such as those for acne, depression, or high blood pressure, may list hair loss as a side effect. Medical treatments like chemotherapy are also known to cause sudden and significant shedding.

10. Underlying Health Conditions

Diseases like lupus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid imbalance often manifest first through changes in hair density or texture. Hair loss may be the first visible symptom.

Age and Gender: How Hair Loss Manifests Differently

Teenagers: Often hormonal or stress-related; traction alopecia from tight hair styles

Women in 20s-40s: Hormonal shifts (e.g. PCOS, postpartum), lifestyle stress

Men in 20s-30s: Early onset androgenetic alopecia

Middle-aged Women: Menopausal thinning, nutritional deficits

Elderly (Men & Women): Age-related thinning, slow regrowth

Cultural and Social Pressure in Singapore

Hair is closely tied to personal and professional identity in Singapore's image-driven culture. Many individuals feel anxiety when they notice hair thinning, which can exacerbate stress-related shedding. Work stress, beauty expectations, and long working hours may create the perfect storm for increased hair fall.

Seasonal and Climate Influences

Unlike temperate countries, Singapore's tropical climate doesn't offer "seasonal shedding" in the traditional sense. However, many still report increased hair fall during the hotter months or after prolonged sun exposure. Scalp sweating and fungal overgrowth can also affect hair health in humid climates.

How to Know if Hair Loss Is Normal

It’s important to distinguish between regular shedding and clinical hair loss. Use these guidelines:

Losing <100 strands/day: Normal
Sudden clumps of hair in the shower: Possible telogen effluvium
Receding hairline or widening part: Possible androgenetic alopecia
Patchy bald spots: May indicate alopecia areata
Itching, flaking, or pain: Possible scalp disorder

Key Takeaways

Hair loss can be caused by one or a combination of many factors: genetics, age, hormones, nutrition, stress, and environmental exposure.

Both men and women in Singapore experience hair thinning due to unique cultural, climate, and lifestyle conditions.

Understanding the root causes is the first step to addressing hair loss effectively.

Hair Growth – What You Need to Know

Hair is more than just a cosmetic feature—it plays a role in our identity, self-esteem, and how others perceive us.

The Biology Behind Hair Growth

Every strand of hair on your head emerges from a follicle, a tiny sac-like structure located in the scalp’s dermal layer. The process of new hair development is driven by complex cellular activity inside these follicles.

Hair Structure Overview

Cuticle: Outermost layer made of flattened cells that protect the inner layers

Cortex: Middle layer rich in keratin and pigments, responsible for strength & color

Medulla: Central core (often absent in fine hair)

The base of each follicle houses the hair bulb, which contains living matrix cells that divide rapidly to form the hair shaft. These cells rely heavily on nutrients delivered by blood vessels and are influenced by hormones, especially androgens.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Human hair follows a cyclical pattern involving distinct phases. These cycles regulate how long hair grows, rests, and sheds.

The Four Main Phases

Anagen (Growth Phase):
- Lasts 2–7 years
- Determines hair length
- 85–90% of scalp hair is in this phase
Catagen (Transitional Phase):
- Lasts about 2–3 weeks
- Follicle shrinks and detaches from blood supply
Telogen (Resting Phase):
- Lasts 3 months
- 10–15% of hair is here
- Hair is no longer actively growing
Exogen (Shedding Phase):
- Hair is released and falls out
- Followed by new hair beginning the anagen phase

Disruption in this cycle—such as a shortened anagen or prolonged telogen—often leads to thinning or excessive shedding.

Factors That Influence Hair Growth

Multiple internal and external elements affect how fast and how well hair regenerates. Some of these are within your control, while others, like genetics or aging, are not.

Internal Factors

Genetics: Family history largely dictates follicle sensitivity and growth phase duration.
Hormones: Androgens like dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrink follicles in androgenetic alopecia.
Health Conditions: Thyroid disorders, anemia, and autoimmune diseases can interrupt the growth cycle.
Nutrition: Hair-producing cells need iron, biotin, zinc, vitamin D, and protein.

External Factors

Hairstyling Practices: Frequent bleaching, heat styling, and tight hairstyles can weaken strands.
Environmental Exposure: UV radiation, pollution, and harsh water affect scalp and follicular health.
Medications: Chemotherapy, antidepressants, and some blood pressure drugs can cause temporary or permanent shedding.

Hair Growth in Men vs Women

Although everyone goes through the same hair cycle, how it presents can differ based on sex.

Male Pattern Baldness

Known medically as androgenetic alopecia, it often starts with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. It's linked to inherited sensitivity to DHT. Over time, affected follicles shrink, leading to finer hair and eventually no regrowth.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Women tend to retain their hairline but experience diffuse thinning over the crown. Female pattern loss is often more emotionally distressing and has multifactorial causes including hormonal shifts (e.g., menopause, PCOS), stress, and iron deficiency.

Common Myths About Hair Growth

Misinformation abounds when it comes to hair care and regrowth. Here’s a breakdown of the most common myths:

Myth: Shaving your head makes it grow faster

Truth: It only appears thicker due to blunt ends.

Myth: Daily washing leads to hair loss

Truth: Overwashing may cause dryness, not true follicular damage.

Myth: Hair oils promote faster growth

Truth: Oils can condition but do not stimulate follicles on their own.

Myth: Supplements alone will regrow hair

Truth: Only effective if a deficiency exists; not a cure for genetic loss.

Myth: Stress causes permanent baldness

Truth: Telogen effluvium is temporary and reversible in most cases.

How Lifestyle Affects Hair Growth Potential

Maintaining a healthy scalp isn’t just about treatments—it’s a lifestyle. The condition of your hair often reflects your overall wellbeing.

Recommended Lifestyle Practices

Balanced Diet
Incorporate lean proteins, leafy greens, and healthy fats.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can push follicles into telogen. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or regular physical activity.
Scalp Care
Avoid buildup by using clarifying treatments and exfoliants.
Sleep
Inadequate rest affects hormone levels and cellular repair processes.
Avoid Smoking
Nicotine restricts blood flow to the scalp, reducing oxygen and nutrients to the follicles.

Book a Consultation

This article has focused solely on the understanding of hair loss, without recommending specific treatments.

Book a complimentary detailed Scalp AI Analysis at Anagen Scalp today and gain insights into your scalp condition before choosing any treatment.