Hair loss affects a significant proportion of men as they age. Dr Joel Foo offers confidential assessment and treatment for male pattern baldness and other forms of hair loss in Singapore — from scalp evaluation to prescription medication and ongoing follow-up care.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Joel Foo MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Ed), DWD (CAW), GDFM Men's Health Doctor & Family Physician
Last updated: Apr 30, 2026
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common condition that affects men of all ages but becomes more common with age. The most frequent form in men is androgenetic alopecia — commonly called male pattern baldness — which is driven by genetic sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
A Singapore community study found that around 63% of men experience some degree of androgenetic hair loss, with prevalence rising from around 32% in men under 26 to near 100% in those in their 80s. While hair loss itself is not medically harmful, it can affect confidence and mood — and in some cases it can be a sign of an underlying health issue worth investigating. In most cases, hair loss can be slowed or managed with appropriate treatment.
Hair loss can present in different patterns depending on the underlying cause. Common signs include:
Identifying the type of hair loss is important because each responds differently to treatment.
Hair loss in men usually has more than one cause. Understanding the contributing factors helps choose the right treatment.
Because some causes of hair loss point to broader health issues, Dr Joel Foo often recommends a basic health screen alongside hair loss assessment when symptoms are sudden, severe or unusual.
A consultation for hair loss in Singapore typically includes:
Consultations are confidential and conducted in a calm, judgement-free setting.
Treatment for hair loss in Singapore is tailored to the type of hair loss and to your overall health. Most men with male pattern baldness respond to a combination of medication, lifestyle change and managing underlying conditions. Results typically take 3 to 6 months to appear and continue to improve up to 12 months.
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are a class of oral medicine commonly used for male pattern baldness. They work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the hormone responsible for follicle shrinkage. Different medicines in this class have different profiles, and your doctor will advise which is more suitable for your situation. Learn more about finasteride for hair loss.
Oral hair loss medicines are prescription-only in Singapore. A doctor must review your medical history before prescribing, as these medicines may not be suitable for all men.
Topical treatments are applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and encourage regrowth. Some are available over the counter, but a consultation helps identify the most suitable formulation and strength for your scalp and pattern of loss.
If a thyroid disorder, iron deficiency, scalp condition or other health issue is contributing to hair loss, managing the underlying cause often improves hair growth. This is a central part of care for men whose hair loss isn't purely pattern-based.
For men with advanced hair loss, Dr Joel can refer you to a specialist for procedures such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, low-level laser therapy or hair transplant surgery, if these are appropriate for your situation.
Dr Joel Foo offers confidential consultations to assess your scalp, identify the cause and discuss treatment tailored to your situation. Same-day consultation and medication delivery available on request.
Book Your Appointment TodayConsultation and hair loss medication pricing at our Jurong clinic. Final costs depend on the length of consultation, any tests ordered, and the medication prescribed after your scalp assessment.
| Service | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | From $49.05 |
| Finasteride 1 mg | $31.61 (per box of 30 tablets) |
| Iron Deficiency Profile Screen Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity, % Iron Saturation | $52.32 |
| Deficiency Screen Folate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity, % Iron Saturation, Ferritin | $161.32 |
| Comprehensive Deficiency / Hair Loss Screen Folate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity, % Iron Saturation, Ferritin, Zinc, Magnesium, Free T4, TSH | $263.78 |
* Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Last updated: Apr 30, 2026. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please WhatsApp 8893 3757 to confirm the latest rates.
While genetic hair loss cannot always be fully prevented, several lifestyle habits can help slow its progression and support overall hair health. Many of these habits also benefit your general men's health.
If you notice thinning, consider seeing a doctor early — identifying and addressing underlying causes such as iron deficiency or thyroid issues can halt progression before significant loss occurs. Starting treatment while existing follicles are still active typically produces better outcomes than waiting until bald areas have formed.
Some shedding is normal — the average man loses around 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the natural hair cycle. However, you should consider seeing a doctor if you experience any of the following:
An early consultation allows for a scalp assessment, blood work if needed, and a treatment plan tailored to your situation. The earlier you start, the more of your existing hair can be preserved.
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Common questions Dr Joel Foo is asked about hair loss, assessment and treatment in Singapore.
Yes. Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common form of hair loss and affects a sizeable proportion of men by age 50. In Singapore, it is common among men of Asian descent and can begin as early as the 20s or 30s.
Male pattern baldness is primarily caused by genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles over time. Family history is the strongest predictor. Stress, nutrition and underlying health conditions can also contribute to or worsen hair loss.
Many types of hair loss can be managed with treatment, especially when started early. Options include oral medication (DHT blockers), topical treatments, and addressing underlying conditions. Dr Joel Foo will assess your scalp and recommend a plan tailored to your situation.
Yes. Oral hair loss medication (5-alpha-reductase inhibitors) is prescription-only in Singapore. A doctor must assess your suitability before prescribing. Some topical treatments are available over the counter, but a consultation helps identify the most suitable option.
Sometimes. Hair loss can be associated with thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions and high stress. Sudden or unusual hair loss warrants evaluation to rule out underlying causes.
Telemedicine is suitable for follow-up reviews and ongoing hair loss care once you have been assessed in person. Initial assessment usually requires a face-to-face consultation for scalp examination. Medication can be delivered to your address or collected at any of our four Singapore clinics.
The main classes of hair loss medication are oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (DHT blockers) and topical treatments applied to the scalp. Oral medication blocks the hormone that shrinks hair follicles; topical treatments stimulate hair follicles directly. Your doctor will advise which is more suitable for your situation.
Visible results typically take 3 to 6 months of consistent treatment, with continued improvement up to 12 months. Stopping treatment usually leads to a gradual return of hair loss, so consistency is important. Photos at each review help track progress.
Yes. Significant or chronic stress can cause telogen effluvium, a condition in which more hairs than usual enter the shedding phase about 2 to 3 months after a stressful event (surgery, illness, major weight loss, emotional trauma). This type of hair loss is usually temporary, and hair tends to regrow once the stressor is addressed. Chronic low-grade stress can also worsen existing hair loss.
It depends on the cause. Hair loss from nutritional deficiencies, stress (telogen effluvium) or scalp conditions is often fully reversible once the underlying issue is addressed. Male pattern baldness can be slowed or partially reversed with early treatment, but follicles that have shrunk significantly over many years are harder to restore. The earlier you seek assessment, the better the typical outcome.
Male pattern baldness can begin as early as the late teens or early 20s, though it more commonly starts in the 30s or 40s. In Singapore, it is not unusual for men to notice a receding hairline or thinning at the crown in their 20s. The earlier changes are noticed, the more treatment options are typically available.
Treatment works best when started early, but it is rarely too late to benefit. Medication can slow further loss and in some cases produce regrowth even in men with moderate baldness. Areas that are completely bald — where follicles are no longer active — typically need procedural options such as hair transplant. A consultation can assess what is realistic for your stage of hair loss.
Yes. Combination therapy (oral medication plus topical treatment) is commonly used and often produces better results than either alone, particularly for moderate to advanced male pattern baldness. Oral medication addresses the hormonal driver while topical treatment stimulates follicles directly. Your doctor will advise on the best combination for your situation.
Oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride are generally well-tolerated, but a small percentage of men may experience side effects including reduced libido, erectile difficulties or breast tenderness. These effects are usually mild and reversible on stopping the medication. Your doctor will discuss your personal risk factors before prescribing and review any symptoms during follow-up visits.
Consultations start from $49.05 and Finasteride 1 mg is $31.61 per box of 30 tablets. For investigating underlying causes, blood screens range from $52.32 (Iron Deficiency Profile) to $161.32 (Deficiency Screen) to $263.78 (Comprehensive Deficiency / Hair Loss Screen) — see the pricing table above for details. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please WhatsApp 8893 3757 to confirm the latest rates.
Dr Joel practises at our Jurong clinic. Medication from telemedicine consultations can be collected at any location, with other male physicians also available.
Message us on WhatsApp for a private consultation with Dr Joel Foo — in person at Jurong or via telemedicine follow-up.