Hair loss treatments compared
What each option for pattern hair loss does, what the trials show, and why the cause is found first.
WhatsApp to Enquire →Pattern hair loss is treated with medicines that address the hormonal driver, low-level laser therapy, fractional laser to the scalp and scalp micrografts, usually in combination. Medicines have the strongest trial evidence; laser and micrografts add to them. No treatment regrows follicles that are permanently lost, so the cause is found first. See hair loss treatment in Singapore.
The main options side by side
| Option | Suits | How it works | Evidence | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral and topical medicines | Men and women with pattern loss | Slow the hormonal driver or lengthen the growth phase | Strongest; many randomised trials | Prescribed and monitored by a doctor |
| Low-level laser (H2LT) | Early thinning; alongside medicine | Light energy to stimulate follicles | Moderate; 9 of 11 studies positive | No downtime |
| Fractional laser (1540 nm) | Diffuse thinning | Tiny heat columns in the scalp to prompt growth | Small studies | Mild redness |
| Scalp micrografts (Regenera Activa) | Thinning areas | Your own scalp tissue processed and injected | Small studies | Small scabs about a week |
What the trials show
- A meta-analysis found low-level laser therapy, 5% and 2% minoxidil and 1 mg finasteride in men, and 2% minoxidil in women all superior to placebo (J Am Acad Dermatol 2017).
- A network meta-analysis in men found the largest gain in hair count at 24 weeks with 0.5 mg dutasteride, 7.1 hairs/cm² more than 1 mg finasteride (JAMA Dermatol 2022).
- A review of 11 low-level laser studies (680 people) found significant gains in hair count or density in 9 of 11 (Lasers Surg Med 2017).
- In 27 women given a 1550 nm fractional laser for five months, hair density rose from 100 to 157 per cm² and thickness from 58 to 75 µm (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011). IN Eternity uses a 1540 nm laser of the same class.
- In a multicentre study of autologous scalp micrografts, hair density rose by about 28 hairs/cm² in women and 30 hairs/cm² in men at 12 months (Aesthetic Plast Surg 2025).
How the options are combined
Most plans start with medicine for the hormonal driver, because it has the strongest evidence, and add in-clinic treatment to build density. Shedding after illness, stress or childbirth (telogen effluvium) is handled differently: the trigger is found and corrected, and blood tests check iron, vitamin D and thyroid. Scarring alopecia is referred for dermatology care.
- Change is judged at three, six and twelve months with standardised photographs.
- Stopping medicine usually lets pattern loss resume over months.
- Results vary; no option promises a set amount of regrowth.
See also oral vs topical minoxidil and hair loss treatment cost.
Hair loss treatments: questions
Which hair loss treatment works?
Medicines have the strongest evidence for pattern hair loss, and low-level laser also beat placebo in a meta-analysis. Fractional laser and micrografts have smaller studies and are usually added to medicine. The right mix depends on the cause.
Is laser treatment for hair loss effective?
A review of 11 studies found significant gains in hair count or density in 9 of them. Laser suits early thinning and alongside medicine.
How long before hair loss treatment shows results?
Hair cycles are slow; most people judge change at three to six months, with a fuller picture at twelve months.
Can hair loss treatment regrow a bald area?
Treatment can thicken thinning hair, but follicles that are permanently lost do not regrow. Earlier treatment keeps more hair.
Is postpartum hair loss treated the same way?
No. Shedding after childbirth is usually temporary telogen effluvium; checks for iron and thyroid problems come first, and pattern-loss treatment is only added if needed.
References
- Adil A, Godwin M. The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017;77(1):136-141.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.02.054
- Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Talukder M, et al. Relative Efficacy of Minoxidil and the 5-α Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment of Male Patients: A Network Meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatol 2022;158(3):266-274. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.5743
- Afifi L, Maranda EL, Zarei M, et al. Low-level laser therapy as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Lasers Surg Med 2017;49(1):27-39. doi:10.1002/lsm.22512
- Lee GY, Lee SJ, Kim WS. The effect of a 1550 nm fractional erbium-glass laser in female pattern hair loss. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011;25(12):1450-4. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04183.x
- Gentile P, Garcovich S, Perego F, et al. Autologous Micrografts Containing Nanovesicles, Exosomes, and Follicle Stem Cells in Androgenetic Alopecia: In Vitro and In Vivo Analysis Through a Multicentric, Observational, Evaluator-Blinded Study. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2025;49(1):43-58. doi:10.1007/s00266-024-04439-7
Book an assessment
IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210. By appointment with Medical Director Dr Sin Yong. Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm. WhatsApp or call +65 8815 3008. The consultation fee is waived with any medical treatment.