The hair loss timeline no one warns you about – and the treatments that actually work

“I thought I was just shedding… until it never stopped”

Most people ignore the early signs of hair loss. A little shedding here and there. More strands on the pillow. A weaker ponytail. Then one day, it becomes visible – and the panic sets in.

Hair loss is progressive. But it’s also treatable, especially when you catch it early.

Here’s what actually works at every stage, whether you’re dealing with postpartum shedding, thinning in your early 30s, or a receding hairline.

The hair loss timeline: what happens in each stage

Stage 1: “I’m just shedding a bit” (Early thinning)

Early signs include:

• More shedding in the shower
• Widening parting line
• Ponytail feels thinner
• Men: receding temples
• Women: diffuse thinning

This stage is the easiest to treat – most follicles are still alive.

Stage 2: “I can see my scalp” (Mid-stage)

At this point, you’ll notice:

• Visible scalp through the hair
• Reduced density
• “Flat” or limp hair
• Emotional stress (especially for women), because it becomes noticeable in photos

This stage can still be slowed down or partially reversed with the right treatment protocol.

Stage 3: “I need to cover it” (Advanced stage)

This is where:

• Bald patches appear
• Crown thinning shows clearly
• Postpartum shedding turns into true loss
• Men experience strong genetic recession

At this stage, clinical intervention is needed – shampoos and vitamins alone won’t fix it.

What causes hair loss? (It’s not just genetics)

While genetics play a role, most people experience hair loss due to multiple triggers:

• Hormones: DHT in men, postpartum shifts for women, perimenopause
• Stress & inflammation: disrupts the growth cycle
• Nutritional gaps: low iron, zinc, B vitamins
• Poor scalp circulation: weakens the follicle environment

“I started seeing my own hair thin after giving birth – and realised even doctors need a plan.” – Dr Low Chai Ling

What actually works: treatments that make a real difference

Stage 1: Prevention & early action

Best for early thinning, widening part, postpartum shedding.

• Oral supplements: biotin, zinc, iron
• SW1 Revage Hair Laser – increases scalp blood flow and wakes up dormant follicles
• Topical serums with medical-grade actives

Stage 2: Visible thinning

Best for mild-to-moderate density loss.

• Growth factor scalp injections for accelerated regrowth
• Microneedling with boosters to strengthen follicles
• Combination plan: Revage + injectables + supplements

This stage responds well when multiple therapies are paired.

Stage 3: Severe loss & balding

Best for scalp-showing, patchy thinning, male-pattern hair loss.

• Hair transplant for long-term restoration
• Ongoing laser maintenance
• Scalp boosters to support transplanted follicles

A transplant is not the first step – it’s the final step, supported by upkeep.

Men vs women: why tailoring matters

• Men commonly lose hair at the temples and crown due to DHT sensitivity
• Women experience diffuse thinning, postpartum shedding, or density loss from hormone shifts

This is why cookie-cutter plans fail – male and female hair loss patterns behave differently and must be treated differently.

The SW1 protocol: personalised plans for every stage

At SW1 Clinic, hair restoration is a multi-step, long-term approach:

• Bloodwork to check iron, thyroid, vitamin levels
• Scalp photography and digital density analysis
• Full-staged programme combining:
• Revage Hair Laser
• Medical topicals
• Growth factor injectables
• Transplant if needed

The goal: treat the cause, not just the symptom.

Final words: don’t wait for regret

“By the time it’s obvious, it’s harder to fix. Start when it’s just a feeling – that’s when treatments work best.” – Dr Low

Hair loss doesn’t have to be permanent.

With timely intervention and the right plan, regrowth is possible – and your confidence comes back with it.