MIND YOUR MANE
Hair thinning and loss are all too common in both men and women today. Lionnel Lim checks out two new treatments to ensure a healthy scalp and a headful of luscious locks.
SOAK UP THE GOODNESS
What: S.E.P. Activator For Hair Loss (60 minutes; $450 for regular session/ $128 for first trial)
Where: Papilla Haircare, #05-25AB Ngee Ann City, 6465 4565, papillahaircare.com
While every session will take an hour, the first time will be slightly longer as there will be an in-depth consultation on your scalp and follicle condition. Following this, I was given a deep cleansing mask and my scalp was disinfected before my hair was rinsed and dried.
Next came the machine-based S.E.P. Activator For Hair Loss treatment, which is non-invasive, non-ablative and needle-free. S.E.P. is short for Scalp electro po ratio nan disFd a-approved as an alternative to injections. This technology administers patented pulse energy to enable skin tissue to be more permeable to micro-molecules and macromolecules. In essence, it helps skin’s water-based channels open up to allow more ingrediens to penetrate transdermally.
The consultant assured me that there would be minimal sensation and the machine's intensity levels could be adjusted. My machine was on a lower voltage level and I felt only a slight pricking sensation all over the scalp, which is completely tolerable. Active ingredients like Salmon PDRN, SOD Antioxidant Complex, Allosterys PE are delivered painlessly, besides the usual nutrients like botanical cell extracts, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, L-carnitine, vitamins, amino acids, collagen and elastine. Apparently, this technology improves serum absorption up to 17 times! My scalp was then “enveloped” in the LLLT (Low Level Light Therapy) machine for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is to encourage follicles to heal, rejuvenate and take in oxygen while discharging toxins.
The treatment is generally safe for most, even those who are breastfeeding, as the serums are delivered to the subcutaneous level and not to the bloodstream. However, it is not suitable for pregnant women. Ten sessions are recommended for visible and effective results.
LOCKING IT IN
What: Anteage MD (60 minutes; $2,940 for six sessions) Where: The Covette Clinic, #03-24A ION Orchard, 6921 7875, covetteaesthetics.com
The clinic offers aesthetics treatments from top to toe, but my consultation was related to my thinning hair due to constant dyeing. Prior to meeting its Medical Director, Dr Lennard Chan, the therapist identified the areas that needed more attention. She then took several photos of my scalp to input into an app to record for hair density, keratin appearance, hair thickness and the status of hair loss, the scalp and hair pores. Dr Chan then explained in detail the entire treatment process.
The therapist first applied a mild cleansing solution onto my scalp to help dislodge and remove debris and dead skin that can build up over time in spite of regular shampooing. After washing and drying, a fractionated radiofrequency energy device was used to make tiny microchannels on my scalp. This process causes controlled trauma to the skin, which triggers the body’s healing response. It also prepares the scalp for the application and deep penetration of the Anteage MD Hair Growth Factor Solution.
This solution contains 12 bio-identical synthetic growth factors that penetrate skin and support follicular function and development. In other words, it “wakes up” dormant hair follicles, slows and reduces hair fall, and encourages hair growth.
To finish off, an LED light was shone onto my head for 20 minutes. This reduces any inflammation that might have been triggered in the previous steps and speeds up the healing process. You are advised not to wash your hair for 24 hours after the session.
This treatment is safe for most people. However, if you have certain scalp conditions such as fungal infection and psoriasis, you are advised to get them treated before undergoing this procedure. Dr Chan will be on hand for a consultation to ensure that you are a suitable candidate before undergoing treatment.
Some people experience a reduction in hair fall after just one or two visits, but for visible and sustained results, you are recommended to undergo six sessions, with one session every three to four weeks.