Singapore's Best Hair Loss Treatment: Tocotrienol for Natural Hair Growth

The Power of Tocotrienols as a Remedy for Hair Loss

Hair loss is a prevalent issue in Singapore, affecting 63% of men and ranking as the primary hair concern for more than half of the women in Singapore. Various factors contribute to hair loss, including genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, stress and lifestyle choices.

The Science Behind Tocotrienol

What is Tocotrienol?

Tocotrienol is a patented hair growth formulation naturally derived from palm fruits. It is a potent vitamin E complex that has garnered increasing popularity. Unlike tocopherols, which is the most common form of vitamin E, tocotrienol has far more potent health benefits as it possesses neuroprotective, anti-cancer and cholesterol-lowering properties.

Types of Vitamin E: Tocopherols vs. Tocotrienols

This comparison shows that while both forms of Vitamin E contribute to hair health, tocotrienols have a more significant impact on promoting hair growth due to their superior antioxidant activity and ability to penetrate and nourish the scalp.

The Power of Tocotrienols as a Remedy for Hair Loss

Tocotrienol also possesses 40 to 60 times higher antioxidant activity as compared to tocopherol. This makes it a powerful free-radical scavenger that can reduce oxidative stress in the scalp, which in turn reduces cuticle fragility and roughness of hair. Research has also found that supplementation of tocotrienol capsules has increased hair numbers in volunteers suffering from hair loss.

Understanding Hair Loss: Contributing Factors and Health Conditions

A. Oxidative Stress

a. Oxidative Stress (OS) occurs when the body has excess free radicals, overwhelming its natural antioxidant defences. The Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are a subset of free radicals that contain oxygen and have been linked to alopecia areata, leading to varying degrees of hair loss
b. OS also plays a role in the ageing process of the hair follicle. The free radicals formed with OS can lead to coarse hair texture, less pigmented hair, and cause hair thinning or hair loss.

B. Free Radicals

a. When hair is exposed to sunlight, the UV ray in the light penetrates through several layers of the hair, creating free oxygen radicals that break down the bonds in the hair and reduce structural integrity
b. Effect of free radicals on hair

c. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals by giving up some of their electrons, breaking the chain reaction and preventing it from breaking down the bonds in the hair

A. Nutritional Deficiencies

B. Hormonal Imbalances

a. Hormones largely impact the hair cycle and hair follicle structure, resulting in changes in hair growth, cycle and density when hormonal imbalances are experienced
b. The amount of DHT in the body relates to the amount of testosterone in the body, as DHT is produced through the conversion of testosterone. Higher levels of DHT in hair follicles can lead to a shorter hair growth cycle or the growth of shorter and thinner hair, resulting in male and female pattern hair loss
c. Additionally, hormonal disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can contribute to hair loss and thinning due to excess androgenic hormones, including testosterone and DHT. In PCOS, elevated levels of androgens can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to increased hair shedding (telogen effluvium) and thinning. 20-30% of people with PCOS suffer from female pattern hair loss.

C. Thyroid Problems

a. Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are also associated with widespread hair shedding. 50% of individuals with hyperthyroidism and 33% with hypothyroidism suffer from hair loss which may occur months before the manifestation of other symptoms

b. Hypothyroidism, characterised by insufficient thyroid hormone production, is thought to impede the division of epidermal and skin appendage cells, delaying hair re-entry into the anagen (growth) phase in some individuals 

D. Pregnancy

a. Oestrogen and progesterone also regulate hair growth. The levels of these hormones increase during pregnancy and cause additional hair growth in the head and body
b. Hair loss decreases during pregnancy and  increases after delivery as the conversion of hair from anagen (growth) to telogen (resting) is slowed down during pregnancy and accelerated postpartum, with the hair loss lasting up to several months
c. Tips to improve postpartum hair health

• Have a balanced diet to give your hair the nutrients it needs
• Choose loose-fitting hair accessories and styles
• Avoid applying heat to your hair 
• Avoid chemically based treatments

E. Physical Trauma

1. Hair follicles damaged by injury or surgery can undergo self-repair, eventually leading to hair regrowth. However, this process can be lengthy, and it can take up to four years to fully restore hair growth. 
2. Repeated injuries to the hair follicles can result in scarring, impeding hair regrowth in affected areas. Hair that does manage to grow back tends to be thinner and more fragile than before, potentially leading to hair loss at the injury site.

• Avoid pulling hair out
• Wear protective equipment to avoid injury when participating in physical activities
• Cleaning sores and practising proper wound care if you have an injury

F. Trichotillomania

a. Trichotillomania is a self-limiting, self-induced form of hair loss produced either consciously or habitually by plucking, pulling, or cutting the hair in a bizarre manner
b. Trichotillomania can be related to emotions 

• Pulling hair may be a way of dealing with negative feelings like stress, anxiety, loneliness, extreme tiredness or frustratio
• Pulling hair can offer a sense of satisfaction and temporary relief, sometimes serving as a method to sustain positive emotions

c. Managing trichotillomania

• Therapy, such as the usage of habit reversal training, cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, helps with other mental health conditions that often occur along with trichotillomania, such as depression and anxiety
• Medicines can also help with the mental health conditions that are commonly associated with trichotillomania. Although no medicines are approved by the US FDA specifically for the treatment of trichotillomania, some medicines (Clomipramine, N-acetylcysteine, Olanzapine) may help control certain symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.

G. Autoimmune Diseases

a. Autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo, lupus, and atopic dermatitis are associated with alopecia areata. 
b. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person’s immune system attacks their hair follicles, causing hair loss
c. Treatment options may include

• Topical therapies (cream or ointments) applied directly
• Injectable therapies 
• Systemic therapies (pills) which affect the immune system

How Tocotrienols Promote Hair Growth

Antioxidant Properties and Scalp Health

Tocotrienols, members of the Vitamin E family, are potent antioxidants with unique properties that distinguish them from tocopherols. Their shorter, unsaturated side chain allows for higher mobility within cell membranes, enabling rapid scavenging of free radicals. This characteristic makes tocotrienols effective in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage, a crucial factor in maintaining healthy hair growth.=

They are also powerful free radical scavengers that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are readily transferred and incorporated into cell membranes and protect the cell membranes from oxidative damage Inflammation disrupts the hair growth cycle and can contribute to hair loss. By inhibiting central inflammation regulators, tocotrienols help mitigate this disruption and create a more favourable environment for healthy hair growth.

Clinical Evidence Supporting Tocotrienols for Hair Growth

Patients with hair loss generally exhibit lower levels of antioxidants in their scalp area. Tocotrienols are known to be potent antioxidants. These supplements help in protection against oxidative risks by protecting the hair against UV rays and neutralising free radicals

It has been found that supplementation with tocotrienol capsules increases hair numbers in volunteers suffering from hair loss, with 40% of the subjects showing hair increases of more than 50% after 8 months

Tocotrienols are part of the vitamin E family which are known to 

• Prevent hair loss 
• Increase circulation in the scalp
• Preserves the protective lipid layer of hair

Sources of Tocotrienols

Natural Dietary Sources

A. Oils: Vegetable oils, particularly palm oil and rice bran oil
B. Seeds and Nuts: Pumpkin seeds flax seeds, hazelnuts, and walnuts
C. Grains: Wheat, barley, and oats
D. Fruit: Buckthorn berry and palm fruit

MIRIQA® and Tocotrienol-Based Hair Care

MIRIQA® Professional Hair Nutrition Supplement

MIRIQA® is designed to provide a convenient and safe solution to restore your hair to its optimal state of health and beauty. Formulated with the finest and most natural ingredients, MIRIQA® stands out as a premium choice for hair care.

Key Ingredients and Benefits

Each ingredient in MIRIQA® is clinically proven to effectively reduce hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and enhance hair strength, ensuring that you can regain confidence in the health and vitality of your hair. Not only does MIRIQA® address hair loss and growth, but it also improves the overall appearance and feel of your hair. With consistent use, MIRIQA® promotes improved hair shine, adding a lustrous and healthy glow to your locks.

Made from Tocotrienol, Tripeptide Collagen, Saw Palmetto Berries, Keratin Forte, Biotin, these are all the essential foundations of healthy, luscious hair.

• Tocotrienol: Proven to increase hair growth in subjects experiencing hair loss
• Tripeptide Collagen: Clinical studies have shown increase in thickness of hair shafts in volunteers after consuming Tripeptide Collagen 
• Saw Palmetto Berries: Blocks conversion of Testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that can shrink hair follicles, therefore increasing hair density
• Keratin Forte: Subjects using keratin Forte showed a statistically significant improvement in reducing hair loss by 46.6% at Day 90. Hair shine and brightness also improved in 87.5%
• Biotin: Biotin deficiency is found in 38% of women complaining of hair loss

Usage and Expected Results

Continued use of MIRIQA hair will improve hair health and shine by maintaining consistency and adhering to the recommended regimen. Users can anticipate decreased hair fall within the initial two months, followed by enhanced hair growth from the third to fifth month. Expect to notice thicker and stronger hair strands by the sixth to eighth month. From the ninth month onward, hair will become noticeably shinier, healthier, and more resilient.

MIRIQA® Hair Extra Strength Professional Nutrition Supplement (Clinic-Exclusive)

Botanicals in MIRIQA® Hair Extra Strength provide a unique therapeutic effect because of their multi-modal clinical-biological activity against multiple root causes of hair loss It contains all the key ingredients found in our MIRIQA® Professional Hair Nutrition Supplement which are Tocotrienol, Tripeptide Collagen, Saw Palmetto Berries, Keratin Forte, and Biotin

Two additional star ingredients are added into the Extra Strength formula

• KSM-66 Winter Cherry: World’s best winter cherry with the most extensive research done and is clinically proven to reduce cortisol level and build resistance to stress, which helps enhance and promote better hair growth 
• Curcumin Bio-max: Helps reduce DHT formation and works synergistically with Saw Palmetto Berries to address miniaturisation of hair follicles, promoting thicker hair shafts
  

MIRIQA®’s multi-award-winning proprietary blend of 100% drug-free nutraceutical ingredients is clinically proven to improve hair growth. These perfect formulas are carefully curated by pharmacists and intended to give you healthier, shinier, and stronger hair.

Tocotrienol is a vital ingredient in combating hair loss, complemented by other essential components for fostering healthy hair growth. MIRIQA® uses a blend of natural ingredients to nurture your hair health and promote increased growth.

Additional Tips for Supporting Hair Health

Balanced Diet and Lifestyle Changes

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins, is fundamental for maintaining strong and healthy hair. Incorporating foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and whole grains into your diet can provide the necessary nutrients to support hair growth and prevent hair loss. Additionally, a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management further promotes overall well-being, which directly influences hair health. Reducing stress through activities like yoga, meditation, or hobbies can also lower cortisol levels, a hormone linked to hair shedding.

 Importance of Regular Scalp Care

Regular scalp care is essential for creating a healthy environment that fosters hair growth. This includes keeping the scalp clean by using a mild shampoo that suits your hair type, which helps remove excess oil, dirt, and product buildup that can clog hair follicles. Regular scalp massages can also stimulate blood circulation, enhancing the delivery of nutrients to hair follicles and promoting stronger, healthier hair. Avoiding harsh hair treatments, such as excessive heat styling and chemical processing, is equally important to protect the scalp and prevent further hair damage.

Experience the Benefits of Tocotrienol for Yourself!

Micronutrients like tocotrienol, a form of vitamin E, are crucial for promoting hair growth by protecting the hair from oxidative damage and preventing hair loss. Achieving optimal results requires a balanced diet and continual use of supplements. For the best outcomes, taking two capsules of MIRIQA® daily at a consistent timing is advised. Many of our customers typically notice improvements within 3-6 months of routine use.

Give your hair the opportunity for natural growth without the potential side effects associated with drug alternatives. Incorporate MIRIQA® into your daily routine today!

A community study of male androgenetic alopecia in Bishan, Singapore. (2000, May 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11063167/

Ahsan, H., Ahad, A., Iqbal, J., & Siddiqui, W. A. (n.d.). Pharmacological potential of tocotrienols: a review. Nutrition & Metabolism, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-11-52

Ahsan, H., Ahad, A., & Siddiqui, W. A. (2015). A review of characterization of tocotrienols from plant oils and foods. Journal of Chemical Biology, 8(2), 45–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12154-014-0127-8

Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2018). The role of vitamins and Minerals in hair loss: a review. Dermatology and Therapy, 9(1), 51–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6

Ash, T. (n.d.). PCOS hair loss causes and 7 treatment options. Ro. https://ro.co/womens-hair-loss/pcos-hair-loss/

Beer, C., Wood, S., & Veghte, R. H. (2014). A clinical trial to investigate the effect of cynatine HNS on hair and nail parameters. ˜the œScientific World Journal/TheScientificWorldjournal, 2014, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/641723

Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled study of safety and efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022

Effects of Tocotrienol Supplementation on Hair Growth in Human Volunteers. (n.d.). Tropical Life Sciences Research, 21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075/

Evron, E., Juhász, M., Babadjouni, A., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2020). Natural hair supplement: friend or foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic review in Alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders, 6(6), 329–337. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509905

Fança-Berthon, P., Tenon, M., Bouter-Banon, S. L., Manfré, A., Maudet, C., Dion, A., Chevallier, H., Laval, J., & Van Breemen, R. B. (2021). Pharmacokinetics of a single dose of turmeric curcuminoids depends on formulation: results of a human crossover study. ˜the œJournal of Nutrition/˜the œJournal of Nutrition, 151(7), 1802–1816. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxab087

Ferreira, M. (2023, May 23). How vitamin E can benefit your hair. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-e-for-hair#benefits

Harvard Health. (2019a, January 31). Understanding antioxidants. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-antioxidants

Harvard Health. (2019b, January 31). Understanding antioxidants. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-antioxidants

Hussein, R. S., Atia, T., & Dayel, S. B. (2023). Impact of thyroid dysfunction on hair disorders. Curēus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43266

Kushwah, R., & Kushwah, R. (2023, August 29). How free radicals affect the health of your hair. HK Vitals Blog. https://www.hkvitals.com/blog/how-free-radicals-affect-the-health-of-your-hair/

Lynfield, Y. L. (1960). Effect of Pregnancy on the Human Hair Cycle**From the Section of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.Presented at the Twenty-first Annual Meeting of The Society for Investigative Dermatology, Inc., Miami Beach, Florida, June 13, 1960. ˜the œJournal of Investigative Dermatology/Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 35(6), 323–327. https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.1960.127

Ma, Y., Sun, Z., Li, Y., & Xu, H. (2023). Oxidative stress and alopecia areata. Frontiers in Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1181572

Malavolta, M., Pierpaoli, E., Giacconi, R., Basso, A., Cardelli, M., Piacenza, F., & Provinciali, M. (2018). Anti-inflammatory activity of tocotrienols in age-related pathologies: a SASPEcted involvement of cellular senescence. Biological Procedures Online, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12575-018-0087-4

Manganese deficiency alters the patterning and development of root hairs in Arabidopsis. (n.d.). Journal of Experimental Botany. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2529234/

Masters, M., & Masters, M. (2022, February 22). Postpartum hair loss. What to Expect. https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/postpartum-health-and-care/postpartum-hair-loss/#:~:text=Keep%20your%20hair%20healthy%20by,toothed%20comb%20to%20minimize%20tangling.

Mhr-Admin. (2021, July 21). Does zinc stop hair loss? MHR Clinic | Hair Restoration Specialists. https://mhrclinic.co.uk/does-zinc-stop-hair-loss/#:~:text=Hair%20loss%20is%20a%20common,to%20a%20lack%20of%20zinc.

Morales-Brown, P. (2024, January 12). Everything you need to know about DHT. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68082#summary

Nutraceuticals in brain health and beyond. (n.d.). ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128205938/nutraceuticals-in-brain-health-and-beyond

Pfizer. (n.d.). Alopecia areata Overview: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment | Pfizer. https://www.pfizer.com/disease-and-conditions/alopecia-areata#:~:text=Yes%2C%20alopecia%20areata%20is%20an%20autoimmune%20disease.&text=It%20happens%20when%20a%20person's,follicles%2C%20leading%20to%20hair%20loss.&text=There%20also%20appears%20to%20be,a%20kind%20of%20eczem%20a).

Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Hair follicle. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23435-hair-follicle

Sen, C. K., Khanna, S., & Roy, S. (2006a). Tocotrienols: Vitamin E beyond tocopherols. Life Sciences, 78(18), 2088–2098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2005.12.001

Sen, C. K., Khanna, S., & Roy, S. (2006b). Tocotrienols: Vitamin E beyond tocopherols. Life Sciences, 78(18), 2088–2098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2005.12.001

Seo, H. (2023, March 8). What to eat for strong hair and a healthy scalp. TrichoLab. https://www.tricholab.com.sg/blog/what-to-eat-for-strong-hair-and-a-healthy-scalp/

Serbinova, E. A., Kagan, V. E., Han, D., & Packer, L. (1991). Free radical recycling and intramembrane mobility in the antioxidant properties of alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrienol. Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 10(5), 263–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/0891-5849(91)90033-y

Statista. (2023, May 22). Leading hair concerns of women between 35 to 44 years Singapore 2019. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1099392/singapore-leading-hair-concerns-of-women-between-35-to-44-years/

Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 22). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichotillomania/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355193

Trüeb, R. M. (2015). The impact of oxidative stress on hair. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 37(S2), 25–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12286

Trüeb, R. M. (2016). Serum biotin levels in women complaining of hair loss. International Journal of Trichology, 8(2), 73. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.188040

View of The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. (n.d.). https://www.nutrafoods.eu/index.php/nutra/article/view/9/6

ViviscalPRO, & ViviscalPRO. (2021, July 21). The most effective ways to overcome copper and hair loss problems - Firefly Pan Asia. Firefly Pan Asia -. https://www.viviscalprofessional.com.sg/2021/07/21/the-most-effective-ways-to-overcome-copper-and-hair-loss-problems/