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.

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.

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

  • Increased cuticle fragility, fibre porosity, and surface roughness of hair.
  • Decreased mechanical strength leads to further hair vulnerability to additional mechanical or chemical treatment.

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

a. Micronutrients play a significant role in the normal hair follicle cycle, contributing to hair follicle development and cellular turnover. Cellular turnover refers to the process of producing new skin cells to replace existing ones.
b. Essential nutrients and their roles
  • Zinc: Develops and repairs hair tissues while maintaining the smooth functioning of oil glands surrounding the hair follicles. Low levels of zinc in the body compromise the structure and strength of hair follicles. It also reduces sebum production and creates a dry, flaky scalp. Hair fall occurs much quicker when hair follicles are not at their healthiest due to a lack of zinc.
  • Copper: Stimulates blood flow to hair follicles and scalp for oxygenation. Insufficient copper decreases blood circulation, slowing down hair growth.
  • Manganese: Keeps hair strong by aiding in the production of collagen, which helps to form the protein structure of hair. Manganese deficiency causes a thorough change in the arrangement and characteristics of the root epidermal cells in hair.
c. When the hair receives insufficient amounts of micronutrients, it can result in hair loss and thinning.

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 

c. Hyperthyroidism, characterised by excessive thyroid hormone production, stimulates the production of ROS in untreated individuals, resulting in increased free radical formation and oxidative stress
d. Identifying and addressing thyroid disorders and undergoing appropriate medical treatment can help restore hair growth and improve overall hair health

 

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

a. 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. 
b. 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.
c. Tips to care for hair follicles

  • 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

Tocotrienols for Hair Growth

Mechanism of Tocotrienols in Hair Growth

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.

How Tocotrienol Supplements Work for Hair Regrowth

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

Natural Sources of Tocotrienols

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

Tocotrienol in Hair Growth Supplements

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.

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

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.

Conclusion

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!

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