The truth behind Beijing 101 – A doctor’s review

From the times when Mediacorp was known as TCS, Beijing 101 Hair Consultants have existed in Singapore. You must have come across one or two TV advertisements with popular local celebrities endorsing their brand and services.

Beijing 101 has become a household name known for hair care and hair loss solutions in Singapore.

Here in Singapore, hair issues are not uncommon. The emotional stress and psychological distress that comes with hair fall are not often talked about.

At SIRE and Dame, we understand how important hair issues are and we want to present to you the evidence behind different hair loss solutions in Singapore. 

Non-scarring alopecias are conditions in which the hair follicle is not destroyed, hair regrowth can occur. The most common type of hair loss that can affect both men and women is androgenic alopecia, otherwise known as male or female pattern hair loss.

The Eastern vs Western understanding of hair loss

Hair health a reflection of the health of the body’s organs

There is a saying in TCM that the health of the hair lies in the blood – “发为血之余”.

The health of the blood then depends on the health of the “vital organs” like the kidney, liver, spleen, heart and lung.

From a TCM perspective, hair loss can be broadly classified into acute sudden hair loss or gradual hair thinning with an understanding that the main cause of hair loss is blood deficiency.

TCM practitioners seek to restore balance to the body’s organs through different treatment approaches, ultimately restoring hair health. 

A possible combination of heredity and hormonal changes

Alopecia is the general medical term for hair loss.

Hair loss disorders can be classified into 3 main types: scarring alopecias, non-scarring alopecias and structural hair disorders.

Scarring alopecias are characterized by irreversible damage to the hair follicle resulting in permanent hair loss. It is usually due to an inflammatory disorder resulting in an exaggerated immune response.

Male or female pattern hair loss is strongly associated with genetics and hormones, well-established medications are available to stop or slow this type of hair loss.

Structural hair disorders result in fragile hair and may be inherited or acquired. Damaging care techniques are a common cause of hair fragility.

Depending on the type of hair loss, treatments are available – but hair regrowth is not always a promise.

Beijing 101 vs a medical clinic’s approach to hair loss

Beijing 101: a five-step process

Beijing 101 prides itself with signature hair treatments formulated with premium-grade Chinese herbs, alongside advice from TCM physicians.

Beijing 101 hair loss treatment takes customers through a 5-step process.

Step 1: 1-on-1 consultation
Step 2: Hair and scalp analysis before treatment
Step 3: Scalp purification and herbal hair treatment
Step 4: Signature scalp massage with unique formulated tonic
Step 5: Hair and scalp analysis to show results after 1 session.

From online forums, it is understood to be roughly a 2-hour process, recommended to be done twice a week.

Medical Clinic: just your regular GP visit

In Singapore, a typical medical clinic or your neighbourhood GP can do a simple medical assessment and diagnosis of your hair issues.

If there are suspicions that the hair loss is due to reasons that are more complex and cannot be managed simply by a GP, a referral to a dermatologist can be provided for a more detailed consultation.

Medications, if deemed appropriate will be prescribed and provided to you – a follow-up consultation will be arranged if necessary.

The medical clinic approach would not be an unfamiliar process to you; it is similar to how a GP would approach as with any other common cold or flu – a consultation process, prescription as required and medications.

East meets West: hair loss medications

Beijing 101 offers a host of customised hair loss treatment options – from massages to acupuncture to Chinese herbs compounded into various hair masks and shampoo treatments.

Quoting Beijing 101: “The effectiveness of Beijing 101 hair solutions lies in the efficacies and formulation of Chinese herbs for optimum results.”

Currently, limited research supports the use of scalp massage, acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat hair loss. There are just too few studies done.

Even among “Western supplements” like biotin, iron and caffeine – effectiveness of these supplements for hair loss are also lacking.

To further complicate matters, hair loss treatment products claiming to be free of medications can actually be contaminated by medications.

Say what? Contaminated products?

In 2010, HSA detected an undeclared Western medicinal ingredient in a batch of Beijing 101 Hair Consultants “Hair Growth Formula D-2653-B” and “Hair Growth Tonic E-0583-D”.

This undeclared Western medicinal ingredient is Minoxidil.

To date, the only topical treatment approved by the FDA for male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss is Minoxidil.

Topical Minoxidil is the first-line treatment option for male-and female-pattern hair loss as extensive studies have been done demonstrating effectiveness and a good safety profile.

Of course, if a hair loss product were to contain Minoxidil – effective results can be expected.

This is why the HSA constantly reminds consumers to exercise caution when encountering health products promising quick cures or advertisements with exaggerated and misleading claims.

Hair regrowth is a slow and steady process

There is no quick fix.

Western medications take at least 4 months before results can be seen. It is often recommended to continue treatment for at least one year to assess the effectiveness of the medication fully.

This is simply because natural hair growth is a slow process.

Advertising rules you should know

In Singapore, any health institution licensed by MOH are governed by laws such as the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act and regulated by the HSA.

Health institutions would refer to hospitals, clinics and even virtual clinics like SIRE.

A valid permit from HSA is required before health institutions can publish any form of medical advertisements or conduct any sales promotion activities directed to the general public.

This is to safeguard the public’s interest from false or misleading claims. This also maintains the integrity of health institutions as a trusted source of health information.

Unlike polyclinics/GP in Singapore, Beijing 101 Hair Consultants is not a health institution licensed by MOH, these regulations do not apply.

Before & After: Beijing 101 vs Medical Research

Before and after images of hair growth are often advertised not just by Beijing 101 Hair Consultants but also by many hair loss solutions companies.

We all know hair growth is a slow process, it must be reminded that visual hair improvement seen within 2 hours or even days or weeks are usually only a temporary, short-term cosmetic improvement.

Although it may leave some satisfied, it must be understood that the root cause of the hair loss is unlikely to be addressed.

Large-scale clinical studies that look into the safety and efficacy of a medication are reviewed and regulated by rigorous processes to ensure study results are true and free of bias and commercial motives.

Finasteride, an oral medication was found to be safe and effective in many independent, large-scale clinical studies before being established as a first-line treatment for male-pattern hair loss.

Studies from reputable journals report before and after hair images that are taken with validated equipment and methods for consistency. To note, these images are taken yearly as it takes at least 12 months to fully assess the effectiveness of Finasteride.

SIRE and Dame– your hair loss solution

Here at SIRE and Dame, we understand how hair loss can be a distressing issue – affecting our self-confidence and sending us on a search for a quick fix.

This is why we strongly advocate seeking help early as the earlier treatment is sought, the earlier medications if appropriate can be started and the root issue detangled.

At SIRE and Dame, we do the research and homework for you, seeking to understand the different hair loss treatment options in Singapore. In fact, you can read our hair loss treatment price and effort comparison here.