Hair loss doesn’t happen overnight; it begins with subtle changes that are easy to overlook. By the time noticeable hair thinning occurs, the follicles may have already been weakened. Recognising the early signs of any type of hair loss is the key to protecting your scalp.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The top 5 early signs of hair loss you shouldn’t ignore
- Why they happen (including TCM perspectives)
- Effective solutions to prevent hair thinning
Increased Hair Loss or Shedding (More Than Usual)
If you’re noticing more hair than usual on your pillow, in the shower drain, or collecting in your hairbrush, it’s a signal you shouldn’t ignore. While it’s normal to shed between 50 to 100 strands a day, excessive shedding often points to deeper concerns such as weakened roots, poor scalp health, or hidden internal imbalances. At first, you may dismiss it as seasonal or stress-related, but consistent shedding is often an early sign that your follicles are struggling.
If left ignored, this type of hair loss doesn’t just remain a minor inconvenience; it can develop into visible hair-thinning symptoms as the follicles weaken and struggle to stay firmly anchored in the scalp. Over time, the density of your hair reduces, leading to patches that look sparse and harder to conceal. Recognising this stage early provides the best chance for treatment and recovery.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, excessive hair loss can be linked to conditions like poor circulation or stress-related imbalances that restrict scalp nourishment. Supporting the body with herbs like Ginseng, Dang Gui and He Shou Wu, alongside techniques such as scalp massage to boost circulation, can help revitalise the follicles and encourage healthier hair growth.
Noticeable Hair Thinning (Less Volume & a Wide Parting)
A widening hair parting or a visible reduction in hair volume, especially around the crown or hairline, is another common early sign of hair loss in young adults. Unlike occasional shedding, thinning reflects a more advanced stage of follicle weakening. You may find your ponytail feels smaller, your fringe less full, or your scalp more visible. If ignored, this stage can develop into male or female pattern hair loss.
From a TCM perspective, thinning can be linked to poor circulation. When the body lacks a sufficient supply of nutrients, energy, and proper circulation to the scalp, hair follicles are undernourished, producing thinner, weaker strands that break or fall out prematurely. Over time, this imbalance makes it increasingly difficult for follicles to recover their natural strength. Supporting the body with blood-nourishing herbs like Ginseng, Dang Gui and He Shou Wu, alongside treatments that improve circulation, can help revitalise the scalp and encourage healthier, hair growth.
Oily or Greasy Scalp
Excess oil on the scalp may seem like a minor hygiene concern, but it often indicates deeper imbalances that, if left unaddressed, can compromise your hair health. Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, clogging follicles and trapping impurities. This not only makes your hair appear greasy and flat but can also triggers inflammation that weakens the scalp.
In TCM, an oily scalp is often associated with irregularities in liver function or an excess of internal damp-heat, resulting in poor detoxification process. These imbalances encourage the scalp to overproduce oil, disrupting its natural harmony. With a thorough TCM diagnosis for hair loss, the underlying cause of excess oil production can be identified and corrected. When treated early, balancing the scalp’s oil levels helps restore follicle vitality and prevents further complications that may lead to thinning or scalp conditions.
Itchy, Flaky, or Irritated Scalp
Scalp discomfort is one of the most overlooked yet important early warnings of scalp inflammation. Persistent itching, flaking, redness, or sensitivity often signals that the scalp is inflamed or under stress. While many dismiss it as simple dandruff or dryness, these symptoms can indicate a buildup of heat toxicity, environmental stressors, or an imbalance within the body.
From a TCM perspective, such discomfort is often linked to excess internal heat, poor liver health, or blood stagnation. These issues cause toxin build-up, affect circulation and nutrient delivery to the scalp, weakening its ability to support healthy hair growth. Addressing these imbalances early not only relieves irritation but also prevents the onset of scalp concerns that can contribute to thinning and shedding.
Slow Hair Growth or Weak New Hair
If new strands of hair feel thin, brittle, or refuse to grow past a certain length, it’s a sign that your scalp isn’t receiving enough nourishment. Over time, this results in sparse, fragile hair that struggles to recover from natural shedding cycles. Instead of thick, healthy regrowth, you may notice hair that feels weaker and less resilient with every cycle.
According to TCM, this stage can be linked to insufficient blood flow and a depletion of Kidney Jing (essence), leading to weaker and brittle hair. Without the right supply of nutrients and energy, follicles are unable to produce hair with strength and vitality.Â
Incorporating the application of premium Chinese herbs to deliver targeted nutrients to the scalp, combined with meridian head massage to stimulate circulation and energy flow, can further enhance follicle vitality and support hair strength.
How TCM Helps Detect and Treat Hair Loss Early
One of the greatest strengths of TCM lies in its ability to detect imbalances before they escalate into major issues. At Beijing 101, your journey begins with a comprehensive one-on-one consultation + detailed scalp scan analysis for your hair and scalp. This process is more than a surface examination; it involves a holistic evaluation of your overall health and lifestyle to understand the underlying causes of hair and scalp concerns.
Scalp Analysis for Follicle Health
With the use of advanced technology, we will conduct a detailed scalp scan analysis during the one-on-one consultation to evaluate the conditions of your hair and scalp. This finding helps us to identify issues like clogged pores or excessive oil production that could lead to hair loss or other hair and scalp problems.
Beijing 101 Personalised Solutions for Female and Male Hair Loss
At Beijing 101, we pride ourselves on offering TCM solutions that go beyond generic hair care. Our consultants and therapists will combine traditional TCM principles with modern technology + techniques, to ensure every customer receives hair and scalp care, tailored to their unique needs.
Customised Hair & Scalp Treatments
To complement our quality services, we provide customised premium herbal hair and scalp treatments to combat hair loss, reduce inflammation, minimise dandruff, delay premature greying, relieve itchy and oily scalp + promote healthy hair growth for female and male customers.
What Makes Beijing 101 Amazing: Scalp Detox Mask
Excess buildup of oil, dirt, and styling products can clog scalp pores, trigger irritation and inflammation. Scalp Detox Mask at Beijing 101 gently removes and clears impurities, refreshes the scalp, and restores a healthy balance, to support healthy hair.
Signature Meridian Head Massage to Improve Circulation
The Signature Meridian Head Massage by Beijing 101 helps to encourage circulation, relieve tension, and enhance the delivery of nutrients to the scalp. This gentle yet effective therapy not only improves follicle vitality but also relaxes the nervous system, reducing stress-related hair loss.
Daily-use Hair Care Products
Daily-use of hair care products (such as: shampoo, conditioner, essence and lotion) by Beijing 101 are formulated with premium TCM Chinese herbs to reduce excessive oiliness, nourish follicles, and keep the scalp balanced. Regular use helps to strengthen roots and promote healthy hair growth.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
When it comes to protecting your hair, timing is everything. Early recognition gives you the chance to prevent hair loss before it becomes severe. Noticing more strands of hair on your pillow, in your brush, or shower drain may signal weakening roots, while a wider hair parting or reduced volume at the crown often points to hair thinning issues. An oily or greasy scalp is more than a cosmetic issue; excess sebum clogs follicles can trigger inflammation, and cause hair loss if left untreated. Recognising these early warning signs can ensure timely care and helps you maintain stronger, healthier hair.
Your Journey to Fuller, Healthier Hair
Established in 1974: At Beijing 101, we combine the wisdom of TCM to restore scalp health and strengthen your hair. Picture yourself with thicker, healthier hair. Don’t wait: secure your personalised TCM treatment + scalp scan diagnosis and take the first step to incredible results.
For more information on hair care and scalp concerns, please Call: 65588101 or WhatsApp: 96405730.