TCM is trending for wellness, but can it really help with hair loss?

As someone in her 30s, hair health has become something I think about a lot more than I used to. My hair isn't as thick or voluminous as it was in my 20s, and I've also been dealing with persistent scalp issues like itchiness and flakes for a while.

After trying different products with limited results, I started looking beyond conventional haircare and became curious about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Over the past year, TCM has been gaining attention worldwide, with more people turning to it for a holistic approach to everything from gut health to stress management and, increasingly, hair and scalp concerns.

That made me wonder: could TCM offer a different perspective on treating the root causes of hair and scalp issues rather than just managing the symptoms? So, I decided to find out for myself.

A potential cause of hair loss

To better understand TCM's approach to hair loss, I spoke with Carol, a Beijing 101 consultant who has been with the company for more than six years. She shared that, from a TCM perspective, an oily, flaky scalp is often a sign of 湿热 (damp heat), internal imbalances that may contribute to ongoing scalp and hair concerns.

So what causes these imbalances in the first place? According to Carol, it often comes down to lifestyle habits. "It may be influenced by factors such as an imbalanced diet and not getting enough rest," she explains.

"Our liver helps to detoxify the body when we sleep. If someone doesn't get enough rest, it can affect the smooth functioning of the liver system and nourishment of the blood.”

What is TCM’s solution to hair loss?

To address the issue at its root, Carol says TCM focuses on 活气活血, which means promoting the smooth circulation of qi (the body's vital energy) and blood throughout the body. According to TCM, disruptions in the flow of qi and blood can affect the body's ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.

To support this holistic approach, Carol recommends maintaining a balanced lifestyle while cutting back on overly spicy, fried and sugary foods, which are believed in TCM to contribute to internal imbalance.

Beijing 101 treatment

For those looking for a more targeted solution, Beijing 101's treatment programme begins by restoring scalp health, which Carol says is the foundation for healthy hair growth.

"We first assess the individual's scalp condition, whether it's oily, flaky or dry, and the severity of the issue before tailoring a treatment programme," she says.

Some customers begin to notice improvements in their scalp comfort and condition after about a month.

Once the scalp is healthier, the focus shifts to supporting stronger, healthier hair growth.

Is TCM the answer?

After looking into TCM, I found myself seeing hair loss a little differently. It’s not just about the strands that fall, but also about looking after the scalp beneath.

I’ve learnt that there’s no overnight fix when it comes to hair, and small changes can take time to show. For now, I’m taking it one step at a time, being more mindful of my habits, my scalp health and giving my hair the care it needs.

Hopefully, my hair will thank me for it too.

If you would also like to explore how TCM can help with your hair loss, Beijing 101 has an ongoing promotion for their Tri-Action Scalp Revival Treatment at S$50 (U.P. S$535). On top of that, you will also receive a free customised ampoule, as well as a S$10 FairPrice voucher.

To book an appointment, simply WhatsApp them.

This branded article by Beijing 101 made the writer force herself to cut down on fried and sugary foods.