Dr Eileen Tan — Hair & Scalp Dermatologist in Singapore

Dr Eileen Tan is an accredited dermatologist in Singapore, certified by the Specialist Accreditation Board in 2001 and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Dermatology). She completed a one-year hair fellowship at the University of British Columbia covering hair disorders, hair transplantation and laser surgery.

She treats diseases of the skin, hair and nails, with particular experience in hair and nail disorders including hair loss in women, and was the first Singaporean physician certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS).

Her assessment of female hair loss includes review of hormonal and medical history, scalp examination and, where indicated, trichogram, blood tests or scalp biopsy.

Clinical focus

Female hair loss (dermatology).

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS, MMed (Internal Medicine), MRCP (UK), Specialist Accreditation in Dermatology, FAMS (Dermatology), Diplomate ABHRS.

Where they practise

• Clinic / practice: Eileen Tan Skin Clinic & Associates — Novena & Orchard (Mount Elizabeth)
• Hospital / training affiliation(s): Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital; Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre

Getting to the clinic

Dr Eileen Tan practises at Eileen Tan Skin Clinic & Associates across the Mount Elizabeth sites, in Novena and Orchard. For the Mount Elizabeth Novena location on Irrawaddy Road, the nearest station is Novena MRT (NS20) on the North-South Line, a short, largely sheltered walk into the Mount Elizabeth Novena medical cluster. For the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre location in Orchard, the closest station is Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14). When you book, confirm which site your appointment is at so you can plan the right route.

Both areas are well served by buses along Thomson Road and Irrawaddy Road in Novena, and along Orchard Road in Orchard, and taxi or ride-hailing drop-off is straightforward at either building entrance. Each medical centre has a paid carpark on site, which can be busy during clinic hours, so allow a little time. Lifts serve the specialist floors at both locations, making access easy once you are inside.

What female hair-loss dermatology covers

Dr Eileen Tan is an accredited dermatologist with particular experience in hair and nail disorders, including hair loss in women, and was the first Singaporean physician certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. Female hair loss has its own patterns and causes, which differ from those in men. Common forms include female pattern hair loss (a diffuse thinning, often over the crown), telogen effluvium (increased shedding triggered by illness, childbirth, stress, thyroid problems or nutritional deficiency), and conditions such as alopecia areata or, less commonly, scarring alopecia.

Because hormonal and general-health factors weigh heavily in women, a careful medical work-up is central. Her stated assessment of female hair loss includes review of hormonal and medical history, scalp examination and, where indicated, a trichogram, blood tests or scalp biopsy. Treatment is then matched to the diagnosis and may combine medical therapies with management of any underlying contributor, such as iron deficiency or thyroid imbalance.

What to expect at a consultation

A first appointment typically begins with a detailed history covering the pattern and timeline of shedding or thinning, menstrual and hormonal history, recent pregnancy, diet, stress, medications and family history. The dermatologist then examines the scalp closely, often using dermoscopy, to assess the pattern of loss and the condition of the follicles.

Where indicated, investigations such as a trichogram, blood tests (for example iron studies, thyroid function and hormonal markers) or a scalp biopsy may be arranged to confirm the cause, which is especially important in women because correctable medical factors are common. The dermatologist then explains the diagnosis and outlines a plan, setting realistic expectations about timescales, since hair regrows slowly and treatment usually needs to be sustained.

Booking, referrals and fees

As a private specialist clinic, an appointment can usually be made directly without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic referral may help with subsidy eligibility in some pathways and is worth asking about. Bring a list of medications and supplements, any recent blood-test results, and a note of when the hair changes started and what may have coincided with them, such as childbirth, illness or a new medication; photographs over time can help.

Specialist consultations are generally paid out of pocket. MediSave, MediShield Life or an Integrated Shield Plan may apply to certain eligible procedures within set limits, but routine consultations and cosmetic treatments are usually not covered. Confirm fees and what applies to your situation directly with the clinic, and verify the doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register.

Common questions

Why is female hair loss assessed differently from male hair loss?

Women more often have correctable medical or hormonal contributors — such as iron deficiency, thyroid problems or changes after childbirth — so a careful history and, where needed, blood tests are central to finding the cause before treatment.

Is shedding after childbirth permanent?

Shedding after childbirth (a form of telogen effluvium) is usually temporary and tends to recover over several months. A dermatologist can confirm this and rule out other contributors if the shedding is heavy or prolonged.

What investigations might I need?

Depending on the picture, these may include a scalp examination with dermoscopy, a trichogram, blood tests such as iron and thyroid studies, and occasionally a scalp biopsy, to identify the cause and guide treatment.

What is the difference between female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium?

Female pattern hair loss is a gradual thinning, often over the crown, driven by genetic and hormonal factors. Telogen effluvium is increased shedding triggered by an event such as illness, childbirth or stress, and is usually temporary. The two are managed differently, so distinguishing them matters.

How long does treatment for female hair loss take to work?

Because hair regrows slowly, most treatments take several months to show an effect and generally need to be continued. Where a correctable factor such as iron deficiency is found, addressing it can also support recovery over time.

Related guides

• Female hair loss
• PRP for hair loss

Sources & verification

• Mount Elizabeth Hospitals – Dr Tan Eileen

See also: our editorial directory of hair-loss doctors in Singapore and our shortlist of hair-loss clinics.

This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.