When it comes to hair transplants, male transplants are more common than female transplants. This may be because hair loss is more common in men than women. Female hair transplant is an unattractive feature in much of our society compared to hair loss in men. Therefore, it is not surprising that women who experience hair loss or baldness feel inferior and ashamed. Hence, hair transplant in women is a welcome assistance for many women.
Hair transplant procedures have come a long way since the 1970s. Today, new technologies along with faster and better surgical methods have made female hair transplant popular among many women. However, it should be noted that this type of treatment is not suitable for all women who experience hair loss. It’s especially recommended for women with female pattern baldness, a genetic condition that is also known medically as androgenetic alopecia. Although this condition also occurs in men, the types of baldness differ in the two sexes. In women, the hair loss is more widespread (a gradual loss of hair that can cause a “flaky” scalp). These losses are limited compared to what men experience, which is more widespread. Even so, suitable candidates must have sufficient donor areas to harvest hair follicles. It should also be noted that there are various causes of hair loss. These include iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even childbirth. However, the most common cause is heredity.
Once it is determined that the woman is suitable for female hair transplant, the doctor proceeds with the procedure. He removes a scrap of skin from the “donor site” (often the back of the scalp where thick hair is found). These strips are then redistributed to different parts of the head, front and top, where balding occurs.
The transplant process can often be done more than once. Hair regrowth in the transplanted area also takes time and hair does not necessarily grow back to its original state. On the other hand, in women, because of their long hair, the scalp is covered with an even distribution of natural hair in a few months.
Other hair loss treatments include hormone therapy, hair loss medication, flap surgery, scalp augmentation, scalp reduction, and laser surgery. Non-surgical methods are also available. In general, the cost of hair loss treatment is not cheap. Despite the progress that has been made, hair transplantation is an expensive procedure. These sessions are time consuming and require the expertise of a specialist surgeon or dermatologist.
Moreover, very few hair transplant clinics perform hair transplants on women. Few of them promote transplants for women. Nonetheless, women suffering from severe hair loss respect this procedure as a last chance against all odds to regain the dignity and pride that nature may have deprived it of in the past.
