With hair loss being so common today, especially in men and more so women year on year. It would be natural to assume information on dealing with hair loss was easy to understand. But, in fact it´s the not always the case. Although hair loss options have never been more popular, including surgical hair restoration. It´s important to choose the correct option. As there are some mysteries about how it all works. For instance, will a hair loss treatment grow your hair back and is everyone a good hair transplant candidate. Consequently it´s important to research and plan your hair restoration. How to deal with your hair loss is an important factor to achieving the best result. Long-term.
Managing hair loss goals
Genetic hair loss may not be linked to poor health, it can be said to have a link to ageing. An unwanted sign of getting older or looking older than your actual years. A good head of hair makes us feel good about ourselves. So, hair loss can impact on how we feel, as well as fear how others view us. Ultimately affecting confidence and self-esteem. This can lead with looking for the quickest fix to the problem. With many options available from treatments to transplants it´s not a simple decision. For instance, a hair transplant, the idea of having the ability to restore lost hair can be strong. But is a hair transplant the best option at the current time.
The choice of treatment plan will be influenced by aspects such as age and hair loss pattern. As well as genetic factors, and possibly health. Also, the goals and expectations from hair restoration. From not wishing to lose more hair by stabilising further hair growth, to restoring areas of lost hair. The goals and expectations must be in line with what is technically possible, as well as looking natural and sustainable. Trying to work against nature with poor goals and expectations often results in unnatural looking and unsustainable hair restoration.
What´s male pattern hair loss – MPB
We need to start with the reality that there is no cure for genetic hair loss. However, this does not mean MPB cannot be successfully treated. Although, careful planning is necessary. Male pattern hair loss being genetic means some hair is pre-destined to fall out. A combination of the male hormone and an active enzyme in the body form DHT, this goes on to trigger the hair loss gene. The gene is inherited from both sides of the family. Hair loss can be anything from minor hairline or crown thinning to advanced hair loss patterns affecting the entire top of the head. With the only hair retained being around the back and sides of their head.
MPB can start anytime from the late teens and continue throughout adulthood. Generally, the earlier hair loss starts the more aggressive the ultimate hair loss pattern. Hair loss is not always obvious, with little to no change in the shedding. However, while the shedding remains the same as ever, the amount of hair growing back reduces. As a result, there is less hair over the head, but this only becomes obvious when the hairline recedes or the crown begins to open.
Which to use – planning hair restoration
While hair loss treatments and a hair transplant are very different approaches to hair restoration. They can complement each other. How to treat your hair loss means knowing the options. As well as understanding that timing is important. For instance, with minimal hair loss, especially at a younger age, the priority should be to sustain the existing hair growth. As a result, a hair loss treatment should be the first consideration. Using a hair transplant in the same circumstances would result in permanently fixing a low hairline that will unlikely look unnatural over the coming years. Notwithstanding not dealing with the real concern of progressive hair loss. It´s important to recognise a hair transplant is not a cure for progressive hair loss. The more advanced the hair loss pattern the less likely a hair loss treatment would be beneficial. Consequently, a hair transplant would be the best option to meet the goals and expectations.
Hair loss treatments
The FDA (Food & Drug Administration of America) has approved the two most popular hair loss medications. While being FDA approved, results will still vary from person to person and no specific result can be promised. Minoxidil and finasteride, over the counter and prescriptive respectively in foam and tablet form. Hair loss treatments help to preserve and potentially improve the quality and growth of your existing hair. Treatment is a long-term commitment and often complements the results of a hair transplant. A hair transplant will permanently add hair but will not prevent progressive hair loss. How to deal with your hair loss often means being open to the options.
Surgical hair restoration
There are two hair transplant techniques, STRIP Surgery/FUT and Follicular Unit Extraction/“FUE”. The difference in techniques is largely in the way hair is removed or harvested. Both should be removing intact follicular units. Meaning the natural hair units are not being split into smaller units. As a result, mimic natural hair growth. Hair transplants use genetically strong hair, taken from the area called the “donor area”. This area is found around the back and sides of the head. Differing in surface area, dependent on the technique.
The best hair transplants require two sets of skills, artistic and surgical skills. A hair transplant is part illusion as it´s impossible to replace like for like hair lost, especially on higher hair loss patterns. Creating a natural hairline is often the first steap, the correct height and shape is critical as the hairline frames the face. Too high or too low it will not age well. Creating hair coverage needs to block the reflection off the scalp to give the illusion of density and fullness of hair.
When´s the right time and the right candidate?
So, how to deal with your hair loss must consider many factors. Of course, one option is always to come to peace with hair loss and do nothing. But if this is not an option, then take your time to research, be objective with yourself and make decisions based on fact and not what you would like to hear. Do not be a victim of a bad decision, lack of research or a poorly performed hair transplant. Never assume all hair transplant clinics are the same and perform to the same protocols or standards. A poorly planned or performed hair transplant can take multiple surgeries and years to correct, assuming it is possible.
Questions to consider if thinking how to treat your hair loss
What are my goals?
Are they compatible with what is technically possible?
Am I prepared to use treatment if it´s the best option?
Is your donor area good enough to maintain hair restoration?
Is there a better hair transplant technique for me?
Am I prepared to possibly undergo multiple hair transplants over time?
How to deal with your hair loss. Often it´s best to start your research independently from discussing with a clinic. This gives you the chance to learn and verify the options yourself. Then contact a few clinics to have their opinions and assessment as to your options. Online assessments/consultations are free of charge, although some clinics charge to be seen in-person. This of course could become expensive so be sure you have discussed your options prior to wanting an in-person consultation. As well as unsuring any meeting is with the doctor.
