If your hair isn’t as lustrous as it used to be or you’re losing strands at a rate of knots you may be feeling like you’re saying goodbye to your youth forever. Hair loss is a common phenomenon and can affect anyone at any time for various reasons. What causes hair loss, and should I consider a hair transplant?

Causes 

Hair loss can occur for several reasons. The most common is age. Hair loss affects more men than women; genetics and hormones are to blame. As hormones change over the years, most men will start experiencing hair loss by the time they are 50. Usually, the hair becomes thinner over several years, but occasionally it can happen more suddenly. White men are more susceptible to male pattern baldness than other ethnicities, although the reasons are unknown. Sometimes there are medical reasons for hair loss. Cancer treatment targets and kills bad cells but also the good ones. Hair follicle cells divide at the fastest rate in the body, so it isn’t surprising that most people receiving treatment will lose some if not all of their hair. 

Alopecia is the official term for hair loss. It is an immune system disorder where your immune system attacks healthy hair follicle cells.  It is still possible that your hair can grow back with appropriate treatment. It is more likely that you will develop alopecia if you have another autoimmune disorder such as Lupas or thyroid disease, but can also occur independently. 

Treatments 

Alopecia can be treated with medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs and immune system suppressants. In the absence of other disorders, long-term use of these drugs may not be the way forward. There have been many advancements in the area of hair loss treatments in recent times. Hair transplants are becoming ever more popular. What is involved, and how do you know if it’s the right option for you. 

FUE and FUT hair transplants have similar results but are different procedures. FUT transplant, otherwise known as the strip method, involves removing a skin strip from a donor with healthy hair follicles and placing it under microscopes. Then a surgeon will start the process of dividing the strands into tiny grafts ready to be transplanted.  In the novel FUE hair transplant procedure individual follicle units are taken. The advantage of this method is that there is minimal scarring; therefore, there is an option to wear hair short. Both options produce excellent results but choosing the right surgeon is crucial. These procedures, as well as being a medical operation, also depend upon the creativity of the specialist along with experience and skill.  Poor technicians can make hair transplants look bad and are ineffective, so ensure that you read reviews and choose a highly reputable company. When discussing the procedure, make sure you ask to see before and after photos of other clients so you can see the results.  Trustworthy and professional companies will always make information available. 

Hair transplants will last a long time. They are not a temporary fix, and as such, they are more costly than other options. They are highly effective and will grow for a lifetime. It’s wise to research as much as possible to make the right choice for you. If cost is an issue, you could investigate different finance options. Some companies offer a payment plan, and this will be discussed at the consultation.

If you decide to invest in a transplant,  your surgeon will spend some time explaining what to expect. You will usually have the procedure done under local anesthesia so will be awake but not feel any pain. You shouldn’t be in the hospital for more than one day, but you will need to be very careful with your new hair for a few weeks to ensure you don’t damage it, it won’t be secure, aftercare is extremely important. You may experience some swelling, this is normal and shouldn’t last long, applying ice above the eyebrow a few times a day can aid recovery. When washing hair, be really gentle and don’t scrub at least for the first few days. Try to sleep with your head elevated as much as possible during the first few weeks. 

Reasons

Before deciding on hair transplant options, it’s good to examine your reasons for wanting it. Many people of both genders struggle to come to terms with hair loss. Whether it’s due to age, medication, or genetics, losing your hair can feel like losing a part of you. The ancient Greeks considered hair a source of life to be valued and spent much time adorning their long braids. So hair has played an important part in our identity for centuries. 

It’s natural to be disheartened at the loss of a feature that represents youth and vitality. In severe cases, hair loss leads to depression, anxiety, and social phobia in many sufferers. In the case of hair loss due to cancer treatment, the change in physical appearance can act as a constant reminder of a challenging time in life. 

Although men suffer psychologically from hair loss, women are more likely to experience long term depression. For a woman, hair is one of the essential components of physical appearance. According to The Independent, a British woman will spend on average £40,000 on her hair in a lifetime. A woman’s hair is often the first feature to stand out and defines her physical beauty. For a woman to lose her hair is to jeopardize her feelings of femininity; this can have a long term effect on self-esteem and confidence. It can also influence feelings about careers and relationships because of a changed sense of self, leading to loneliness and isolation. 

Whatever your reasons for considering a hair transplant, it isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. It is a significant investment for sure. However, for many suffering the psychological effects of losing part of their identity, a hair transplant is worth every penny, providing them with courage and the ability to regain their spirit and joy of life. 

Photo by Justin Chen on Unsplash

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