Hair transplants have always been a male dominated procedure. However, increased awareness surrounding female hair loss in recent years has led to a significant rise in the number of women’s hair transplants carried out in the UK.
Female-related hair loss affects up to 50% of women by the age of 50, and it can have a seriously negative impact on confidence, self-esteem, and wellbeing. So, could a hair transplant be a good treatment option? Find out everything you need to know about managing female hair loss below.
What is a female hair transplant?
In 2021, the number of hair restoration procedures performed worldwide reached 703,183 according to the International Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (IAHRS). This marks a significant rise of 126% since 2012. Non-surgical methods accounted for 37.5% of all procedures carried out, while 12.7% of surgical hair restoration treatments were performed on women.
A female hair transplant involves transferring hair follicles from areas of the scalp with thicker hair, usually from the sides or back of the head, to areas that are bald or thinning. Once the hair follicles are transplanted, they will continue to grow in the new location, creating fuller, thicker hairs. This procedure is effective in restoring hair density and improving the overall appearance of the hair.
Understanding the different types of hair loss
While female hair transplants can be an effective treatment option for conditions such as female pattern baldness, they may not be needed for some other types of hair loss. For example, traction alopecia is largely a temporary form of hair loss, and the hair will usually grow back in time. In these cases, a hair transplant wouldn’t be necessary.
If you are suffering from a temporary form of hair loss, other treatments such as Minoxidil may be a better option. It is therefore important to seek a proper diagnosis to determine the type and severity of the hair loss before undergoing a hair transplant procedure.
Effective hair loss treatments for women
These days, there are plenty of effective hair loss treatments for women. If you are looking to manage the condition, it helps to determine the underlying cause.
Hair loss due to female-pattern baldness can be effectively treated with a hair lotion that includes minoxidil. This treatment has been proven to show significant improvements, helping to reduce or even stop hair loss from occurring. It can also help to increase hair thickness. Regular use of the lotion can help improve the overall appearance of the hair and promote healthier hair growth. However, it is only a temporary treatment and hair loss may continue after it is stopped.
A hair transplant is the most permanent way to manage female hair loss, though not everyone will be an ideal candidate. To find out which type of treatment would work best for your hair loss, book an appointment with a dermatologist that specialises in hair loss.
