When considering hair loss treatments or hair transplants, there are some factors that need to be considered. I’ve seen many people that have spent thousands of dollars on unapproved treatments, or worse on treatments that were not appropriate to their particular case.
Some deciding factors in the recommendation for treatment of hair loss are:
- Age
- Gender
- Pattern of hair loss
The hair care specialist will also explore the expectations of the patient to ensure they are realistic and achievable.
Age
As a general rule, the younger you are when hair loss begins, the more hair you are likely to lose. For a 20 year old with thinning hair, hair treatments are needed to slow or halt hair loss. Once more than 50% hair loss is reached, there will not be adequate hair to perform hair transplant surgery. A 60 year that has begun to experience hair loss might be advised to move toward hair transplant surgery as he is not likely to lose a great deal more hair.
It is important to understand that hair loss treatments have the greatest effect for those who have experienced very little hair loss. Starting treatments in the earlier stages of hair loss are the best method to fight further hair loss.
Gender
While many men experience hair loss patterns specific to the frontal and crown areas of the head, females tend to lose hair in a diffuse and universal thinning of the entire head. In females with genetic hair loss, hair transplants are not usually a viable option. The gene responsible for hair loss in men leaves them with a zone of their head with viable hair grafts, while in women the whole head of hair is affected.
For women, the most effective approach is to undergo six months to two years of stabilizing treatments before consideration of a hair transplant. It is essential that treatments are continued even after hair transplant is performed. Discontinuation of treatments will result in loss of the transplanted hair as they are affected by the genetic hair loss.
Pattern of Hair Loss
The earlier in life that hair loss begins, the more likely that hair loss will be severe. The causes of hair loss are taken into consideration when deciding which option is the best for each individual. Anyone who is experiencing hair loss should consult with a reputable hair loss clinic to determine the best course of treatment as early as possible.
Generally, younger patients and women should begin with treatments, while those in their 40s and above should weigh the costs and benefits of both treatments and hair transplant to decide which is best for their needs.
