Hair Transplants in Women

Most of us automatically think of men when we think of hair loss and hair transplant surgery. Around 40% of the female population suffer from the same type of hair loss as their male counterparts. When thinking of hair transplants and women, it’s time to think again.

Women and Hair Loss

The most common cause for hair loss in both men and women is androgenic alopecia. In women, it results from a combination of genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalances. Androgenic alopecia causes a shortening in the growth cycle of the hair, until the hair stops growing at all.

Androgenic alopecia in women does not typically lead to complete baldness as it does in men. The hair in women undergoes diffuse and extreme thinning, usually on the top of the head. The location of thinning makes styling and camouflage of the problem area close to impossible. It is when women reach this stage that they begin to seek help.

What makes a Good Candidate?

The first step a woman should take to find out if she is a good candidate for hair transplant surgery is to schedule a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon. Look for a well-established clinic with a good track record. Some other points to be mindful of as you prepare for your visit are listed below.

  • Be realistic about what hair transplant surgery can do for you. It is not a procedure that will make your hair thicker. What it does do is move hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another area that is thinning. The best outcome is one that creates a better look cosmetically.
  • Your transplant surgeon will evaluate the ratio of potential donor hair to the transplant area. An example is a woman with very thin hair at the top of the head, as well as the sides and back. In this situation, there may not be an adequate amount of donor hair available.
  • The type of hair that you have is an important factor. Wavy or curly hair provides better coverage and looks thicker than fine or straight hair. While fine hair may not provide as much coverage as other types, it usually results in a very natural look.
  • Your general overall health has an impact on the success of your hair transplant. Smokers, those with poorly controlled diabetes, or people with circulation issues have a higher risk of graft failure. These and other health concerns will be discussed with you by your surgeon.

There are some specific circumstances and cases where hair transplant surgery is the right and appropriate choice for a woman suffering from hair loss. All of the factors above should be balanced with your personal objectives for the procedure. Every woman is unique and a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon is the place to start.