Female hair transplants are a fantastic solution for many women who have hair loss. While there was once a stigma
regarding the treatment, this is no longer the case because of modern techniques and better natural-looking results.
Furthermore, the stabilization of the cost of hair transplant for women recently has opened up the treatment to a set of new patients.
There are a few similarities between female hair loss and male hair loss regarding hair loss. Still, there are huge differences regarding the causes of the two.
Male pattern baldness accounts for over 95% of hair loss in males. This makes a hair transplant a viable option for the majority of men. However, only 2%–5% of females who have hair loss are suitable candidates for the treatment.
Common Types of Female Hair Loss
There are three kinds of female hair loss: diffuse, patterned, and localized in localized hair loss. There are additional designations sub-categories of non-scarring and scarring.
Diffuse
Diffuse hair loss is the most common among women. Patterned hair loss, which is commonly seen amongst men, is also possible. The hair loss only occurs at the top and front of the head with little or no thinning of the hair at the sides and back.
Patterned
Women with patterned hair loss will often have more of their front hairline. The thinning occurs further back or in sections near the hairlines.
Women who get patterned hair loss are the most suitable candidates for a female hair transplant. The retention of hair on the sides and backs of the head indicates resistance to DHT. The Ludwig Classification divides the stages of this form of hair loss in females:
In many cases, female hair loss is diffused, with thinning taking place all over the head, rather than the tell-tale pattern that most men experience.
Localized
Localized hair loss refers to hair loss appearing in particular areas. Unlike diffuse or patterned type, localized hair loss often results in bald spots appearing in distinct areas of the head.
Women’s hair may be susceptible to underlying health conditions. Consequently, hair loss usually occurs as a side effect or result of one of these conditions. Due to such reasons, it is difficult to determine the cause of a woman’s hair loss by merely looking at it. Hence, further diagnostic tests are usually required.
Are you Eligible for a Female Hair Transplant?
Firstly, hair transplants for women are only feasible for those who have lost hair on the top of the head. However, the hair on the sides and back is still dense, healthy, and DHT-resistant.
Therefore, it is best to get a dermatological consultation to ensure that this treatment is a realistic option for you.
With these points in mind, we have laid out a brief outline of hair loss forms that commonly respond well to a female hair transplant.
- Female pattern baldness: Involves thinning hair on the top and crown of the head with little or no thinning on the head’s sides and back.
- Traction or mechanical alopecia or alopecia marginalis: Hair loss occurs at the front hairline, temples, and rarely on the head’s sides. It mainly occurs as a result of the continuous use of hairstyles that pull the hair tightly.
- Hair loss due to plastic surgery: This involves women who have had treatments like facelifts or brow lifts, and they wish to conceal visible incision scars.
- Hair loss due to trauma: This relates to injuries like burns (fire or chemical). Still, it can apply to several other accidents or injuries.
- Naturally high hairlines: Women in this category go through a female hair transplant to lower the hairline by a few centimetres.
So, consult with your doctor to determine whether you are eligible for a hair transplant. After that, the doctor will discuss the various techniques in a hair transplant. The popular one used is called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Also, Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) techniques are feasible.