Hair loss can happen to anyone. You might think of men developing a classic receding hairline, but truthfully, women can experience hair loss too, especially as we age. Going through menopause can cause this, as the balance of hormones in the body changes.
If you’re approaching this stage, you might have noticed your hair is thinning or receding, or you’re developing bald patches. If you’re in this situation, you might want to know more about hair replacement for women. How does it work? What options are available? And how much does it cost?
In this article, we’ll look at a few facts surrounding hair replacement for women, so you can see what the options are.
Are Women Good Candidates for Hair Transplant Surgery?
A hair transplant procedure requires hair follicles you already to be surgically moved to fill in an area that is thin or has no hair. It is designed to be permanent. However, the patient must have enough hair follicles in the donor site (traditionally the hair growing on the sides and back of the head) to have a successful hair transplant procedure.
There are a couple of points to remember if you’re considering this type of replacement. Firstly, women do not tend to recede in the same way men do, as many experience diffused thinning leaving them with less donor hair to work with. Secondly, a hair transplant will not provide a woman with more hair volume. However, if the goal is to fill in a hair line or a specific spot, a hair transplant procedure may be ideal. Thirdly, certain patients with specific medical conditions may not be able to have a hair transplant procedure.
It is important that if you are considering a hair transplant you meet with a reputable hair surgeon and have a thorough medical evaluation to be cleared for surgery.
What Are Non-Surgical Hair Treatments for Women?
There are alternatives to surgical treatments. If you are in the beginning stages of hair thinning or hair loss, hair loss prevention treatments may be your first option. Although there is no cure for hair loss at this time, treatment options have improved tremendously and can assist with helping you slow down the hair loss process, especially if you have inherited hair loss. There must be hair follicles present in the scalp to see results though – if they aren’t present, it doesn’t work. You also need to maintain usage to continue to experience hair growth.
There is also evidence to suggest that low-level laser therapy, or LLLT, can encourage hair growth in women (along with men). It is thought that this encourages more hair follicles to go into the anagen or growth phase.
To determine if you are a good candidate for treatment, a consultation with a hair loss specialist is necessary. At Unique Hair Concepts, we start with a hair and scalp analysis utilizing a high-definition microscope camera and other tools to define your level of hair loss and recommend a custom-tailored treatment regimen.
Can You Get Hair Replacement Treatments on Insurance?
Not usually, as they are viewed as being cosmetic. If the hair loss is caused by surgery, burns or scarring from an accident, there may be a possibility of insurance covering it. You would need to contact your insurer if this is the case.
What About Hair Replacement Systems?
This is a term often given to a prosthesis or hairpiece that is specifically created and tailored for you. Experts will usually take measurements and discuss the type of hair replacement system that is best for you based on your goals and aspirations. The hair system is made with healthy human hair matched to your own growing hair. The hair system can be secured to your hair and scalp and can then be treated as if it is normal hair.
There are many options available when it comes to hair replacement systems. It is best to schedule an appointment to meet with a hair loss specialist that can walk you through the options and demonstrate samples.
Take Good Care of Your Hair
If you have noticed you are beginning to experience thinner hair, this is the best time to consider a route forward. Some women may be able to disguise some hair loss by switching up their hairstyle, at least for a time. Regular cuts are a good idea to help keep your hair healthy. Mild hair loss is easier to disguise than markedly thinning hair.
However, it is reassuring to know there are multiple solutions for hair loss for women. Surgical and non-surgical options exist, so it’s a case of deciding on the right one for you and your budget, if you want to find a solution.
If you are a woman with hair loss or thinning hair and would like to learn more about the hair replacement options available for your specific hair situation, contact the team at Unique Hair Concepts to schedule a complimentary, private in-person consultation. Located in Ardsley, New York in Westchester County, just 25 minutes north of New York City, Unique Hair Concepts has been helping adults and children with hair loss for over 10 years.
