Hair loss is a common issue among both genders, often affecting the confidence and self-esteem of a person. However, men lose more hair than women. A hair transplant is a surgical process that involves shifting hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back or sides of the scalp) to an area where hair is thinning or balding.
Nevertheless, it was previously believed that hair transplants were only successful in men, this is not true. While hair transplants are commonly performed on men to address male pattern baldness, they are also considered for women in certain cases.

Dive into this article to learn about male and female pattern baldness and reasons why hair transplant is not preferred in women.

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What Is The Difference Between Male And Female Pattern Baldness?

Pattern baldness is a genetic condition, also known as androgenic alopecia. Genetic malfunction can result in oversensitive hair follicles with DHT hormone receptors. This hormone has an impact on hair follicles that are DHT sensitive and leads to hair thinning, shrinking and eventually hair loss.

Also Read: Know The Underlying Root Causes Behind Your Hair Loss

Pattern baldness affects the hairs from the vertex and frontal regions, which are DHT-sensitive parts of the scalp. The only regions of the scalp not affected by this are the back and sides of the head, which are made of DHT-resistant hair follicles. Decreasing hair lines, making of temporal triangles and bald patches on the vertex regions are features of male pattern baldness. Finally, these patches converge to form a sizeable bald spot leaving just a band of hair around the sides and back of the head. Central thinning is the most observed pattern of baldness in females, which widens the partition but does not usually show baldness.

What Are The Reasons That Make Hair Transplant Difficult For Women?

There are some reasons that can make hair transplant less easy for women compared to men:

Different Patterns of Hair Loss

Men typically experience a distinct pattern of baldness called "androgenetic alopecia" or male pattern baldness. Women, on the other hand, can experience a wider range of hair loss patterns, which can make the transplantation process more difficult to plan and execute effectively.

Underlying Causes

Female hair loss can be caused by several factors such as hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, medications, or even certain hairstyles. It's crucial to identify and address the underlying cause before considering a hair transplant to ensure that the transplanted hair will not be subject to the same hair loss factors.

Also Read: 5 Easy Home Remedies To Control Hair Loss - Infographic

Donor Area Consideration

Hair transplant relies on a sufficient donor area with healthy hair follicles that can be transplanted. In men, the donor area is often more stable and unaffected by hormonal changes. In women, the donor area can also be affected by several factors, and transplanting hair from an unstable donor area may not yield the desired long-term results.

Potential For Thinning Over Time

 Some women might experience diffuse thinning throughout their entire scalp rather than a distinct balding pattern. This diffuse thinning can make it difficult to find a suitable donor area for transplantation.

Post-Transplant Care

After a hair transplant, proper care and maintenance are crucial for the success of the procedure. Women might have different hair care routines and styling practices that could impact the transplanted hair's survival.

Expectations and Aesthetics

The expectations for a hair transplant might differ between men and women. Women may have greater aesthetic expectations and desire a more natural-looking result. Attaining this outcome can be more challenging due to the other factors mentioned above.

How Male And Female Hair Transplants Are Distinct?

Well, both male and female hair transplants use similar basic FUT and FUE methods. The FUT hair transplantation is the preferred method for female clients for the following reasons:

Experts reveal that females choose the no-shaving method for hair transplants, as shaving may be embarrassing for them. Also, to address hair thinning in females, a replacement to conventional methods like FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is gaining huge popularity due to its minimal or no-shave approach.

Women experiencing hair thinning typically require multiple hair transplant sessions to effectively cover the thinning areas. The FUT procedure is particularly advantageous in this regard, as it enables the extraction of a larger number of grafts, making it a favourable option.

Unlike male hair transplants, female hair restoration procedures do not involve head shaving. However, this makes the procedure more intricate and reliant on specialized techniques. The preparation of micro slits at the recipient site precedes the implantation of follicular units. Careful attention is paramount during the implantation process to prevent any harm to the surrounding healthy hair follicles.

Given the heightened precision required, selecting a proficient and seasoned surgeon is crucial for female hair transplants, surpassing even the demands of male hair transplant procedures.

The complexity of female hair transplants, coupled with advanced technology, contributes to their higher cost compared to male hair transplants.

Can All Women Go For A Hair Transplant?

No, not all women can undergo a hair transplant. An expert surgeon completely evaluates patients to see if this treatment works for them. The potential female candidates include:

Those women who have hair loss due to medical problems like traction alopecia. This develops in females who regularly style their hair in tights buns, braids or weaves.

Women with a distinct hair loss pattern like that in male pattern baldness.

Women who have hair loss caused by burns, accidents, and trauma.

Women with previous cosmetic or plastic procedures are worried about hair loss on the incision sites due to damage or scarring.

Conclusion

Hair transplants are not usually recommended for all women, but they can still be considered for those who meet specific considerations, and they should completely discuss the procedure with a well-qualified expert. As every single case is distinct and complete evaluation of the person’s hair loss pattern, underlying causes, and overall health condition is needed before assessing the appropriateness of a hair transplant. It is essential for individuals considering a hair transplant, regardless of gender, to consult with a skilled and experienced surgeon who specializes in hair restoration to get personalized advice and recommendations.