Around 20 to 30 million women suffer from hair loss in the United States. Unfortunately, women’s hair loss often goes undetected because of the diffuse pattern in which it occurs. And, unlike male pattern baldness, women who have thinning or shedding locks don’t have the same resources or educational tools that men have. Moreover, some men’s treatments aren’t even safe or effective on women due to chemical side effects and lower restoration rates.
Do Hair Transplants Work For Women?
Female Hair Loss: Signs and Symptoms
Women undergo hormonal changes every month and during pregnancy. Hair loss is a common side effect of contraceptive use, as well. In addition, genetics can lead to thinning hair in women, just as it does in men’s hair loss. Therefore, if you have a family member who suffers from hair loss, your chances of developing this disorder are higher. Here are some of the other reasons associated with female hair loss:
- Stress-related incidences
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Alopecia – this is redundant and incorrect; alopecia is the name of the condition, not a cause.
- Underlying illness
Since hair loss is often related to serious illness, consult your regular physician to get a full check up before you continue with hair loss therapy.
Are Women Good Candidates for Hair Transplant Surgery?
Since hair loss in women is diffuse, meaning it doesn’t occur in any sort of pattern, pinpointing the transplant site can be difficult. Women suffer an overall thinning, whereas men predominately are afflicted with male patterned baldness. “Probably 80-90% of men with genetic hair loss[…] are good candidates for hair transplant,” explains Toronto dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Jeff Donovan. “However, only 30-60% of women are good candidates,” (i). Hair transplant surgery is an option – but not recommended. Aside from the difficulty of successful transplants, women usually are required to shave part of their head for the surgery, and the post-operative healing process is quite strenuous. Aside from hair transplant surgery, women also aren’t candidates for finasteride hair loss medication, known widely by the brand name Propecia®. The active ingredients in Propecia are known to cause birth defects in children. Not only should women not digest these hair regrowth prescription pills, but even handling broken capsules could cause birth defects in pregnant females. If your significant other is taking finasteride, store in a safe place and never use the same pill cutter as the one used on Propecia pills.
Better than Transplants: Other Ways to Treat Female Hair Loss
Minoxidil Topical Hair Loss Foam
Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine®, is a topical foam product intended to treat hair loss at the scalp. Although it’s proven to be successful and FDA-approved for women’s use, it only treats hair loss at the part. Not to mention, treatment is extremely messy. Women with long hair might be concerned about the time it takes to apply, considering the recommended dosage is twice daily.
Low Level Laser Therapy
Possibly the most convenient and effective option for women is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). LLLT promotes natural growth across the entire scalp, rather than just one patch or the part alone. LLLT caps, like the Capillus272™, make it easy for women to stimulate their hair follicles to grow fresh strands no matter where they are – at home, at work, or on-the-go. Simply place the insert in your favorite cap and allow the lasers to work their magic. The Capillus272 is FDA cleared, rendering it safe for males and females suffering from androgenic alopecia.
Take a Free Hair Loss Evaluation Online
To determine whether laser light therapy is right for you, take our complimentary hair loss evaluation online. To learn more about the aforementioned hair loss treatment options for women, contact Capillus at 1-888-272-9599. Sources (i) “Do all women with hair loss actually qualify for a hair transplant?” RealSelf.com. URL: http://www.realself.com/question/all-women-hair-loss-actually-qualify-for-hair-transplant