As we age, our skin sags, wrinkles begin to form, and many people (especially men), start to go bald — a disorder known as alopecia.  Long flowing locks are a sign of youth and health, and being bald can not only make you look older, but affect your self esteem as well.  No one wants to wear a toupee, so many turn to hair restoration.  If you are considering hair transplants or other hair restoration methods, look no further.  Here is all you need to know about hair restoration.

Types of Hair Restoration

There are two main types of hair restoration, surgical, and non-surgical.  A hair transplant is a surgical method that essentially borrows hair from the back of the head for the front of the head.  Non-surgical methods include low-level light therapy, supplements, and medications such as Propecia, Rogaine, and Minoxidil.

Understanding Non-Surgical Methods

Propecia

Propecia blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, meaning that it is used to block the male hormones in the skin that can cause hair loss.  It is a pill that is taken once a day, and should never be handled by women or children.

Rogaine

Rogaine is a topical method that reverses the shrinking process and can stimulate new hair growth.  It is most effective on younger patients who have recently begun balding and can be bought at drug stores.  A lower dosage is sometimes used for women.  

LLLT to help regrow hair

Low-level light therapy has been used to help stimulate growth.  The patient is exposed to  a laser 2 to 3 times per week for 10 minutes to help hair regrow.  The lasers penetrate into the skin, helping cells repair, and eventually grow hair again.  Consistency is key with this treatment method.  

Understanding Hair Transplants

Hair transplants do not create new hair, rather they “rearrange inventory.”  A surgeon will take hair from the back of the patient’s head, and transplant it along the scalp where they are balding.  Typically, they take a strip of hair 8-10 inches long from the back of the head and then transplant small pieces along the bald spot.  The patient are left with a thin scar that can easily be hidden by the hair as long as the hair isn’t cut it too short.  For those that like to keep their hair short or have other concerns, hair follicles can be individually harvested from the back of the head and transplanted to the desired area.  This method leaves scars less than 1mm in size.  Both transplant methods have a 90% effective rate.