Many men experience balding and are unable to control when or if it will happen. Men who are challenged with male pattern baldness see physical changes in their hair from thinning to patches and more. It can also wreak havoc on your confidence. Male pattern baldness can lead to lowered self-esteem and negatively impact your job productivity, relationships, and overall health. But men who utilize hair replacement tend to bounce back and return to their lifestyle without the stigma of thinning hair and are known to have a renewed confidence and outlook on life.
Non-surgical hair replacement
Men who are balding have many hair replacement options. Non-surgical hair replacement, also referred to as a hair replacement system, gives you instant results, hair styling freedom and should not cause pain.
A hair replacement system is a membrane attached to your scalp which is then covered by new hair, preferably real human hair. The replacement hair system allows you to have instantly natural-looking hair without the need to undergo a surgical procedure. Do keep in mind that a hair replacement system is not your real hair and requires regular washing, maintenance and eventually replacement despite the level of care given.
A hair replacement system can have either artificial or real human hair. Note that artificial or synthetic hair may not look as natural as human hair where human hair can be cut to match and blend in with your natural hair. Depending on your budget, hair replacement systems can be customized to match your natural hair color, style and shape of your head.
Compared to a surgical hair transplant, a hair replacement system is more affordable and does not include any recovery time that averages about one to two weeks after a hair transplant.
Other non-surgical hair replacement treatment options include medicine. The two most common treatments are Finasteride and Minoxidil.
Finasteride is a once-daily pill that blocks the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone. DHT causes your hair follicles to weaken and eventually stop producing hair. But Finasteride stops the production of DHT and allows your hair follicles to recover and regrow.
Minoxidil is a topical solution applied directly to the scalp. It supports and increases blood flow to the hair follicles boosting needed oxygen and nutrients to generate healthy hair growth.
Other hair replacement alternatives for men
Another option to combat hair loss is hair transplants but they are more expensive, invasive and come with risks. A hair transplant is a surgical, outpatient procedure. A surgeon will harvest hair follicles from the back of your scalp and move them to the parts of your scalp where hair loss is prevalent, also known as the recipient site. Depending on the depth of hair loss you may require multiple sessions to recoup your receding hair. Although hair transplants are a permanent solution there are serious potential surgical complications such as infection, pain and possible permanent damage to your scalp and natural hair.
There are two types of hair transplant surgeries, FUT and FUE. During a Follicular unit transplantation (FUT), a surgeon will harvest a small patch of skin, divide it into smaller units and then place the units into previously made incisions at the recipient site. The surgeon will then suture the wounds closed.
The follicular unit excision (FUE) entails the transplantation of individual hair follicles using a small punch tool. The FUE hair transplant surgery is more likely to be less painful compared to FUE.
Hair replacement specialist
Whether you are looking to use a non-surgical hair replacement system or have a hair transplant you should seek the help of a hair replacement specialist. He or she should help guide you to the right one for your natural hair health, lifestyle, and budget.
Knowing what to look for in a professional and skilled hair replacement specialist is key to getting the best lasting results you want for your hair. Your hair replacement specialist should provide before and after photos of multiple past clients. Be cautious of photos that are not high-resolution, look edited or with men who are using a lot of hair products. Also, request before and after photos of men who have a similar hair profile to you.
If you opt for a hair transplant, a surgeon will perform the surgical procedure. Look for a surgeon who is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS) and does not pressure only surgical options. You should have an initial consultation before any procedures are planned.
It is also important to research and compare different hair replacement specialists. Just because they have the proper qualifications does not mean they are the right one for you. You should still feel comfortable with the hair replacement specialist you chose and be able to ask questions and air any concerns.
Men who have utilized hair replacement systems have been able to overcome today’s social stigma of balding or thinning hair. A thick head of hair is often linked to being a fit, healthy, and youthful person and gives you the option to style your hair the way you would like. A hair replacement system will boost your confidence, self-esteem. It can also help you reduce stress, return to social activities, exercise, and lead to a more energetic, positive life outlook.
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