Hair loss is not a death sentence, and you’re probably not the only one experiencing hair thinning. It is a common issue affecting millions of people worldwide, with many searching for effective solutions. Whether you’re experiencing male pattern baldness, female hair thinning, or sudden hair shedding, it can decrease your self-confidence and quality of life.
Fortunately, there are various hair loss treatments for men and women, ranging from lifestyle changes and medications to the most permanent solution: hair transplants.
Causes of Hair Loss
Before choosing a treatment, it’s important to understand the common causes of hair loss. These include:
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Genetic Hair Loss)
Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women.
It causes gradual thinning, often starting at the hairline, temples, or crown.
In the UK, it’s estimated that 30-50% of men, and 50% of women experience some form of hair loss by age 50.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
Different causes of hormonal imbalances can trigger hair loss in both men and women. In women, pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like PCOS can trigger excessive hair shedding while high levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) shrink hair follicles, leading to baldness in men.
3. Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stress is a major culprit for hair loss, especially in today’s world where stress is part of everyday life. For example, Telogen effluvium is a stress-related condition that causes temporary hair shedding. Also, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol can weaken hair follicles, causing hair loss.
4. Medical Conditions and Medications
Certain autoimmune diseases can attack an individual’s hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Also, certain medications, including chemotherapy, can significantly contribute to hair thinning.
Irrespective of the cause, hair loss is a major growing concern, affecting more than 56 million of the world population.
Best Hair Loss Treatments for Men and Women
It’s reputed that about 50% of men and a quarter of the female population experiences some form of hair loss, from mild to severe. This hair loss onslaught isn’t likely to wane anytime soon, especially as stress has been identified as a major cause, secondary to alopecia.
However, there are certain remedies for hair loss.
1. FDA-Approved Medications
There are two widely used medications for hair loss:
Minoxidil (Rogaine) – This is a topical solution that stimulates hair regrowth, effective for both men and women.
Finasteride (Propecia) – Finasteride pill on the other hand blocks DHT (excess DHT causes hair loss), preventing male pattern baldness.
Though these treatments can slow down hair loss, their results may vary, and are usually associated with certain side effects. Continuous use is required.
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
A PRP therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp, in both men and women, to stimulate hair regrowth. This technique is only effective during the early stages of hair thinning.
While these treatments help slow down hair loss, they are associated with risks and do not always provide permanent results.
However, scientists and hair loss patients have identified hair transplant as the most effective permanent solution to hair loss.
What Is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical technique that involves moving healthy hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back of the head, or other body parts) to bald or thinning areas of the scalp (recipient area). Hair transplants offer lifelong results without the need for ongoing medication or treatments.
Types of Hair Transplants
There are several hair transplant techniques, but all are innovations based on 2 basic techniques: FUE and FUT.
● Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – This technique involves transplanting individual hair follicles, resulting in minimal scarring and quicker recovery.
● Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) – Here, a strip of scalp is removed, and hair follicles are extracted and transplanted.
Why Many Individuals Travel Abroad for Hair Transplants
Steadily, hair transplants are becoming the most sought solution to hair loss, and patients are on the lookout. While patients seek a permanent solution to their hair loss, they also want an immersive experience at a no-brainer cost.
For example, though hair transplants are available in the UK, they come with significant drawbacks:
● High costs – Procedures can range from £6,000 to £15,000
● Long waiting times – As the demand for hair transplants increases, waiting lists are also getting extended.
● Limited options – Some UK clinics may not offer the latest techniques.
As a result, many UK residents choose to have their hair transplants abroad. According to Bookimed, Turkey is one of the top destinations for medical tourism, especially for patients from the UK.
Why Turkey Is a Leading Destination for Hair Transplants
Foreign patients seek healthcare and treatments outside their resident countries for a combination of 3 reasons: quality healthcare, cheaper prices and tourism.
Turkey has emerged as the top destination for hair transplants, offering:
● Affordable pricing – Up to 70% cheaper than UK clinics, with prices starting at £1,500 to £3,500. ● Experienced surgeons – Many Turkish specialists perform thousands of procedures annually as demands increase.
● Advanced technology – Clinics offer the latest FUE and DHI transplant methods. ● All-inclusive packages – Turkey provides complete packages, covering surgery, luxury accommodation, VIP airport transfers, post-op care and follow-ups.
Turkey’s reputation for high-quality, affordable hair transplants makes it a preferred choice for UK patients.
Despite Turkey’s reputation, not all clinics offer the same level of care. Patients seeking hair transplant are always on the search for experienced surgeons, before and after photos to validate expertise, transparent pricing, and a comprehensive aftercare.
FlyHealth, for example, offers personalized services and top-notch care to help patients achieve their desired look.
Post-Transplant Care: How to Ensure the Best Results
Following a hair transplant, proper aftercare is crucial, to achieve optimal results. A reputable clinic will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Hair transplant patients should:
● Avoid touching or scratching the transplanted area.
● Follow the clinic’s washing instructions to prevent infection.
● Refrain from strenuous activities for at least two weeks.
● Be patient – Full results take 6 to 12 months.
Conclusion
Hair loss is a concern for many, but effective solutions are available. If you’re looking for the best permanent loss treatment for males or females, options like medications, PRP therapy, and laser treatments may help slow down hair thinning, but hair transplant is the best.