Hair loss not only affect men but women as well. Usually the women lose hair when they grow older. However, not many women opt for hair transplants. There are reasons why they are not good candidates for hair replacement surgery.
The female has a different type of hair loss as compared to their male counterparts. The pattern of hair loss for men usually appear on the top of the head but healthy balding-resistant hair follicles fill their sides and the backs of their heads. This balding pattern offers men with donor hair which can be used in the surgery.
The naturally-occurring enzyme in the body combines with testosterone to form a chemical called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This chemical is the cause of hair loss on the top of the head for men. It usually does not have any effect on the hair that is growing at the back or on the sides. These two areas are suitable donor sites for hair regrowth. They are stable because the hair follicles do not shrink when react with DHT.
However, the female pattern hair loss does not proved any donor sites because there are not enough sites that can produce stable balding-resistant hair follicles. Just like the top and the front, the hair of the sides and the back of the head is thin. Therefore the DHT affect all parts of the woman's hair.
DHT-affected hair follicles will drop if they are moved during the hair restoration procedures. Moving them from one place to another does not affect the basic nature of the hair follicle.
In addition, many women do not encounter the problem of receding hairlines. They lose their hair in a more distributed manner with consistent thinning over the head. Their problem is the quantity of hair available and not the location of the hair. Hair transplant cannot produce more hair. It only helps when it implants the affected areas with hair which grafted from elsewhere.
About 5% of women with baldness can be considered as good candidates for this kind of surgery. Like men, they have donor sites which the doctors can use for hair replacement. Here are a few situations.
- Black women or African American tend to lose their hair because they like to stretch or pull their hairs for weaving or braiding. This condition is known as traction Alopecia. They usually have one unaffected area of hair which allow them to carry out this hair transplantation.
- Women lose hair around the incision areas during the cosmetic surgery.
- Some women follow the male balding patterns.
- Women who have suffered trauma from accidents or burns.
If you are female who experience hair loss, then consult your doctor for hair transplants to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
