What Are My Hair Loss Treatment Options?
You are lucky! There are many treatment options now available for those who are experiencing hair loss. Choosing which the right one for you can be difficult; however, we've outlined below some of different treatments available to you so you can make a smart and informed decision when choosing one.
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HairSoReal
A finely textured artificial hair that looks just like your natural hair, HairSoReal from LookWell is a great new product on the market. You just sprinkle it on your scalp to make your natural hair look thicker and fuller. It's a great alternative to costly surgery, and does not get all over the place like spray-on products. In addition, it doesn't smear or run down your face like the cream products.
Advantages: Simple to Apply - Natural Appearance - Made of Artificial Hair Fibers So It Binds to Your Existing Hair and Looks Real - Compatible with All Other Options and Hairstyling Products - Instant Benefits Can Be Seen
Disadvantages: Swimming Is Not Recommended - Must Be Reapplied Daily
Spray-On Hair Loss Products
These products are designed to coat the bottom of your scalp with a paint-like substance that is the same color as your hair, giving the appearance of hair underneath your existing hair growth.
Disadvantages: Goes Everywhere During Application - Can Have a Shiny, Glossy, and Unnatural Look - Cannot Use It Where There Is No Significant Hair Growth - Swimming Is Not Recommended - Must Be Reapplied Daily
Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP)
This is like applying tattoo on your scalp to create a look of added fullness by reducing the contrast between your scalp and your hair color. This is great for those who want very short hair or who chooses to shave their head. Many celebrities with shave heads have done this procedure. Cost average $2,500 - $3,000. Risk: The color will disappear in about 2 years due to UV rays and need to reapply again. Also, does not look natural if you have long hair as it does not add volume to your hair and people can see the tattoo through the thinning hair.
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Hair Loss Creams
Similar to spray-on hair loss products, these products are designed to coat the bottom of your scalp with a creamy, shoe-polish-like substance that is the same color as your hair, giving the appearance of hair underneath your existing hair growth.
Disadvantages: Can Run, Smudge, and Stain Your Face or Hands - Can Look Shiny, Glossy, and Unnatural - Cannot Use It Where There Is No Significant Hair Growth - Swimming Is Not Recommended - Must Be Reapplied Daily
Topical Hair Loss Ointments
These products are now available over the counter. They help stimulate hair growth.
Disadvantages: Continuous Use of the Products Is Needed to Maintain Hair Regrowth - Must Wait At Least Four Months of Constant Use Before Seeing Any Results - 12 Months of Twice-Daily Use May Be Needed to Determine Whether the Products Can Really Work for You
Hairpieces, Wigs, and Toupees
These are products made of human, animal, or artificial hair shaped as naturally as possible to resemble your earlier hair growth.
Disadvantages: Poorly Made Hairpieces Can Make You Feel Like the Butt of Jokes - When the Hairpiece Falls or Slips Off, It Can Be Embarrassing - Custom-Made Pieces Can Be Expensive
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Surgical Hair Loss Options
These are the longest-lasting solutions, but they are also the most expensive. Surgery can be used together with cosmetic products for maximum benefit. Hair replacement surgery is usually safe when performed by a qualified, experienced physician. However, as with all surgery, there is always the risk that infection may occur.
FUE Hair Transplant
FUE is one of latest methods of obtaining follicular units. In FUE harvesting, individual follicular units are extracted directly from the hair restoration patient's donor area, ideally one at a time. This differs from strip-harvesting. Cost from $5 - $8 per graft. Risk: this procedure was by no means "scarless" as the actual cumulative surface scaring in the donor area of hundreds of little punch holes is considerably more than one long and typically thin donor scar resulting from strip excision. In some cases the FUE procedure can even produce donor areas that have a thinned out mouth eaten look.
Hair Grafts
A surgeon takes small pieces of hair-bearing scalp from the back of the head and grafts it onto the balding portion of the scalp (usually at the crown or hairline). Grafts are sometimes called "plugs," and when done poorly, it can be very obvious that little tufts of hair evenly spaced around the hairline have been put there surgically.
Cost: $3,000 - $9,000 or More
Risk: In transplant procedures, there is a risk that some of the grafts won't "take." Sometimes the skin plug dies and surgery must be repeated. Several surgical sessions may be needed to achieve satisfactory results. It may take up to two years before you see the final result with a full transplant series.
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Scalp Reductions and Hair Lifts
A scalp reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the surface area of the front and top balding areas of the scalp. A surgeon removes a portion of the skin that is without hair, and in effect, stretches the remaining scalp forward. In a full hair lift, the entire scalp is moved up and forward.
Cost: $3,000 - $7,000
Risks: Excessive bleeding or tension scars may result from some scalp-reduction procedures. There is also a risk of infection.
*Remember: The long process involved in surgery can be aided with products like HairSoReal. A series of grafts that takes over two years to be completed can look finished right from the start with the right application of HairSoReal.
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PRP Hair Restoration
PRP therapy for hair loss is a treatment that involves withdrawing a patient's own blood, processing it so that only the enriched cells (platelet-rich plasma) remain, and injecting it into the scalp. PRP contains essential proteins that stimulate natural hair growth. Cost: $900 per visit. Risk: Once in the scalp, PRP growth factors begin to degrade quickly so any benefit to thinning hair will be short lived. Therefore, the PRP injection needs to be repeated 2-3 times a year to maintain any benefit. Hair restoration using PRP is still at its infancy. While researchers have reported such activity, no advertised claims of PRP efficacy in promoting hair growth can be made because there has been no FDA approval that would allow such claims to be made.
Laser Hair Therapy
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) delivers compressed light, from the red part of the spectrum, directly to the scalp. Also known as “cold” lasers, this type of light therapy increases blood flow without a thermal element, meaning there is no risk of burning or harming the scalp. Increased blood flow enables hair follicles to regenerate faster and more efficiently. This only works for men and women experiencing the early stages of hair loss and does not work for others who have lost hair or gone bald for more than a year. LLLT stops the progression of hair loss in about 70% of users with early stages of hair loss. Cost: Average $800 per visit and may spend over $10,000 for repeated therapy.
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