Female hair loss: How a transplant can restore your confidence

Hair transplants for women are less common compared to men due to several factors. The eligibility for hair restoration in women is primarily determined by the type of alopecia they have. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as female pattern baldness (or male pattern baldness), is the most common type among women who qualify for hair transplants. It is a genetic condition that causes hair loss in a specific pattern. Hairline transplants can potentially address traction alopecia, which is characterized by receding hairline due to prolonged pressure and is often seen in women who frequently tie up their hair. Women who have experienced head trauma or have undergone burn wounds or cancer removal surgeries and have fully recovered may be considered as potential candidates for hair transplants. Sufficient availability of donor’s hairs is essential for successful hair restoration. Satisfactory hair grafts from the back of the scalp are required to cover areas with thinning and baldness. The Ludwig scale is commonly used as a measurement standard to determine eligibility for hair replacement surgery by assessing the stage of hair loss in women. It is a three-stage classification system that evaluates the severity of female pattern baldness. Stage one shows minor thinning at the top of the head, while stage two exhibits more significant thinning with a visible scalp between the hair strands. In stage three, women experience complete hair loss on the crown of their heads. Fortunately, even at stage three on the Ludwig scale, women may still be eligible for hair transplants if they have sufficient donor hair.

Why are hair transplants uncommon for women?

Hair transplants are less common among women for several reasons. Only about 30% of women qualify for hair implants, as eligibility is largely determined by the type of alopecia they have. Conditions like alopecia areata and telogen effluvium are typically not treatable with hair transplants. Your local physician can assess your eligibility during a consultation. Menopause can also be a determining factor in whether hairline surgery is suitable for women. Unfortunately, hair loss related to menopause cannot be treated with hair transplants.

What other alternatives do women have?

For women who are not suitable candidates for hair transplant surgery, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be an alternative option for hair growth. PRP involves extracting a small amount of your blood and separating the plasma cells using a centrifuge. The plasma cells are then extracted and injected back into your hair using a syringe. If you have any questions about PRP, it is best to consult your local clinic. Minoxidil is the most common non-surgical treatment for hair loss in women. It is typically prescribed in foam form and applied to the scalp once a day. Minoxidil helps maintain healthy hair and promotes the regrowth of lost hair. It is the only FDA-approved treatment for hair loss in women.