Hair Transplant Alternatives: An In-Depth Look

As we age, the majority of people will experience some form of hair loss. Women may see thinning hair after childbirth, while men may see signs of male pattern baldness once they reach a certain stage in life. Individuals can often feel their self-confidence take a nosedive when faced with hair loss and for that reason, it is imperative to understand all methods available for hair restoration. For some, hair transplant surgery is not an option. Fortunately, there are various alternatives to help you regain the head of hair you desire. Some of these alternatives may even help restore you to a stage where a transplant becomes a possibility and candidacy is restored. Read on for our list of hair transplant alternatives to help you narrow down your best option.

Over-the-Counter Medications

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When looking for alternatives to dealing with thinning hair and hair loss, the one constant we are used to seeing through the years has been minoxidil. Often advertised under the brand Rogaine, it is available for both men and women. For men, a 5% concentration is available while for women they offer a 2% concentration. And although women who are breastfeeding or may be pregnant should seek medical advice before use, the topical application of this treatment is effective for both genders in helping to maintain the health of current follicles and in some cases may help to regrow some hair.

One drawback to this product is that once you begin using it, you must continue to use it or you will begin to see hair loss again. Some users complain of irritation and others can have allergic reactions that include acne at the site of application and face swelling. This is typically dependent on the compounds used to formulate the topical solution, as ingredients such as propylene glycol can cause irritation. Monitor your health closely and be sure to seek medical advice before starting any treatments.

Prescriptions

Propecia (oral) is a doctor-prescribed medication used to treat males for baldness. It comes in a 1-milligram pill and must be taken daily. The active ingredient, fin########, can be harmful to both women and children so should not be handled by either group. Side effects include lightheadedness, bloating, chills, and difficulty in getting aroused. It takes about three months to show signs of fresh growth. When using this product, it may be necessary to monitor your blood levels more frequently. While this is typically well tolerated by patients, topical formulations combining fin######## and minoxidil (alongside other components) have been created to mitigate side effects.

Shampoos

Hair loss shampoos are often the first step people take when experiencing hair loss. It is a simple step in your daily routine to help reinforce your hair health and keep your scalp hydrated and clean. If you opt to use a shampoo to help the texture and look of your hair, aim for one with biotin to help strengthen the hair follicle. Shampoos with keratin will increase the strength and flexibility of your hair, causing less breakage. While these are some beneficial components, there are a variety of good and bad ingredients in various products, so be sure to do your research and consult your physician before starting a new regimen.

Temporary Cosmetic Covers

Another option that many people like to test is the use of temporary cosmetic covers. It is a non-committal option that can quickly and efficiently improve the appearance of your hair and hairline. The use of a wig or hairpiece can be a viable option to cover up hair loss or hair thinning, though these can cause increased loss. Options are available in a variety of styles, textures, and colors, so you can choose one that fits your needs and matches your hair’s texture.

There are also spray-on products that can be applied to your hair and scalp. Many believe it is merely paint, but the product is intended to mimic the appearance of hair. They come in different colors to make it easier to match your individual hair color. Fiber-infused sprays attach to the remaining hairs and lengthen and thicken the present hair to provide a thicker appearance with fuller coverage. These are cosmetic solutions, but have no benefit in treating the hair loss.

Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp micropigmentation is a non-surgical option to restore color and provide an illusion of thicker hair. The process can take two to four visits to the SMP artist, but is often highly effective in masking areas of thinned hair or scars where hair will not regrow. Your physician and their team will use micro-needles similar to a tattoo gun to deposit pigment into the scalp. The appearance should mimic tiny hair follicles and utilizes an advanced stroke technique to replicate human hair. This non-surgical hair procedure uses topical anesthesia to decrease discomfort. The needles do not penetrate deep into the tissue, so there is minimal bleeding.

• Applying rosemary oil to the scalp. Rubbing some rosemary oil onto the scalp with a carrier oil is thought to stimulate the follicles by sending blood to the skin. It feels great and smells divine!
• Eating a healthy and varied diet. Ensure you are getting the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet.
• Applying coconut milk. Applying coconut milk directly to the scalp is believed to reduce hair loss and improve the texture of your hair.
• Maintain a low-stress life. Stress is often a culprit in causing numerous ailments for people, including insomnia, hypertension, and poor eating habits. Reducing your stress may help reduce any hair loss you are experiencing.

When you’re looking for qualified and dependable doctors to do a procedure or you want a qualified opinion on how to proceed with hair restoration, you want only the best. Here at Maxim Hair Restoration we have specialists from all over ready to help you achieve the look you desire. Simply fill out our contact form to let us know a little more about you and your goals. Include questions or concerns you have in the Questions/Comments content box so we can provide you with a comprehensive response that addresses your primary concerns.

Meanwhile, browse our gallery to see the effects hair restorative treatments have had on others and what our team of trusted doctors can do for you. Set up a free consultation at your convenience to discuss your options for hair transplant alternatives.