The Best Hair Loss Treatments: A Comprehensive Guide

~ Identification of any medical or other causes of hair loss is necessary. Treatment of these causes results in the best possible reversal of hair loss and preventing baldness.

~ Minoxidil and Low dose Finasteride have the best effect amongst medicines for baldness. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and Mesotherapy can be considered in selected cases.

~ Exciting new developments like Activated Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) and Botox (in a specially delivered pattern) have resulted in a good reversal of hair loss in many patients.

~ A surgically performed hair transplant is the most effective answer for permanent hair loss. Provided of course, that the person has sufficient donor area at the back of his head.

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which hair is moved from a hair-dense area of the scalp to the areas where the hair is sparse, thinning, or bald. Donor areas are at the back and/or sides of the scalp, while Recipient areas are present on the front, top, or crown of the scalp. Once transplanted, the hair will continue to grow for a person’s lifetime. The two most effective types of hair restoration procedures are the 'strip' method - Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and the 'plug' method - Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a hair restoration procedure in which naturally occurring groups of one to four hairs, called follicular units, are transplanted from the donor area to the recipient area. In FUT, after the patient’s scalp is numbed, the doctor removes a thin strip of tissue from the back and/or sides of the scalp. The donor strip is then separated into hundreds to thousands of individual follicular units using precise stereo-microscopic dissection techniques. As the follicular unit grafts are being prepared, the doctor makes tiny slits in the scalp (recipient sites), into which the grafts are placed. When executed well, the use of follicular units ensures that the transplant results will look completely natural and be undetectable.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a method of extracting, or “harvesting,” follicular units one-by-one directly from the scalp. In FUE, an instrument is used to make small, circular incisions in the skin around follicular units, separating them from the surrounding tissue. The follicular unit is then extracted (pulled) directly from the scalp, leaving a small open hole that heals with a small white mark. This method of donor harvesting differentiates the FUE procedure from the surgically performed strip method (Follicular Unit Transplantation - FUT). The creation of recipient sites and the placing of follicular unit grafts in the recipient areas of the scalp are essentially the same in both the FUE and FUT procedures.

It DEPENDS upon the person being treated.

In general, a long hair transplant, also known as the surgical strip method (FUT) yields the maximum amount of donor hair follicles. Therefore, the procedure is best suited for more extensive hair loss and in patients where the main concern is the maximum utilization of one’s donor supply. The hair is maximized because of the precise nature of stereo-microscopic dissection and the fact that all the hair is harvested from the mid-portion of the permanent zone where the hair is most dense and stable. A limitation of FUT is that it leaves a line scar in the donor area. With normal styling, this is easily covered with hair, but it does not include someone with very short hair.

FUE is more appropriate for patients who would like to keep their hair very short or who can’t limit strenuous activities in the post-op period. It is more preferable for people who are afraid of surgery and can not tolerate the pain and discomfort associated with a surgical procedure. In general, patients who need to keep their styling options flexible choose FUE, whereas those who desire the most coverage opt for FUT.

After the Hair Transplant is over, there may be a mild amount of soreness and numbness, and maybe some discomfort as well, but all these problems are taken care of very well by necessary medicines. There would be some pink areas with scabs immediately after the surgery around the areas of micro incisions. These hundreds of tiny incisions heal rapidly within 7 to 10 days. The transplanted hairs may be noticeable in the first few days following the surgery if the hair transplant is performed in a completely bald or thinned out area. Even then, most people feel comfortable without a cap or hat within a week of surgery. The results look and feel completely natural once the hair grows out completely following a hair transplant. It is usually not possible to distinguish the areas where hair transplant was performed even after close examination later.

1. Healthy lifestyle = healthy hair.

2. Get enough sleep. Be relaxed.

3. Avoid tight-fitting caps or hats that cause poor scalp circulation and poor nourishment of the hair follicles. Sweat & dirt build up inside the head, which is bad for hair.

4. Avoid applying hair styling products directly on the scalp.

5. Regular washing of the hair is essential - please ensure that it is clean.

6. Shower with warm water at most. Never apply hot water, which damages the scalp and hair roots.

7. While shampooing/conditioning, please be gentle. Avoid excessive force.

8. Avoid brushing/combing wet hair. It causes hair breakage. Wait until the hair is dry before brushing. Again, be gentle.

9. Avoid too much physical stress on the hair. If you are losing hair, avoid braids and ponytails. They cause constant stress on the hair.

10. Avoid excessive wind, sun, heat (from hair dryers, curling irons, hot showers) on the hair.

11. Limit hair coloring to once every 2 months to minimize damages to the hair.

12. Trim any split hair ends.

For Males: Hair may be grown longer on the top and shorter on the sides, to give a thicker-looking style.

For Females: Women usually try different hairstyles. To get a fuller look, hair curling is a good option. If you are tying a ponytail, a looser style would be best. Hair may also be allowed to hang straight.

For Thin Hair individuals: If a thicker look is required, it is better to cut the hair in layers. A volumizing shampoo is also helpful.

For Short Hair individuals: Using a toothbrush to manage short strands and give the hair more lift may be a good idea for this subset of people.

Maintain Hair Styling: Sleeping on a satin pillow is a good way of preventing the hair from losing its style overnight. Even when traveling, it is a good idea to carry one alongside.