But at what age will a hair transplant be most beneficial?
The hair restoration process
Hair restoration surgery involves the transplantation of hair follicles from a region more resistant to hormonal loss – usually the back of the scalp – to the area where the hair has been lost. Since the hair follicles at the back of the scalp are generally permanent, they can be transplanted anywhere else on the scalp or on the body and the results will be permanent.
The insertion process places each graft individually, with the number of grafts required depending on the severity of hair loss and the individual’s facial characteristics, to create the most natural look. Although hair transplants can be carried out on anyone above the age of 18, it is advisable not to have a transplant until the age of 25+.
Younger men may not be the best candidates since their hair loss pattern may not yet fully be determined. If your hair has not finished receding or balding, or if the eventual pattern of hair loss is unknown, you may come up against some problems.
Why wait to get a hair transplant?
For a 20 year old man who feels he is losing his hair, a hair transplant early on may seem like a good option, so he can continue to have a youthful, fuller head of hair. However, whatever hair is transplanted will always be there. Over the next 10 years his hair loss may begin to progress and he’ll be left with the permanent strip of transplanted hair. Unfortunately, this won’t be natural looking and the treatment to redo the transplant is an additional expense.
If you are worried about hair loss whilst you are still young, you could undergo a preliminary transplant to add density in the hairline, however you will likely need additional treatment as you become older. Hair transplants are well-suited to individuals who still have hair on the back and sides of their head, as the front and crown can be restored to match the position, orientation and angulation of the native hair follicles.
To find out whether hair restoration treatment is suitable for you, the best advice is to consult with an experienced hair restoration surgeon who will be able to provide you with options specific to you. At the Birmingham Dermatology Clinic all hair transplants are conducted by Dr Camilo Diaz, who has considerable experience in hair restoration. Click here to learn more about Camilo or call us on 0800 0443917 for a confidential consultation.
