It’s no secret that hair loss is a huge issue for both men and women; in fact, it’s estimated that 40% of women and a third of men over the age of 25 struggle with hair loss.
Sadly, the taboo and stigma surrounding hair loss can lead a lot of people to feel self-conscious or embarrassed. But there’s no need to.
In this guide, we’ll explore why there’s a taboo around hair transplants and why some common misconceptions need to be put to bed.
Why is there a taboo around hair transplants?
The taboo surrounding hair transplants often stems from a mix of outdated perceptions and a general lack of understanding about the procedure. However, it’s also important to consider:
- The stigma around hair loss — Hair loss is often associated with ageing, and many people place a high value on having a youthful appearance. Because of this, hair transplants can carry social stigmas around attractiveness and self-esteem. While many people who do experience hair loss don’t feel this way, others may feel embarrassed or vulnerable when discussing their experiences with hair loss or their decision to undergo a hair transplant — almost like a justification.
- Unrealistic beauty standards — Societal beauty standards can be unrealistic thanks to social media and place a lot of pressure on people to meet certain criteria of attractiveness. Admitting to having a hair transplant might be seen as an admission of falling short of these standards, potentially leading to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
- Fear or judgement — The fear of being judged by others can be a significant factor in not openly discussing hair transplants. Some may worry that their peers or society, in general, will view them as vain or overly concerned with their appearance if they admit to having had a hair transplant.
- Societal pressures and masculinity norms — Society often implies that men should accept natural ageing, including hair loss, as a part of masculinity. There's a longstanding notion that true masculinity involves embracing natural ageing processes, including hair thinning and loss, without resorting to cosmetic enhancements.
Traditionally, cosmetic procedures, including hair transplants, were viewed with a certain level of scepticism, partly due to early techniques that delivered less than natural-looking results.
What are some common misconceptions about hair transplants?
There are many myths and misconceptions about hair transplants that stop people from having the procedure. Some of the most common include:
1. Only men can have hair transplants
With hair transplants heavily marketed towards men, it can often be daunting, as a woman, to experience hair loss and believe there are no effective options for you.
The truth is anyone can experience hair loss.
While it's true that male pattern baldness is more widely talked about and portrayed in the media, women can also experience various types of hair loss, like female pattern baldness or underlying medical conditions that lead to thinning or shedding hair.
To learn more, read our complete guide to hair transplants for women.
2. Hair transplants give instant results
Another common misconception about hair transplants is that they give instant results. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t the case.
Once hair follicles are surgically transplanted to a bald area of the scalp, they need time to settle, ‘take’ to the scalp and enter their natural hair growth cycle in their new position. Because of this, while you may notice new hair growth within a few months, full results generally take between 8-12 months.
Understand what to expect from your hair transplant with our guide.
3. Hair transplants look unnatural
This common misconception often stems from outdated perceptions of hair transplant procedures.
In the past, hair transplants were often associated with unnatural-looking results. However, modern hair transplantation techniques have come a long way, making it possible to achieve remarkably natural-looking outcomes.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) — FUE is another advanced technique that involves harvesting individual hair follicles directly from the donor area using tiny punches. These follicles are then implanted in the recipient area. FUE offers a minimally invasive approach with very little scarring, and the results are also highly natural when performed by skilled surgeons. Discover more about FUE hair transplants.
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) — FUT involves harvesting a strip of hair-bearing skin from the donor area (usually the back of the scalp), which is then divided into tiny grafts containing individual hair follicles. These grafts are carefully placed in the recipient area, mimicking the natural growth pattern and hair distribution. The smaller grafts and precise placement contribute to a more natural appearance.
4. Hair transplants are painful
The fear of pain during a hair transplant is a common concern, but it's important to understand that modern techniques prioritise patient comfort and aim to minimise discomfort.
- Local anaesthesia — Before the procedure begins, local anaesthesia is applied to numb the donor and recipient areas. This ensures that you won't experience pain during the surgery itself. Any sensations you might feel are generally limited to mild pressure or discomfort, which most patients find quite manageable.
- Post-operation discomfort — After the procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or tightness in the treated areas. However, these sensations are typically temporary and can be effectively managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. To find out more, read our guide on hair transplant aftercare.
- Individual sensitivity — It's important to note that pain tolerance varies from person to person. While many patients report minimal discomfort, others may experience slightly more. Surgeons and medical staff work diligently to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Remember, clear communication with your surgeon is key.
What impact have celebrities had on the acceptance of hair transplants?
Celebrities have played a significant role in shaping public attitudes towards hair transplants and have contributed to their increased acceptance. Their willingness to openly discuss their experiences with hair loss and hair restoration procedures has had several positive effects:
- Normalising the procedure — Celebrities are influential figures, and when they candidly share their journeys of dealing with hair loss and opting for hair transplants, it helps normalise the concept of these procedures. This, in turn, reduces the stigma attached to hair transplants and helps make them more socially acceptable. Unlike most celebrities, footballer Wayne Rooney was very open about his hair transplant. In a tweet to his fans, Rooney stated that as he was losing his hair at such a young age, “why not” restore his hair to its former glory?
- Raising awareness — Celebrities often have extensive social media platforms with thousands or even millions of followers, allowing them to raise awareness about the prevalence of hair loss and the available treatment options. By sharing their stories, they help educate the public about addressing hair loss and encourage others to seek help.
- Inspiring others — Celebrities who have successfully undergone hair transplants can serve as sources of inspiration for individuals experiencing hair loss. Seeing a beloved figure openly discuss their journey and the positive outcomes they achieved through a hair transplant can provide hope and motivation to those facing similar challenges.
How has TikTok helped normalise hair transplants?
Recently, there’s been a real boom on TikTok of men and women showing off their transplant results to help de-stigmatise hair procedures. Currently, there are over 3.8B views on the #hairtransplant and 149.2m views on the #hairtransplantresult, showing there’s a lot of search demand — from both influencers and regular people — for insights into the procedure, recovery and results.
The ease of accessing information on TikTok is one of the main reasons why the platform has helped normalise hair transplants. Known for its visual content, users frequently post before-and-after videos showing their transplant results. These transformations can be quite compelling and persuasive — especially if you’re still sitting on the fence — and can demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure. You can even get your information straight from the source as surgeons and hair care professionals use the platform!
TikTok also helps foster a sense of community, particularly between people who have already experienced a hair transplant and those who are preparing or considering the procedure. This can be extremely reassuring and encouraging for those who are feeling self-conscious, knowing that people have gone through the exact same process and are experiencing amazing results.
Choose FUE Clinics for your hair transplant
At FUE Clinics, we offer two methods of transplantation, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transfer (FUT). Both involve moving healthy hairs from the donor site and planting them in balding areas to achieve a fuller head of hair.
Get in touch with our team of hair transplant specialists today, or take a free online consultation. Our surgeons are here to help you understand the process and whether you're the right candidate for a hair transplant. Or, head over to our FAQs for more information.
