Losing your hair can be a confusing and stressful experience, especially when it appears to come out of nowhere. With so many different forms and causes of hair loss, it can be hard to work out exactly what’s wrong with your hair and how to deal with it.
One of the most common forms of hair loss is thinning hair, which is where your hair loses density over time. This can be triggered by genetics, a medical condition, hormonal changes or naturally due to ageing.
Transplanting hair into thinning hair is an option that can help people feel more confident and happy about their appearance, but it isn’t right for everyone. You can learn more about how hair transplants improve your confidence here.
Today, we will be looking into thinning hair and if a hair transplant is the best way to fix it.
Hair thinning vs hair loss
Hair loss is when new hair does not replace hair that’s fallen out. Unlike typical hair loss, when your hair starts to thin, this won’t necessarily cause baldness. However, it will give the appearance of sparser spots of hair on the top of your head.
If your hair is starting to thin, the changes tend to be gradual, which means that you will have time to pinpoint the causes and figure out the best method of treatment with the help of a medical professional.
Why is my hair thinning?
Due to the variety of different causes and factors involved in hair loss, the best treatment will vary between individuals. Reasons your hair may be thinning include:
- Naturally due to ageing
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- A medical condition (including the following:)
- Alopecia areata
- Androgenic alopecia
- Trace alopecia
- Female pattern baldness
- Male pattern baldness
To figure out the exact reason for your hair loss, you should speak to a hair loss specialist. This will allow you and your physician to figure out the best method of treatment for you.
It’s important to remember that everyone experiences hair loss and that every individual loses 50-100 hairs a day. Hair loss to this extent is completely normal and you shouldn’t see any difference in the density of your hair. However, if you’re starting to notice that your hair looks or feels thinner, then you need to consider looking into treatment options.
Can a hair transplant fix thinning hair?
With hair loss, you may start to notice that your hair is starting to become thinner in different areas. In most cases, this will occur around the hairline. Over time, this could form a receding hairline which is something that a lot of men feel self-conscious about and will be interested in reversing.
If you have thinning hair, a hair transplant may be able to fix this issue. While this procedure won’t be suitable for everyone, it’s worth looking into.
A hair transplant for thinning hair is often an effective method of treatment. If the thinning hair is classed as permanent, then the treatment will work by transplanting hair from one area of your scalp to another. This will achieve the appearance of a head of hair that looks thick and full. The treatment will concentrate on areas of the scalp where the hair looks thin, like the hairline. The result will make any thin areas of the scalp look full with realistic and natural coverage.
If you’re unsure about whether an FUE hair transplant is right for you, then you should read our guide to see if you’re a good candidate for an FUE hair transplant.
Risks and side effects of an FUE hair transplant
If you have an FUE hair transplant, the only sign that’s likely to show are the small white dots where the follicles have been removed. Fortunately, these marks will fade over time.
You should speak to your doctor if you do notice any of the following side effects:
- Signs of infection such as redness, pain and swelling
- Inflammation of the follicles (known as bursitis)
- Bleeding from the surgical site
- Freeze or stretch near the site of surgery
- Signs that the plucked hairs aren’t circular
- Persistent balding after surgery
Please note that these side effects are rare, but it’s still important to be aware of and understand them. Read our ultimate guide to hair loss treatment to learn more about the different procedures available to you.
Are there other options to fix thinning hair?
A hair transplant isn’t the only treatment available for thinning hair and for some, it may not be the best method for them.
If you aren’t experiencing severe hair loss or if you’re young, then you may be advised to wait for a hair transplant. This is because future hair loss can be unpredictable: having a hair transplant too early into your hair loss won’t be future proof and you could end up spending more on additional treatment in the future.
For some patients, advanced tricho pigmentation (ATP) will be the best option for treating their thinning hair. This treatment works very similarly to a tattoo, as it applies pigment to the dermal layer of the scalp. The advanced technique offered by professionals and the system will work together to build the appearance of thick hair in thinner areas of the scalp. Over time, this will add density to the top of your head which will make your hair look fuller.
Is hair shedding a form of hair loss?
In medical terms, hair loss is when the number of hairs attached to your scalp is reduced. On average, humans lose between 50-100 strands of hair every day, which is completely normal and shouldn’t concern you in any way. The hair we lose daily is known as ‘shedding’ and is part of the body’s natural renewal cycle. Unlike hair loss, which is classed as semi-permanent or permanent loss, shedding hair will regrow from the same follicle.
However, if your hair starts to fall out throughout the day, especially if it’s in clumps or when you run your fingers through your hair, you should speak to a medical professional. As hair loss can occur for many reasons, speaking to a hair loss specialist will help you understand more about the reasons for your hair loss.
FUE Clinics are here to help
For some, a hair transplant is a perfect solution to fix your thinning hair. AT FUE Clinics, we have advanced technology to restore hair growth on the top of your head and in other areas, including the beard and eyebrows. Restoring your confidence and self-esteem.
If you would like to learn more about our professional clinics and procedures, then you should take a look at our FAQ section. Or visit us in person for a free no-obligation consultation. Contact us today and make an appointment with a professional.
