Facts and Myths about Hair Transplant
Hair transplants have gained popularity as a solution for those facing hair loss. However, with this popularity comes a mix of myths and facts that can be confusing. Here’s a clear guide to help you distinguish between the two.
Facts About Hair:
1. Hair Density: The human scalp typically has 100 to 120 follicular units per square centimeter. 2. Hair Follicles Formation: All hair follicles are formed by birth, influenced by individual physiological and anatomical traits. 3. Composition: Hair is primarily made of keratin, similar to what makes up our skin and nails. It consists of 50% carbon, 21% oxygen, 17% nitrogen, 6% hydrogen, and 5% sulfur. 4. Growth Rate: On average, hair grows 0.3 to 0.5 mm per day, translating to 1.25 cm per month or 15 cm per year. 5. Shedding: It’s normal to shed 50 to 100 hair strands daily. 6. Strength: A strand of hair is stronger than a copper wire of the same diameter. 7. Growth Phases: About 90% of our hair is in the growing phase, while 10% is in the resting phase. 8. Elasticity: Wet hair can stretch up to 30% of its original length. 9. Unique Patterns: The angle of hair follicles creates unique patterns like whorls and cowlicks. 10. Regrowth: When a hair is plucked, a new one starts growing in its place. 11. Lifespan: A normal hair strand has a lifespan of around five years. 12. Gender Differences: There’s no difference between male and female hair in terms of growth cycle and structure, except for thickness. Female hair is usually thinner. 13. Baldness: By age 60, half of all men and 40% of women experience some hair loss. 14. Permanent Solution: Hair transplants are a permanent solution for baldness.
Myths About Hair
1. Clipping and Shaving: These do not encourage faster hair growth. 2. Plucking Grey Hair: Plucking one grey hair doesn’t lead to the growth of two grey hairs. 3. Shampooing: Shampooing does not cause hair shedding. 4. Inherited Baldness: Baldness is not only inherited from the maternal side. 5. Brushing: Regular brushing doesn’t make hair healthier. 6. Hair Coloring: Coloring hair doesn’t reduce its strength. 7. Changing Shampoos: There’s no benefit in frequently changing shampoo brands. 8. Washing Hair: It’s not necessary to wash your hair every other day. 9. Hat-Wearing: Wearing a hat doesn’t lead to hair loss. 10. Towel Drying: Drying your hair with a towel is not particularly beneficial.
Myths About Hair Transplant
1. Longevity: Hair transplants are a permanent solution if done from a safe donor area. 2. Pain: Modern hair transplants are minimally painful, thanks to local anesthesia. 3. Transplant Method: Grafts, not individual hairs, are transplanted. 4. Brain Damage: Hair transplants are performed on the scalp’s top layer, far from the brain. 5. FUE Procedure: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a surgical procedure requiring anesthesia. 6. Unlimited Extraction: Over-harvesting from the donor site can lead to visible baldness at the back of the head. 7. Scarring: FUE leaves tiny dotted scars that fade over 8-12 months. 8. Donor Site Regrowth: New hair does not grow back at the donor site after extraction. 9. Medication: No lifelong medication is required for transplanted hair. 10. Immediate Results: Hair transplants take up to a year to fully grow in, so results are not immediate.
Conclusion
Hair transplants are a reliable solution for those seeking to address hair loss. Understanding the facts and dispelling the myths is crucial for making informed decisions. Consulting a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon is essential for the best results. For instance, Dr. Hairsh of Livglam Clinic, Cosmetic and Hair Transplant Centre in Bangalore is renowned for providing accurate information and tailored solutions based on the patient’s needs. Remember, proper research and choosing the right clinic and surgeon are key to a successful hair transplant.
