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Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Steal the Style
Bald spots and receding hairlines have traditionally been a male concern, with approx 65-85% of men likely to experience hair loss issues, according to the American Hair Loss Association.
And it was the problem of male pattern baldness – the common pattern of thinning along the hairline and crown – that led to the early hair transplants being developed and popularised by New York surgeon Dr Norman Orentreich in the 1950s.
In recent years, however, there has been an increased demand for hair loss solutions from female sufferers, especially as some more high profile women such as Kristen Davis, Keira Knightly, and Arianna Grande have opened up about their hair loss issues.
And one place that women tend to become self-conscious about hair loss is the hairline. This is understandable, as our hairline frames our face and so any thinning or balding can affect how we feel about our appearance – which undoubtedly affects our confidence.
The good news is that advances in hair transplant technology have made this procedure a safe, accessible and highly effective option for women looking to restore volume to their hairline.
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Modern hair transplants
The science and technology behind hair transplant procedures have advanced greatly since those early days in the 50s. They’ve also become much more affordable, too. And while a hair transplant is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous, it is still a popular choice for the wealthy and image-conscious, and examples of high-profile candidness openly praising a Harley Street Hair Transplant Clinic on Twitter, have done much to reduce the stigma taboo around the topic.
In fact, this procedure is now so popular and accessible that the industry has evolved beyond traditional scalp treatments and now offers facial hair transplants such as beard and eyebrows procedures – which are incredibly popular, given the recent trends for bushy beards and thick brows.
So, hair transplants are popular and affordable, but are they effective? And more importantly, are they safe?
Happily for hair loss sufferers, not only is the modern procedure a safe and straightforward day surgery, but good surgeons also estimate that the success rate should be close to 100%, assuming that there are no complications and the patient follows the aftercare guidelines carefully.
So, if you’re experiencing hair loss, or if you’ve always felt your hairline wasn’t quite giving you the look you’d love, a hair transplant could be the answer.
But if you’re considering this option, it’s essential to know what to look for as you do your research. And to help you find the right clinic for you, here are a few tips for choosing a reputable hair transplant clinic.
How to choose a hair transplant clinic
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Check Qualifications
Look for a clinic that prides itself on its expertise and training. Any official medical qualifications will usually be on prominent display within the clinic itself and in their promotional material, but if not, you are well within your rights to request to see them. Good clinics will be only too happy to share evidence of their training and qualifications.
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Check Experience
Despite their growing popularity, hair transplant surgeries are highly-skilled, medical procedures. And while these procedures are extremely safe when carried out by the best practitioners, there’s a higher potential for adverse side-effects and outcomes if your surgeon lacks experience. In your research, find out how long your surgeon has been performing hair transplant surgeries and how many operations they have successfully carried out.
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Check Compliance
Quality hair clinics will be registered with the governing bodies, inspectors or voluntary organisations that aim to maintain the highest standards of patient safety and care. Make sure the clinic you choose is a registered member of the industry-standard regulatory groups and that they adhere to the best practices within the sector.
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Speak to past patients
Unfortunately, you can’t always trust the Before & After pictures that are often presented by hair transplant clinics. One of the most reliable ways to judge a clinic’s standards and expertise is to speak to past patients.
Most good clinics will gladly put you in touch with previous patients who have agreed to provide a reference, so take the time to chat with them about their experience and, if possible, meet them in-person so that you can see the results for yourself.
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Book a free consultation
One of the best ways to decide which clinic is right for you is to book a consultation. Most clinics offer these free of charge and it gives you the chance to ask any questions you may have, as well as to get a sense of whether your surgeon understands what you’re hoping to achieve. For this reason, it’s vital that your consultation is with the person who will actually carry out the surgery.
With increasing numbers of women reviewing the latest options and seeking ways to address their hair loss issues, hair transplants are set to become an even more affordable and accessible treatment option.
And while it’s important to do your research and find a reputable clinic that will deliver great results safely, it’s encouraging to know that, whatever the cause of your hair loss, the hairline you want is now a possibility.