Non-Surgical Options
While hair transplant is currently the only way that provides permanent remedy for a bald or balding scalp that replicates nature, other commonly used alternatives are neither permanent nor as close to nature.
Most people, after the onset of hair loss, are drawn into the perception that they all they need is the ‘right’ shampoo or some magic oil to ‘correct’ their scalp.
Next, they may turn to medications hoping that these would help ‘stop’ hair loss. But what actually happens is that the natural hair loss process only ‘slows down’ or ‘delayed’ allowing them to keep some of their hair for some more time. And even for this to happen continual maintenance on an ongoing basis is needed until eventually they loose all their hair.
Finally, loosing hair as well as hope, when they ultimately stop trying to defy nature, they will perhaps consider wearing artificial hair systems so thinking that this might at least save their self-esteem helping them regain their confidence. But it is not long before they start picking the cues when someone strongly invites them for an active sport or swimming.
Morale of the story? You cannot defy or disguise nature.
Sooner or later they eventually come to recognize the value of hair transplant as the only real hair restoration solution.
But to be very true, even hair transplant is not actually a hair restoration solution insofar as ‘getting back’ your original hair is concerned. If this was the case, hair transplant would not be worth any more than other attempts as your original hair would soon go away again. this is because they are genetically programmed to go away with age. What makes hair transplants so outstanding is their trick or ability to relocate the hair, extracting those on the back or sides of your scalp and strategically placing them into the bald area where they will stay for the rest your life since these hairs, unlike those on the crown, are genetically programmed to last for your lifetime.
Just in order to complete our discussion of hair transplant alternatives, here we provide an objective account of each of the available options.
- Hair Systems
- Rogaine (Minoxidil)
- Propecia (Finasteride)
In general these are quick, but relatively cumbersome options. The main drawbacks are the ongoing maintenance, inability to play active sports, swim and discomfort in hot weather. They are suitable in certain categories of patients where either the donor site has insufficient hair, or they are reluctant to have hair transplantation. There are many patients who choose to have a there own natural hair, in such cases a transition can be accomplished gradually.
Rogaine is a topical solution, which is applied directly to the scalp twice a day. It is approved by the FDA, for use in both men and women for hair growth. The chance of success in growing new hair is limited, however it is effective in slowing down the hair loss process, and some surgeons incorporate Rogaine along with hair transplantation to expedite the growth of transplanted hair. Previously available only with a prescription in the USA, is now available over the counter.
This oral, pill is approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss. In contrast to Rogaine however it is available by prescription only, and is designed for men. The hair loss is halted, particularly in the vertex or crown region of the scalp, as the medication immediately blocks the production of DHT, the hormone responsible for hair loss. It may take many months for the effect to be visible, and the hair loss starts again when the treatment is discontinued. Propecia is an effective treatment for men in the younger age group, when the hair loss might have just begun, and propecia may delay the surgical intervention for a number of years. There are some minor side effects, including lowering of blood pressure and some cases of impotence.
A combination of hair transplantation and Propecia can be effective in delaying future hair loss. Various studies have shown the effectiveness of Propecia in terms of density, strength and thickness of the hair.
Imagine if you have been looking at your balding head in the mirror for a number of years, and all of a sudden the hair start to grow as by magic, your own natural hair, requiring regular haircuts, shampoo etc. and no maintenance whatsoever. Wouldn’t you be thrilled?
That is exactly what happens. Satisfaction rate is high with hair transplantation, and the procedure is performed as a day procedure under local anesthesia. The hair grafts or follicles are harvested from the back of the head, dissected into micro and mini grafts and transplanted in the frontal and crown regions. The donor site is closed with sutures and usually leaves an invisible, and a hidden scar under the existing hair. Groups of follicles clumped together form what is called the “follicular units”, and give better density to the transplanted hair.
The design of the new hairline, placement and angle of the grafts, choice of micro and mini grafts, and the follicular units determines the final outcome from a mediocre to an excellent hair transplant result. The training, experience, and artistic inclination of the surgeons play an important role in the final outcome.
Hair transplantation is by far the most successful procedure today. It has satisfied, and brought happiness to millions of men of all ages throughout the world. The success rate in women depends upon proper selection of patients, as the needs and patterns are different compared to men.

