Techniques for Hair Replacement

The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern baldness. It is generally part of the aging process and is typically treated with medication or hair transplant surgery. Many programs for replacing hair loss combine both forms of treatment.

Medication

Pattern baldness is typically caused by the presence of dihydrotestosterone. The production of this hormone increases after the age of 40, so medical treatments for hair loss usually deal with reducing DHT production. These treatments are generally effective in improving hair growth owed to pattern baldness. The brand names for these types of medication include Propecia and Rogaine.

Surgery

Hair replacement surgery implants hair into the affected area. This procedure is time-consuming because the hair is implanted one strand at a time. Hair replacement surgery can cost up to $20,000, depending on the size of the transplant area. Additional surgical procedures for hair loss include scalp reduction. Scalp reduction reduces the part of the scalp that is losing hair. The flap technique is a variation of scalp reduction that shifts the affected scalp to increase the coverage of hair.

Combination

Additional techniques for replacing hair include diet, exercise and stress management techniques. Nutrients such as vitamin B-6, vitamin E and biotin are especially important for preventing hair loss. Stress is also a common cause of hair loss. The best results for hair loss treatments generally occur by combining techniques.