Hair loss is a sensitive issue for everyone. Fortunately, not all is lost, even if your hair is. New techniques like hair transplants are in the market, making rounds with wonderful results; there is no reason why you shouldn’t get it done yourself to escape the shame and embarrassment of hair loss.

However, there are many misconceptions that the general public has regarding the procedure. Here are some common ones that have discouraged people from getting the procedure.

1. It Is Unbearably Painful

Like any surgical procedure, hair transplants are also performed under anesthesia. Hence, claims that hair transplant is painful is a baseless misconception that is still commonly believed among the masses.

Although for any other surgeries, you may experience mild pain post-surgery when the anesthesia wears off, it’s nothing that cannot be dealt with with some pain medications. Newer techniques are even more efficient at preventing pain with a quick healing process of 2-3 days.

2. Only Men Can Opt For A Hair Transplant

A hair transplant is commonly done by men that undergo male pattern baldness. That is not to say that women don’t suffer from hair loss or cannot undergo the procedure. The results are even more noticeable in women who usually prefer to keep their hair long.

3. Only Young People Can Opt For A Hair Transplant

Hair transplant is not restricted by age and any adult with hair loss can receive a transplant whenever they wish. Anyone is eligible for procedure between the ages of 27-70 years. However, those in their 20s are usually not recommended to undergo hair transplants because the reason for hair loss isn’t well established yet.

4. Expect Instant Results With a Hair Transplant

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. This applies to hair transplants as well. You need to wait at least six months to notice any positive results, with some having to wait up to 12 months after the procedure.

You may experience some shedding in the initial phases, but this is normal as the transplanted hair follicles adjust to your scalp over time. Gradually, the transplanted hair anchors to your scalp and blends with your remaining hair giving you natural results.

5. Hair Transplant Results Look Artificial

Hair transplants aim to provide natural results. Since it’s your hair follicles that are used, you can rest assured that the hair that will grow will resemble your natural hair.

A skilled surgeon can place the grafts aligned in a way that resembles natural hair so that you can style it as you wish without worrying that it would look artificial.

6. Hair Is Transplanted From Someone Else’s Hair

This is the most common misconception people have about hair transplants. The transplanted hair neither belongs to someone else nor is it your body hair.

This is because your body will treat such hair as a foreign body and reject the donor follicles. Although body hair is sometimes used to augment the scalp hair, this practice is not recommended because body hair composition is very different from scalp hair and is more likely to cause scars and cysts.

Hair roots from the back and sides where hair is more abundant are most commonly used for hair transplant into the thinning areas of your scalp.

7. Transplanted Hair Sheds in a Short Time

Perhaps the most common fear that recipients of hair transplants have is that the transplanted hair will shed after a period of time. Transplanted hair grows in the same way that your normal hair would. However, if your reason for hair loss is due to hormonal or medical cause that has not been treated, your transplanted hair may start to shed as well.

8. Anyone Can Have a Hair Transplant

Although most people, irrespective of age and gender, can get hair transplants, there are some exceptions to this. For example, people with certain genetic conditions or diseases like Seborrheic Dermatitis are ineligible for hair transplants.

Your doctor will review your medical records and investigate any existing condition before confirmation of the surgery.

9. Hair Transplantation Cannot be Performed During the Summer

Many believe that getting a hair transplant in the summer will be detrimental to the hair given the adverse weather conditions. However, this claim has no basis because hair transplant is not affected by the changing seasons.

So use your annual summer leave to get the transplant done and then allow your scalp to heal and assist in hair growth over the break.

10. You Can’t Wash Your Hair After Treatment

The transplanted hair is real hair and requires the same level of care as your actual hair. That means you can shampoo and condition your hair without worry. Typically, you can wash your hair the next day after the operation as per your doctor’s instructions.

11. You Should Expect to Take Medications to Assist Hair Growth

Post-transplant treatment is usually unnecessary to assist hair growth. The transplanted hairs are permanent and do not require additional medications, oils, or shampoos. However, if you have already been using them in the past with favorable results, you may continue them for your remaining hair.

12. A Laser Hair Transplant Is the Most Effective Method

Although laser was a popular technique in the early 2000s, it quickly lost its credibility because it caused more damage than good. The damage to the surrounding tissues and poor hair growth after the procedure are all contributing factors.

Even low-light laser therapy devices popularly sold as combs and brushes have no scientific evidence for treating hair loss effectively.

13. Hair Transplant Surgery Negatively Impacts the Brain

Many mistakenly believe that hair transplant surgery can affect their brains. However, like all cosmetic procedures, a hair transplant only involves the skin and doesn’t affect internal organs like the brain.

14. Hair Transplantation Is Not an Affordable Hair Loss Solution

Although hair transplant, being a surgical procedure is indeed more expensive than medical treatments or another healthcare tech for hair loss, there are other factors at play.

For instance, the extent of your hair loss and the number of grafts that you will need will influence the costs involved. The cost of the procedure will also depend on your surgeon or place of surgery. A high-profile surgeon in Beverly Hills will cost you significantly more than their less famous counterparts. However, never settle for a less qualified just to save money or you risk more harm than good.

15. Hair Transplantation Is Too Complex To Understand

Transplant surgeries are a complicated process with many requirements that need to be fulfilled for the surgery to succeed. However, in the case of a hair transplant, the procedure is less complex than you might think if you read up or search about the topic online.

If you are apprehensive before the surgery, you may also talk with your surgeon to walk you through the process so that you feel comfortable.

Conclusion

A hair transplant is a common procedure done these days as a cure for premature hair loss. Hair is a major aspect of our appearance and self-esteem, so trying the best way to maintain it in pristine condition is essential. Unfortunately, there is a lot of apprehension and curiosity surrounding hair transplants, which has led to a lot of myths and exaggerated truths that this article has dispelled.

Thus, rest assured; you can comfortably get your hair transplant done without worry and show off your luscious locks!