Hair loss is a very common condition that occurs in both men and women. It is estimated that around 50% of women and 60% of men of all age groups experience hair loss worldwide. According to reports by the American Hair Loss Association, nearly two-thirds of men experience hair loss before the age of 35. Almost 85% of men experience thinning hair and hair loss by the time they turn 50. In worst-case scenarios, hair loss can also affect men in their early 20s. Although balding can affect people of any age group, losing hair in your 20s can be a bit concerning.
Most cases of hair loss can be attributed to male/female pattern baldness, which is mainly due to hormonal changes or genetics i.e. having a history of baldness in the family. Experiencing baldness at a young age can impact someone’s appearance and self-esteem, leading many to consider a hair transplant as a treatment option.
When is the best age to get a hair transplant?
According to hair transplant experts, young men in their early 20s may not be the best candidates for hair restoration surgery. This is because the hair loss cause or pattern may not be fully determined yet. Before recommending the best suitable hair restoration method for you, the surgeon considers several things such as type of hair loss, hair loss pattern, quality of the donor hair, and size of the balding area.
In the hair restoration process, the surgeon extracts hair follicles from the donor site, either individual hair follicles (FUE) or an entire strip of scalp from an area of the head that has healthy hair growth (FUT). These follicles are separated into units and transplanted into the balding portion. Over time, the incisions on the scalp will heal, and the follicles start promoting the growth of new hair. The grafting process depends on the severity of the hair loss and the patient’s facial characters, to ensure it looks natural. For younger patients, nothing is fully determined yet, be it the hair loss pattern, or its severity. Thus, the best advisable age for a hair transplant is 25+.
Is it advisable to wait to get a hair transplant?
When young patients start losing hair, they might naturally feel the need to address their hair loss immediately. In such cases, an early hair transplant may seem like a good option to get their prized locks back. However, is this always a good idea? Young patients must understand that transplanted hair will remain constant but hair loss is progressive.
Over the years, they will lose more hair, while a permanent strip of the transplanted hair will remain. This will give them an unnatural look and they might want to redo the transplant, which will be an added expense. If the hair loss pattern persists over time, the donor hair will not be able to sustain a natural pattern of hair growth. Therefore, the early 20s might not be the best time to get a hair transplant.
Younger people who are worried about hair loss can undergo a preliminary transplant to increase their hairline density. But they might need further treatment as they age. Hair transplants suit people who still have hair on the back and sides of their heads. The front and crown hair can be transplanted to match the native hair follicle pattern.
If your hair loss is worrying you while you are still young, you can try over-the-counter treatment alternatives like Minoxidil and Finasteride. These increase blood circulation to the scalp and stimulate new hair growth. You can get a preliminary transplant to make your hairline dense, but you will still need additional treatments as you grow older.
To find the most suitable hair restoration treatment for you, consult our expert surgeon today, at the New Jersey Hair Restoration Center. We look forward to providing you with the best options available.
