Try as we may, there are some rumors that just won’t go away. Aliens in Area 51 or Roswell, the man in the grassy knoll, Bigfoot playing hide and seek, and Jimmy Hoffa as the leader of the Illuminati hiding the Loch Ness Monster from the public. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the drift.
There are even mistruths when it comes to hair, hair loss, and hair transplants. And because just about everything has its own space on social media platforms, rumors will continue to have a place for discussion. Here are some myths broken down by category.
Misinformation myths
These are the ones that have been around so long, that no one knows their true origin:
- Shaving will make hair grow back quicker – Shaving your head (or even your face) might give the appearance of thicker hair temporarily, but it doesn’t actually change the thickness or density of your hair. This one has been around for generations and is such an old wives’ tale, that research has been conducted. The verdict? No relation.
- Hair loss always progresses over time – Hair loss doesn’t always follow a predictable pattern, and its progression can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience gradual thinning, while others may have more sudden hair loss.
- Hair loss is always hereditary – While genetic factors can contribute to hair loss, other factors like stress, diet, medical conditions, and medications can also play a significant role. And just because your parent experienced hair loss, that doesn’t mean you definitely will; it only means you’re more likely to, so don’t count those chickens before they hatch.
- Wearing hats causes hair loss – Wearing hats or using hair products does not lead to permanent hair loss. Hair loss is typically caused by genetic factors, hormones, or medical conditions. This myth has been perpetuated by an assumption. Many modern men wear hats and baseball caps every day. And a certain percentage of men possess hair loss genes. So out of 100 men who wear caps, 67 of them will experience hair loss, but not because of the headwear, because of genetics. These men just happen to wear something on their heads for fashion or to cover up thinning hair. Hats have no cause-effect relationship with balding.
Age-related myths
There are often contradictory beliefs about when hair transplants are most useful, most effective, and even who they’re meant for:
- Hair transplants are only for old people – That is a social myth that is tied to the prevalence of hairpieces or toupees in older generations before hair transplants became successful and popular. And the real truth is that hair loss can affect people of all ages, including young adults and even teenagers. This social myth is becoming easier to debunk because there are many celebrities who have undergone hair transplants in their young adult lives.
- Older people cannot undergo hair transplants – Elderly patients are largely misinformed that hair restorations are reserved for young men. This very common myth has led to older people accepting hair loss and avoiding hair restoration treatments.
The truth is age is not a factor in hair restoration procedures. Although hair loss may begin as early as 21 years of age, it may be impossible to predict the pattern of hair loss at this stage. You may also end up spending more on hair restoration procedures so you can maintain the results. Therefore, it is advisable to wait until you are a bit older after your balding has stabilized to undergo a hair transplant, as it increases your chances of success.
If you are losing hair at a young age, talk with a medical professional to find out what your options are. It will give you longer to prepare for different suggested treatments. While anyone over 18 years is eligible for a hair transplant, the ideal age ranges from 25 to 65. Older patients have an advantage because their hair loss has already stabilized.
The transplant can be successful if you’re under 25, but chances of the success of a singular procedure are higher for those waiting until their hair loss situation has peaked. As you grow older, some medical conditions might complicate the likelihood of success. Whatever your age, Dr. Williams will perform thorough tests to ensure you’re medically fit for a particular treatment method.
Procedure-related myths
These are the ones where assumptions rule the roost.
- The results are temporary – Most people believe that hair transplants do not produce long-lasting results. This may be because when hair is first transplanted, hair normally falls off before the new follicles can begin to grow. However, this is no cause for alarm as the new hair will grow and continue thriving after your scalp has fully healed. This can be attributed to the fact that the donor area is usually not affected by hair loss, making the transplanted hair immune to the problem. After your hair restoration procedure, you can expect the hair to grow normally after 4 months at a rate of half an inch per month.
- The results are unnatural looking – With the advancement of technology and techniques used in hair restoration procedures, the results are as natural as possible. You don’t have to worry about odd-looking hair if you get the procedure done by an experienced and skillful hair restoration expert. An excellent surgeon will accurately place the transplanted hairs in the best location and angle to ensure they look just like the rest of the surrounding hairs.
- Transplanted hair grows right away – While it would be great to be able to say this is true, Mother Nature does not follow our desired schedule, but her own. The good news is that even though there is a timeline for transplanted hair growth, it is both natural and permanent once it settles in. Transplanted hairs tend to fall out naturally after about 3 weeks, but begin to grow back after about 2 months. And since they are your own hair follicles, as they grow in, you will see an improvement in hair density and appearance shortly after that. The results are worth the wait.
Last But Not Least
And the final one on the list? While all of the above can be frustrating to debunk year after year, this one is an unfair one where most people do not compare apples to apples.
Hair loss treatments are always expensive – Hair loss treatments range in cost, and some options can be more affordable than you may think, depending on the chosen method.
While hair restoration is not generally covered by insurance, it is far from being unaffordable. If you are looking into a procedure to manage hair loss, you are probably already spending money and time on alternative treatments to provide temporary solutions. So for the apples-to-apples comparison mentioned above, remember to include the costs of these temporary solutions and the money that could be saved by getting a permanent solution the first go round.
While each person has different needs and requirements for their hair loss solution, paying for hair transplantation turns out to not only be more effective than those temporary treatments, but also looks better, lasts much longer, and is less hassle overall.
For years, there’s been a misconception that only rich people can afford hair restoration procedures. Costs have been on a general downward trend, even as the quality improves. Although it might feel prohibitive, it’s a one-off cost for a solution that will last for decades.
In the end, hair transplants offer value for money, and they have other priceless results, such as a self-esteem boost and a youthful appearance. It can’t hurt to get a consultation and find out the costs, timeframe, and expectations. You can quickly and easily schedule a consultation if you are in the Las Vegas or Reno area.
