If you are suffering from hair loss, you might be considering a hair transplant as a solution to your problem.
You might also wonder if there are alternatives to hair loss to combat your problem.
I will cover all the possible hair transplant alternatives so you know where you stand regarding your options.
But that is only some of what you can expect from this article.
I will also highlight some of the pros and cons of the alternatives.
Before we dive in, let me quickly introduce myself.
I am James, and I co-founded one of Turkey’s premium clinics.
Our clinic has been helping patients with their hair loss problems since 2012, and I deal daily with questions such as: what are alternatives to a hair transplant?
Within this blog, as I do with all of our blogs, I will share insight and info on how we address these questions as a hair transplant clinic.
Let’s dive in with our first topic, understanding your hair loss stage.
Understanding hair loss stages(temporary vs. permanent hair loss)
Before considering any solution to your hair loss problem, you must first understand the cause.
Next, you need to know whether the affected hair loss zones are suffering from temporary hair loss or permanent hair loss.
Let me explain why this is important.
Temporary hair loss needs to be treated with different solutions for hair transplant alternatives than permanent hair loss.
Some solutions do not apply to permanent hair loss.
This distinction is critical for a better understanding of the solutions.
Let’s kick off with the hair transplant alternatives if you are suffering from temporary hair loss.
Hair Transplant Alternative 1: SMP(Scalp Micropigmentation)
Scalp Micro-pigmentation has grown enormously in popularity in recent years.
Let me quickly explain what SMP is if you are new to it.
SMP is when small dots are tattooed on the scalp, creating the look of trimmed short hair.
This solution is especially effective if a person has insufficient donor hair to get a hair transplant.
SMP is a solution that can be applied in both hair loss situations.
You will see that it’s generally applied with permanent hair loss.
However, it can serve very well in densifying certain thinning zones.
It can also be combined with hair transplant surgery, which I find a perfect solution for individuals with insufficient donor hair for full coverage of the hair loss zones.
Pros and Cons SMP
One of the pros is that SMP is versatile. It can be applied in case of hair thinning or permanent hair loss.
Another pro is that it is less invasive than a hair transplant surgery.
The cost is also a reason to consider SMP since it is cheaper than a hair transplant procedure.
What about the cons?
One of the major cons is that in case of permanent hair loss where the whole head needs treatment, the result may look unnatural.
No, I am not an expert on SMP, so this is based on my research observations.
To date, I’ve spotted an SMP in all of the SMP cases I’ve seen, which can be considered a Con.
Another disadvantage of SMP as a hair transplant alternative is the need for touch-ups.
It’s like a standard tattoo that needs a touch after specific periods to keep it looking good.
This means additional maintenance costs.
Let’s continue with our next possible alternative to a hair transplant surgery.
Alternative 2: Hair Replacement Systems
Hair Replacement systems are considered to be one of the best hair transplant alternatives.
A hair replacement system is also referred to as a Hairpiece or Toupe.
Most of the hair replacement systems in the market are made of artificial hair, but you will also find systems made of human hair.
Hair Replacement Systems with human hair are generally more expensive.
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of hair replacement systems.
Pro’s
A high hair density characterizes Hair Replacement Systems.
The high hair density gives the user of hair systems a full head of hair look back again.
Hair Replacement systems are great alternatives for individuals who are not eligible for a hair transplant because they lack donor hair.
Cons Hair Replacement System
Hair Replacement systems can look unnatural. The front hair rows can have a too-high density, which can make them look unnatural.
Hair Replacement systems are generally spotted by most people who don’t even understand much about hair pieces.
Another reason a person’s hair might look unnatural is the mismatch between the existing hair and the hair replacement system hairs.
The mismatch can be caused by the difference in hair structure and the nuances in hair color.
Let’s discuss the other cons of a hair replacement system.
Hair Replacement systems need maintenance.
They need to be detached and reattached every 6-8 weeks.
This can burden a person’s life as the person needs to dedicate additional time to maintaining the hairpiece.
Hair Replacement systems can be inadequate for the scalp and any existing hair on the scalp.
For weeks in a row, the skin is isolated from light, water, and oxygen, creating unfavorable conditions for the hair and skin.
Hair Replacement Systems are not permanent solutions.
The lifetime of hair pieces is 6-8 months, after which new systems will have to be purchased, which brings another disadvantage.
Replacing hair systems every 6-8 months is a constant financial commitment.
The total cost can be high if calculated over many years of usage.
Let’s continue with the next alternative to a hair transplant.
Alternative 3: Hair Loss Medication
Hair Loss Medications can be a good alternative to a hair transplant if the hair loss is of a temporary nature.
If the hair is gone, in other words, if the hair loss is permanent, hair loss medication won’t work.
The two most famous hair loss medications available are Finasteride and Minoxidil.
Let’s see the pros and cons of hair loss medication as an alternative to hair surgery.
More on this topic in our Related Articles:
● Hair Transplant Without Finasteride
● Should I Consider a Hair Transplant for thinning hair?
Pros
The first advantage is the costs involved.
Hair loss medication is just a fraction of the cost of a hair transplant.
Hair loss Medication is less invasive compared to surgery.
Hair Transplants come with a recovery period that can be experienced as uncomfortable.
The effect of hair Loss Medication can be witnessed in a shorter period by patients.
Hair transplant surgery will take up to a year to achieve total hair growth.
What about the Cons?
Cons
The most significant disadvantage as an alternative to hair restoration is that it can only be an option if you still have hair.
So, if you are dealing with a hair loss situation where your hairs are lost permanently, hair loss medication can’t help you.
Hair Loss Medication is generally a medication to stabilize hair growth.
In most cases, it does not impact healthy hair growth, so it offers only a partial solution to the problem.
Another disadvantage of hair loss medication is the side effects.
The side effects of hair loss medication on male users can be heavy, making it an undesirable solution for some patients as an alternative to a hair transplant.
Alternative 4: Hair Growth Products
Hair growth products are another alternative to a hair transplant that can be considered.
With hair growth products, I am not referring to vitamin supplements, but topical sprays and serums.
There are two main product groups in this category.
The first group comprises hair growth serums, and the second comprises meso serums.
They have similar functions.
However, Meso serums are considered to be the most effective.
Pros
The first advantage of hair growth products over hair transplant procedures is their cost.
Hair growth products are much lower in cost compared to a hair transplantation.
Hair growth products are less invasive than hair transplant procedures and have no recovery period.
Another advantage of hair growth products is that if they work, you will see the impact of the products much faster than a hair transplant.
Most hair growth products will show results within 6-8 weeks.
Hair transplants, on the other hand, might take up to a year for the frontal zone and the crown, even up to 18 months, to see the end result.
One last advantage hair growth products have over hair transplants is that they will generally also improve the quality and health of the hair, which is not affected by hair loss.
And what about the Cons?
Let me share them.
Cons
Hair growth products require constant and consistent use to enjoy their effects.
You will see your hair quality worsen when you stop using the products.
This means that you must keep on using them to maintain your hair improvements.
The second disadvantage of hair growth products might be that you have to use them in a disciplined way.
This means you have to take them regularly, which can impact your daily routine and burden your life.
Hair growth products can be costly in the long run if used for many years.
This is especially true if you are using Professional Hair Growth Products.
Professional Hair Meso Serum sets can easily cost $400 or more for a set of products.
Hair growth products are not always effective.
They work for some people, whereas others don’t see the same effect of taking them.
The final disadvantage of hair growth products compared to hair restoration procedures is that they cannot save lost hair.
So, you can only opt for hair growth products if you still have hair.
This makes it only an option for certain individuals.
Hair growth products are not an alternative to hair transplants if you have advanced hair loss.
Alternative 5: PRP
PRP, which stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, is another alternative to hair restoration.
The substance is made from a person’s blood.
The blood plasma is rich in growth factors, which can help activate the body’s repair mechanisms.
PRP is also used to stimulate hair growth or fight hair loss.
Let’s discuss PRP’s pros and cons as an alternative to hair restoration.
Pros
PRP is much cheaper than hair restoration and affordable for many people.
Another advantage of PRP is that it is less invasive than hair restoration.
You can continue your daily activities after the treatment.
PRP will also improve the quality of your existing hairs, which are still in good condition.
Let me explain what this means.
Assume you have one zone suffering from hair loss or hair thinning and one zone not affected by hair loss.
The PRP will be beneficial for both zones.
What about the Cons?
Cons
The availability of PRP might be a challenge since, generally, only hair restoration clinics or dermatologists offer PRP treatments.
Another disadvantage is that it needs to be applied by a Medical Expert, so it’s not something you can do from the comfort of your home.
While most experts, including myself, believe PRP to be effective, the scientific effectiveness of PRP as a hair loss solution has yet to be proven in large clinical studies.
If you opt for it for many years, PRP can be expensive in the long run. One single PRP session can be anywhere from $250 to $450 for a single PRP session.
We consider six sessions the minimum number of sessions to see its effectiveness.
One final disadvantage of PRP is that it can be quite painful.
The PRP plasma needs to be injected into the scalp.
I can confirm from my own experience that those needles hurt.
There you have it.
I’ve shared five hair transplant alternatives for you to consider.
Let me end this blog with my final word.
Final Word
If you suffer from hair loss, it’s a wise move to consider all your options.
A hair transplant is undoubtedly the most effective solution to permanent hair loss.
Yet, if you have read the blog carefully, you should understand that various dynamics impact your alternatives.
To understand the best alternative in your case, you first need to understand your situation.
I can’t stress this enough.
Understanding your hair loss situation and hair loss stage is the starting point.
You need to do some research independently since the quality of knowledge by the specialist you are dealing with might be too specific.
This could result in not understanding your situation thoroughly and missing critical information.
While researching, stay calm and give yourself time to digest all the information you are gathering.
Taking a week or two to understand your case will not impact your chances of success with alternative solutions.
Good luck with your situation.
Hair Transplant Consultation
If you’ve concluded that a hair transplant is your best solution, you can contact us for a complimentary hair transplant consultation.
We will analyze your situation and share our vision of your hair transplant options.
As one of Turkey’s premium hair transplant clinics, we’ve helped thousands of patients regain their hair.
