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Hair Transplant for Women: Procedure, Cost & Eligibility

Hair transplant for women is an aesthetic surgery to manage hair loss permanently, especially at the hairline, temples, and mid-scalp. The main purpose is to give a fuller head of hair while protecting feminine features. The procedure gives promising results as long as enough donor hair is collected.

According to the ISHRS 2020 report on hair restoration, the number of women who are looking for surgical solutions for hair loss is increasing every year.

Female hair transplant

Women’s hair transplant requires a complete understanding of hair loss patterns of women, experience in no/partial shaving methods, and an artistic keen eye on natural feminine hairline design.

Here, we will talk about:

  • FEMALE HAIR TRANSPLANT PROCEDURE
  • WHY MOST WOMEN CAN NOT GET HAIR TRANSPLANT
  • THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN HAIR TRANSPLANT
  • THE COST OF WOMEN’S HAIR TRANSPLANT
  • ELIGIBILITY FACTORS FOR WOMEN HAIR TRANSPLANT
  • BENEFITS AND DOWNSIDES OF FEMALE HAIR TRANSPLANT
  • FEMALE HAIR TRANSPLANT IN TURKEY

Facts About Hair Transplant for Women

Female hair transplant is the ultimate choice for women, an alternative to medical solutions. Here, we have some important facts about female hair transplant procedure:

  • 30% OF WOMEN EXPERIENCE HAIR LOSS AFTER 30S REQUIRING HAIR TRANSPLANT
  • WOMEN WITH ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA BENEFIT THE MOST FROM HAIR TRANSPLANT
  • WOMEN’S HAIR LOSS PATTERN DOES NOT ALWAYS FOLLOW A STEADY PATTERN
  • AFTER MENOPAUSE YOU CAN GET A HAIR TRANSPLANT
  • 1.1 BILLION DOLLARS OF MONEY FLOW IS EXPECTED ON FEMALE HAIR TRANSPLANT IN 2023
  • PARTIAL SHAVING IS NECESSARY ON THE BACK OF THE HEAD
  • LEAVES MINIMAL SCARRING SEEN DURING RECOVERY
  • PERFORMED UNDER ANESTHESIA AND TAKES 2-6 HOURS

Why Is Female Hair Transplant Different From Male?

The most planted areas for men and women are different. The temples and hairlines are the most corrected areas in women, while men’s scalp requires a more extensive correction. However, there is more to say:

  • HAIRLINE DESIGNS ARE DIFFERENT
  • TOTAL SHAVING IS NOT DONE FOR WOMEN
  • THE NATURAL HAIR DIRECTION GOES FORWARD IN MEN, AND BACKWARD IN WOMEN
  • THE DONOR AREA IS HARDER TO DEFINE FOR WOMEN
  • TRANSPLANTED FOLLICLES ARE STRONGER FOR MEN
  • WOMEN REQUIRE LESS AMOUNT OF GRAFTS

How to Know Hair Loss Scale for Female Hair Transplant?

Women experience hair loss beginning with crown thinning and then slowly widening through the edges, usually followed by receding hairline according to Ludwig’s classification of female hair loss pattern.

For the first time documented by Erich Ludwig, the female pattern of hair loss was later developed by many like the Savin scale.

Female pattern Ludwig hair loss scale

Female hair loss patterns can be defined with the help of the Ludwig scale. Defining hair loss patterns is important before performing a hair transplant surgery for women, to find a safe donor area where hair will be harvested from.

Is Female Hair Transplant Permanent?

Yes, once it’s done the results are permanent because the transplanted hair grafts are not subjected to genetic hair loss.

Around 1 month after a female hair transplant it is expected to see a shock loss which is completely normal. You will start growing hair in the planted areas around the 3-month mark and final results can be seen within a year.

Is Hair Transplant for Women Safe?

Yes, hair transplant surgeries have been performed for both genders over 3 decades. Although there are some side effects, they are minimal and easily manageable with the proper instructions.

Is Hair Transplant Painful for Women?

No, during the procedure they numb and you feel nothing. Besides extra comfort, you also have a sedation option, which relaxes you more. This is called the soft FUE procedure.

After the surgery, you might have mild pain and may still feel numb around the surgery sites. It doesn’t take longer than a few days. Your doctor may give you painkillers to ease the pain.

Is Hair Transplant Possible For Curly Hair

Yes, a hair transplant can be performed for curly-haired women. Curly hair transplant procedure follows the same traits with some extra care on the extraction and implantation of uniquely shaped curly hair follicles.

Is There Any Difference For African American Women’s Hair Transplant?

Other than the challenge of curly hair, which is a common characteristic of African American women’s hair type, there is nothing different. Curly hair transplant procedures follow some unique traits to avoid damaging the hair follicles.

How Is The Female Hair Transplant Procedure Done?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. First, the donor area on the back of the head is shaved. After that, the female hair transplant procedure begins with harvesting the hair follicles from the shaved donor site. When collected enough grafts, they are then implanted in the thinning or balding areas.

In the receiving area, there is no shaving. You will be able to keep your hair long. 

Every follicle is inserted following the natural direction of the hair and will blend seamlessly.

women hair transplant before and after, female hair transplant results

Which Methods Are Used for Female Hair Transplant?

The most used method for women is FUE combined with DHI.

Thanks to FUE, the follicles are collected with partial shaving from the donor site.

And thanks to DHI‘s latest techniques, it allows shave-free surgery.

How Many Hair Grafts Do Women Need?

Usually, between 1,500 to 3,000 grafts are needed for female hair transplants. This will make enough coverage for the sparse-looking areas and increase the density, but in some cases, more than 3,000 grafts may be needed in larger surgeries.

Especially around the age of 50, genetic female hair loss starts to present and affects your hair the most.

What Is The Most Hair-Transplanted Area For Women?

The hairline is a commonly done area for women. This area can get thinner due to stress, and genetic reasons.

Designing the female hairline is a great matter. It might even be called the signature of the doctor

Female Hairline Lowering Hair Transplant: Is It Possible?

Of course, it is possible. Often a women’s hair transplant is used to lower a high hairline. This new line of hair will be lower, look natural, and stay there for the rest of your life. However, you can only go as low. You can’t implant hair where your facial muscles are.

Pros and Cons of Female Hair Transplant

Pros of female hair transplant surgery:

  • LEAVES NO VISIBLE SCARRING
  • GIVES NATURAL-LOOKING RESULTS
  • 99% SUCCESS RATES WITH AN EXPERIENCED DOCTOR
  • MAKES YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE IN YOUR LIFE
  • FULL SHAVING IS NOT NEEDED

Cons of female hair transplant surgery:

  • DOES NOT WORK FOR DIFFUSED ALOPECIA[5]
  • NOT AVAILABLE WHEN IN COMPLETE BALDNESS
  • POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
  • A FEW DOCTORS ARE QUALIFIED
  • THE PROCEDURE IS AVAILABLE FOR FEW

Undergoing a female hair transplant can be your best option to have natural-looking results and to feel much more comfortable in your life with a well-defined feminine hairline.

When you have ongoing diseases and have so much diffused hair, the procedure is not the best option. It has over 90% success rates, but this number represents the people who got their surgeries done in well-known clinics. So, what happens to that 10%?

Let us explain!

Challenges in Women's Hair Transplants

Why has my female hair transplant gone wrong? One of the main reasons is inexperienced doctors

Here are some other reasons why women have less than desirable results:

  • A SURGEON’S INEXPERIENCE IN THE PROCEDURES OF FUE AND DHI
  • EMPLOYING THE SAME HAIRLINE DESIGN AS USED IN MEN
  • HARVESTING OR PLANTING MORE THAN NEEDED
  • INSUFFICIENT DONOR AREA EVALUATION
  • POOR-QUALITY PLANTED GRAFTS
  • INFECTION OR COMPLICATION
  • FAULTY POST-OP CARE

Who Is Eligible for a Female Hair Transplant?

The ideal candidates for hair transplantation are women with considerable hair loss or thinning on the scalp temples and around the hairline, who also have enough donor hair

When you are experiencing hair loss, it does not have to be a permanent one, and you might need to consult your dermatologist or doctor before considering a hair transplant. Our advice is that, first, make sure you need it.

You can get a hair transplantation as a woman:

  • WITH A STABLE OR SLOW HAIR LOSS PATTERN
  • AFTER A SCALP INJURY: PHYSICALLY OR CHEMICALLY
  • AFTER EXPERIENCING POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME HAIR LOSS
  • AFTER EXPERIENCING FRONTAL FIBROSING ALOPECIA
  • AFTER PLASTIC SURGERY, OVER THE INCISION SITES
  • AFTER COMPLETING RADIOTHERAPY OR CHEMOTHERAPY
  • AFTER YOUR PREGNANCY

You may not be an eligible candidate when:

  • YOU ARE USING YOUR MEDICATIONS CAUSING HAIR LOSS
  • YOU ARE BEING TREATED FOR TRICHOTILLOMANIA
  • YOU ARE EXPERIENCING LICHEN PLANOPILARIS
  • YOU DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH DONOR’S HAIR
  • YOU HAVE COMPLETE BALDNESS (ALOPECIA TOTALIS)

Can Women Get a Hair Transplant After Menopause?

Yes, a hair transplant is possible after your body’s estrogen and progesterone production decreases, in other words, menopause. After these hormonal changes, your hair might lose its volume a bit. 

With additional hormone therapies and a hair transplant, you can regain the lost volume of your hair.

Why Most Women Cannot Get It?

Considering eligibility factors, women are 5 times less likely to get hair transplants compared to men.

Because the donor area is hard to define for women. Women’s hair loss patterns are not well-patterned all the time. The thinning area is usually diffused, not localized. 

Hair follicles, to be transplanted, should be from a hair loss-resistant area, the donor site. Otherwise, hair transplant fails. To reduce the failure rates a thorough examination is always made. 

Cost of Female Hair Transplant

The average cost of a hair transplant for women is around 3,000$ to 20,000$. Amazing results usually depend on the location, the follicles needed to transplant, and the experience of your surgeon. For the best results, make sure you choose one of the newest techniques, DHI or FUE.

How Is the Female Transplant Post-Operation?

Even if the implanted area is not shaven you may have some concerns about the aesthetics of post-op. 

The donor and recipient areas might look unnatural in the first weeks. Do not worry though, patience will pay well. 

During this time we have some tips on hair care to be taken after a hair transplant for women:

  • YOUR SCALP MIGHT BE ITCHY, USE THE LOTION
  • DON’T WEAR LATEX SWIM CAPS AND TIGHT BONNETS
  • COVER YOUR HAIR AS INSTRUCTED BY OUR TEAM
  • AVOID CROWDED SITUATION IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE
  • DON’T GET SCARED ABOUT UNEVEN GROWTH, IT WILL PASS
  • YOU CAN DYE YOUR HAIR AFTER A FEW MONTHS
  • DO NOT SCRATCH THE TRANSPLANT AREA
  • NO CHEMICALS IN THE FIRST MONTHS
  • NO HAIR STYLING PRODUCTS AT FIRST

How To Hide Female Hair Transplant Results

Wearing a loose hat or headband may help you hide the recipient sites after around 10 days. Besides, during the surgery, they need to shave the back of your head. It might not look so good but do not worry. You can easily cover the shaved part with your existing hair. They do not shave them all.

Hairstyles To Avoid After a Female Hair Transplant

While it is best to use loose hairstyles, wait till your hair follicles recover and stay away from:

  • SLEEK BUNS AND PONYTAILS
  • DREADLOCKS
  • BRAIDS
  • TIGHT AFROS
  • HAIR EXTENSIONS (ON SURGERY SITE)
  • CURLING/STRAIGHTENING WITH HEAT

Women's Hair Transplant In Turkey: Benefits And Options

People choose to have female hair transplants in Turkey to cover their thinning or balding areas for a better hairline and to have a look of a fuller head of hair with budget-friendly and top-notch quality offers.

The value of women: Turkey is a pioneer country in validating women’s rights for the first time thanks to Ataturk.

Experienced doctors: Turkey has many qualified doctors like Serkan Aygin performing hair transplantation for women.

Easy-to-pay package deals: Packages make the process go smoother and provide payment convenience. 

Health tourism rival: Health tourism, challenges clinics to offer the best service to have the best advertisements, the patients themselves.

Strict regulations: In Turkey, there are many laws protecting your rights to learn what the clinic offers and performs.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation for your female hair transplant surgery in Turkey, and remember every woman is beautiful.

[1] International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery: 2020 Practice Census Results

[2] Lam, S. M. (2020). Hair Loss and Hair Restoration in Women. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 28(2), 205–223. doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2020.01.007

[3] https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/hair-transplant-market

[4] Unger RH. Female hair restoration. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2013;21(3):407-417. doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2013.05.011

[5] Fabbrocini G, Cantelli M, Masarà A, Annunziata MC, Marasca C, Cacciapuoti S. Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2018;4(4):203-211. Published 2018 Jun 19. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.05.001

[6] Ülker Erkan, A. (2011). THE FORMATION OF FEMINIST IDENTITY: FEMINISM IN THE 1930’S TURKEY AND BRITAIN . Kastamonu Eğitim Dergisi , 19 (3) , 1013-1028 . Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/kefdergi/issue/49049/625746

[7] Ludwig E. Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) occurring in the female sex. Br J Dermatol. 1977;97(3):247-254. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1977.tb15179.x

[8] Savin RC. Kalamazoo, MI: The Upjohn Company; 1994. Evaluating androgenetic alopecia in male and female patients.

[9] Scribel M, Dutra H, Trüeb RM. Autologous Hair Transplantation in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. Int J Trichology. 2018 Jul-Aug;10(4):169-171. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_37_18. PMID: 30386076; PMCID: PMC6192237.