My 16 Year Old Daughter Has Hair Loss - Is She Too Young For a Hair Transplant?

My daughter is currently 16 years old.  She started experiencing hair loss when she hit puberty (approximately 11 years old) as well as fairly serious acne.  She has had numerous blood tests to check for various hormonal issues, but to date, no definitive diagnosis — everything appears within normal range.  Oral contraceptives have greatly improved the acne but have not helped at all with the hair loss.  Her hair loss has now stabilized (does not appear to be getting any thinner); however her hair is very thin on top (you can clearly see through to her scalp and there is no way to do a “comb over” — just not enough hair).  The hair on sides and back is fine (normally thick).

My question is:  Is she old enough to consider a hair transplant?  I’ve read that it is generally preferred to be 25 years or older (???), however I am concerned that female hair loss is a serious social burden that will be especially difficult through the remainder of her high school and college career.  I’d really like to be able to help her now.
Thanks,
Janet
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Dear Janet:

Thank you for your letter. Hair loss can be difficult to deal with at any age but it can be particularly hard for a young woman. Before addressing the possibility of surgery there are some other issues that should be mentioned. Read more

Xandrox - Has a Higher Dosage of Minoxidil Proven To Be More Effective?

I have a couple questions about minoxidil.  I know the common potencies are 2% and 5%.  Why not go higher?  I found a website called minoxidil.com that offers something called Xandrox with 15% minoxidil.  Is this legitimate or just a scam?  Has anything over 5% proven to make no more of a difference?  The website is run by a Doctor Richard Lee, have you ever heard of him? - John
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Dear John,

Thank you for taking the time to write.  I have not heard of Dr. Richard Lee, but it is easy to check a physician’s credentials if you know in what state they are licensed.  As for the minoxidil, all the science shows us is the efficacy for the 2% and the 5% formulations.  Going higher usually increases the risk of side effects, and it might not be more effective.  Remember that minoxidil was originally a medication for blood pressure that was taken orally (at much higher doses, incidentally).  Pfizer decided to investigate it as a hair loss drug when patients began reporting the strange side effect of unwanted hair growth!  So these drugs are not without effects on other body systems. Read more

Female Hair Transplant Shock Loss - Will My Hair Grow Back?

I have been suffering from AGA-female pattern baldness  since I was 17. The hair at the back of my head was comparatively  thicker compared to that on the crown. I’m 26 now and 3 months into my hair transplant (1697 grafts). I’m already regretting it since I have undergone severe shock loss these 3 months. After reading your article on shock loss I’m really concerned as to what should I expect since my shock loss is still continuing. Also, I’m wondering, will the hair on the donor site grow back?- Susan
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Susan:

Thank you for your questions.

First of all do not be alarmed or overly concerned with the “transplant induced shedding”, (also known as shock loss) of your natural non-transplanted hair that has occurred with your procedure.  Although this is not a common problem, it can and does occur when transplanting into hair bearing scalp.  If the transplant patient has “bald” scalp to begin with, there is no hair to “shock out” with the transplant procedure.

The “shocked” hair will start to reestablish itself and grow along with the hairs from the transplanted follicles.  This process typically BEGINS about two months post transplant.  So at three months post transplant, you are STARTING to grow the hairs from both the transplanted as well as your native non-transplanted follicles. Read more

Female Hair Transplant & Hair Loss Treatment - Lowering and Correcting a Wavy Hairline

I have always had a wavy hairline which goes far up onto my scalp. Recently, I have begun losing far more hair than considered normal. I am wondering whether there are any treatments available to possibly lower, and straighten my hairline and stop the hair loss as well.
Thank you,
Sherry
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Hi Sherry,

Thanks for your question. There is an enormous amount of variety in both male and female hairlines. You said that your hairline goes far up onto your scalp. I am assuming that what you are talking about is a receding hairline. You also said that your hairline is wavy & I assume that you mean that it is irregular-looking. You also said that recently you have begun to lose “far more hair than is considered normal.”
Hair loss can be very upsetting & sometimes devastating for the hair-loss sufferer. The first priority is to find out why you are losing hair. In females there can be many reasons for hair loss, such as genetic female-pattern hair loss, hormonal disorders, skin disorders and iron deficiency, so it is essential to visit a physician who is knowledgeable about the causes and treatment of hair loss. Read more

Do I Have To Stop Coloring My Hair Before Or After a Hair Transplant?

I am wanting to start coloring my hair.  If I color my hair, can I still get a hair transplant?  Do I have to stop coloring my hair before or after the hair transplant? - Todd
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Todd,

It is okay to color your hair.  It will not affect your ability to receive a hair transplant. I advise my patients that they are able to color their hair up to the day before their surgery.  The bigger concern is after surgery.  Because the scalp is more sensitive immediately after the procedure and during the healing process, I advise my patients to wait at least 4 weeks after their procedure before they color their hair. Read more