As with all races, African-Americans have a number of options when it comes to treating hair loss. Methods for combating hair loss in African-Americans range from topical medications such as Rogaine, pills such as Propecia, and hair transplants. While Rogaine and Propecia have both been clinically proven to help some men with combating hair loss, they both need to be taken for the rest of the person’s life in order to remain effective.In addition, the long term effects of these medications is questionable.
Special Considerations When Combating Hair Loss in African-Americans
Although a hair transplant can be a very effective method for combating hair loss in African-Americans, there are several special factors that need to be taken under consideration because certain skin conditions can lead to less-than-desirable results when a hair transplant is performed. One skin problem that is more common in African-Americans and can lead to hair loss is the formation of keloids.Keloids are scars that are irregularly shaped, elevated, and grow uncontrollably.Before undergoing a hair transplant, it is important to discuss this issue with the physician in order to avoid the development of this scarring in the area where the hair follicles are transplanted.It may be necessary to perform a small test procedure in order to make sure the area will heal properly.
African-Americans are also more prone to experience a loss or increase in skin color after undergoing surgery or experiencing an injury.As such, it is important for the physician to perform a thorough investigation into the patient’s family and medial history in order to determine the level of risk for skin discoloration.Often, the discoloration is temporary or can be covered with the help of cosmetics. Before deciding to undergo a hair transplant in response to hair loss, it is important to consider the pros, cons, and risks of discoloration in order to determine if it is the best decision to make.
Ingrown hairs are also more common in African-Americans.When undergoing a transplant in order to combat hair loss in African-Americans, it is possible to develop ingrown hairs.Again, performing a small test procedure can help the physician better evaluate the risk of undergoing this hair loss treatment procedure.
The Hair Advantage When Combating Hair Loss in African-Americans Through Transplants
Despite all of the possible risks associated with the skin, African-Americans have one major benefit when it comes to using transplants to treat hair loss – their hair.African-Americans tend to have curly hair, which makes it appear to be quite dense.As such, transplanting hair follicles to areas that are thinning will have a greater impact on the overall look of the hair.It is, however, necessary to harvest the donor hair in a slightly different way because the follicles tend to have a slight curvature when compared to the scalp.