Dense, strong hair contributes to a youthful appearance. When hair thins, and the process accelerates, it becomes more obvious as time goes on. At first it is not very noticeable, but near the end of the process the hair starts to look thin and weak. Eventually, even the scalp is visible.
Many people find this very upsetting. The result can be issues with self-confidence or with social withdrawal. Loss of hair density can, for some people, lead to a lower quality of life.
What is normal hair density?
Hair density is the number of hair follicle units located per square centimetre on the scalp. Each follicular unit is composed of up to five hair roots. On average, people with healthy, strong hair have 70 to 110 units on each square centimetre of the scalp.
Most people have between about 800 and 1300 hairs per square centimeter on the scalp. Usually, the density is greatest at the crown of the head, at the back and top of the scalp.
The density of hair is genetically determined and varies according to ethnicity. Black people usually have the lowest hair density, while white people usually have the most. People of Asian descent are typically somewhere in between.
White people have the greatest variation in natural hair colour. People with red hair have the lowest, while brunettes and black-haired people have a higher density. The greatest density is found in blondes, but they usually have a thinner hair structure.
What can reduce hair density?
It is normal for hair density to reduce with age. Fortunately, a mildly reduced hair density is usually not obvious, and it is only after severe thinning that the effects are visually apparent.
Poor diet or stress can reduce hair density. Usually, hair loss in these circumstances is reversible. If the stress is removed or the diet improved, then the hair will typically grow back with time.
The most common cause for dramatic hair density loss is genetic male and female pattern baldness. In men the loss of hair density is visible firstly at the temples and then progresses backwards up the scalp. In women the hair loss is more evenly spread over the scalp.
What treatments can work for increasing hair density?
The only permanent solution to decreasing hair density is a hair transplant procedure. Using hair grafts from a high density donor area (usually the back of the head), the surgeon will replace lost density.
There is no scientific proof that other methods such as hair products or vitamin supplements are effective. Some people may find them to be effective, but the science behind their working is not proven.
What is required for a good result with a hair transplant hair density?
To achieve a good result with a hair restoration surgery, it should be performed by an experienced hair surgeon. Innovative methods and high-quality instruments are instrumental in the success of own hair transplantation. Ideally, enough hair roots per centimetre squared are transplanted during a procedure to achieve a higher hair density.
However, it is not enough just to cover bald spots with hair transplant surgery. Places where the hair is already thinning are also suitable recipient areas for a hair transplant. A good surgeon will adjust the treatment to individual parts of the head, giving hair density that looks natural all over the scalp.
All follicles must be inserted according to the direction of hair growth and natural density. The best surgeons will also use hair grafts of just one hair at the front hair line. This gives the most natural-looking hairline. Multi-grafts of between two and five hairs are more appropriate for the top and back of the head.
Formerly, the most widespread method for repairing hair loss was the FUT method (Follicular Unit Transplant). However, today the most modern techniques for maximising hair density are FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation).
Dr. Levent Acar – specialist in hair restoration and reversing thinning hair
Dr. Levent Acar performs hair transplants with the latest Sapphire DHI method at Cosmedica Clinic. This method combines all the advantages for hair transplant density of the FUE Sapphire and DHI techniques.
Using Sapphire DHI, the survival rate of the hair roots is over 90%, as they are only separated from the body’s blood supply for a short time. This is good for subsequent hair density.
The wound healing process is faster. Microscars are covered by regrowing hair. After twelve months at the latest, the healing process is finished and strong hair grows. The new, dense hair is no longer affected by hereditary hair loss.
To find a permanent remedy for genetic hair density loss, a consultation with Dr. Acar at Istanbul’s leading clinic is a huge step in the right direction.
