Hair replacement is a general term used to describe various surgical and nonsurgical methods of reversing the effects of hair loss. Depending on your individual needs or desires, you may use hair replacement options that include hair transplants, hair extensions, hair weaves and the use of hairpieces made of synthetic or human hair.
Weaves and Extensions
You may choose to replace lost hair with external devices that are added to your existing hair or scalp, according to the American Hair Loss Council. Options here include hair weaves, wefts or extensions that contain human hair, synthetic hair or a combination of both hair types. Methods used to attach these devices to your scalp or hair include the use of micro links, bonding, beading and fusion. Since these products rely on your natural hair, you will need to have them reapplied or altered as your hair grows over time.
Hairpieces
You may choose to replace your hair with hairpiece options such as toupees and strand-by-strand insertions, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Typically, these devices consist of human or synthetic hair attached to bases made of polyurethane or silicone polymers or mesh fabrics. Most top-quality hairpieces contain human hair that is specifically matched to the color, texture, thickness and curl of your own natural hair. Lower-quality hairpieces may contain dyed human hair, artificial fibers or animal hair. Your hairpiece may be attached to your head with methods that include clip attachments, two-sided tape and liquid adhesive that bonds your hairpiece and scalp.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplantation is a main option for surgical hair replacement, the American Hair Loss Council reports. Most hair transplants involve grafting, a technique that uses small patches of hair-containing scalp from the back and sides of your head to make insertions or grafts into bald scalp areas. Depending on the particular procedure you receive, these grafts may contain between 1 and 18 hairs which are inserted in small slits, larger holes or still larger squares. In some cases, your doctor may also transplant much larger sections of your scalp called flaps.
Scalp Reduction
If you have extensive baldness, you may choose a surgical treatment option called scalp reduction, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. During a scalp reduction, your doctor will remove bald sections of your scalp, then draw and suture your remaining skin together to decrease your degree of baldness. In some cases, reduction may completely eliminate baldness. In other cases, your doctor may precede a scalp reduction with procedures that gradually stretch the hair-bearing portions of your scalp and increase their surface area. You may also receive a scalp reduction in combination with a hair transplant.
Considerations
In some circumstances, the quality or amount of your existing hair can make hair transplantation an unrealistic option, the American Hair Loss Council notes. If this is true for you, you may be able to combine partial transplantation with hairpieces or hair weaves. Consult your doctor to learn more about your combined treatment options.
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