Synthetic Hairs and Their Role in Hair Restoration
Synthetic hair transplantation is a hair loss treatment procedure carried out by specialized health experts using an implantation device.
The issue of male pattern baldness and hair loss was an issue we had to live with in the past much like our height, and there was little we could salvage the situation. However, the introduction of various methods to serve as a substitute for original hair has seen adoption by many people who are battling hair loss and are concerned about their condition.
Common hair loss treatments people are adapting in the treatment of surgery include surgery, use of wigs, and synthetic hair transplant.
Synthetic hair transplant will be our focus for this post because of the recent fuzz about including the bad rep it is getting, especially by the mainstream medical community. We will discuss what synthetic hair is and its role in hair restoration.
Meaning of Synthetic Hair
Synthetic hair is a type of artificial hair that is made from cotton fibers, made in such a way as to disguise the original human hair.
Synthetic hairs are produced through chemical processes and are styled properly to have the same outlook as human hair. There are different types of materials used in the production of synthetic hairs. In most cases, the quality of the hair is tied to the type of fiber material used.
Synthetic technology has advanced so much in recent times that it has become very difficult to differentiate them from actual human hair. However, those who pay close attention can easily spot the difference between human hair and synthetic hair. The easiest way to spot the difference is through the color intensity.
Synthetic hairs also have a limited option for styling, especially when compared to natural human hair, which can be styled and personalized as the owner deems fit.
In some cases, it is more difficult to trace the difference because of advancements in the development of these products. Some synthetic hairs are curly and can as well be personalized, just like human hair. The only hack left to dispel this is when washing.
What Is Synthetic Hair Transplant?
Millions of people who suffer from hair loss have opted for hair transplanting through various methods, as we have discussed above. Synthetic hair transplant has seen wide public acceptance in the mainstream hair loss community, and we will discuss what it is below:
Synthetic hair transplant is a surgical procedure of treating hair loss by implanting artificial synthetic fibers using a hair implantation device. A synthetic hair transplant is most suitable for those battling with early stages of male pattern baldness or hair loss. However, it can also be performed for people with fewer donor sites.
The fibers implanted during the hair transplant process are more durable and stronger than a normal human hair.
It should be noted that synthetic hair implantation is different from hair transplants. It is a process of restoring hair loss by using a donor's hair.
How Synthetic Hair Transplant Is Carried Out
Synthetic hair transplant is a surgical procedure; therefore, it must be carried out by professionals only. Before the procedure, the professional tests the patient's scalp to check if he is allergic to the treatment. After that, a few synthetic samples are inserted into the scalp and left for some time. If, after the waiting period, there is no side effect, the experts will continue with the process.
After completing the surgery, patients are required to visit the professional frequently so that their scalp can be cleaned. Failure to visit can lead to the development of Sebum bugs and infections.
The synthetic hair fibers used for hair transplant are available in various colors and styles, and the patient should choose what best fits them.
Below is the summarized medical procedure for synthetic hair transplant:
- The specialist uses anesthesia – a medical procedure to help prevent patients from experiencing pains during surgery.
- The expert uses a synthetic hair transplant device to implant the fibers into your hair strands.
- Hair implantation continues until the desired hair density is attained.
- Cleaning of the scalp with a disinfectant.
How to Take Care of Your Hair After Treatment (Post-surgical)
After the implantation process has been successfully done, it is to take care of your hair. There are some essential treatment measures you must follow post-surgery. Generally, the expert will provide you with the guidelines you need to follow. In whatever case, here are some tips that may be helpful.
- Take antibiotics after the procedure to avoid irritation or infections.
- Using the shampoos and dyes recommended for your hair only.
- Use a soft brush to clean your scalp.
- There are some special hair creams meant for synthetic hair. Ask around and purchase them.
- Do not scratch your hair.
Advantages of Synthetic Hair Transplant
Synthetic hair transplants have received widespread usage despite criticism by the medical community. But why do people choose this method of hair transplantation? Here's why:
- Synthetic hair transplant is fast and painless: Compared to other hair loss treatment methods, synthetic hair transplant is very easy and painless because it is done using specialized devices.
- A synthetic hair transplant is the best treatment for those with a lesser donor area.
- When compared to other processes, synthetic hair transplant is affordable.
- Synthetic hair does not require any healing period after the process is carried out; therefore, patients can get back to their work immediately after the process is completed.
Disadvantages of Synthetic Hair Transplant
Synthetic hair transplant as a procedure for hair loss treatment has received several criticisms and condemnations by many people, especially the medical community. Here are the constraints that are responsible for that:
- Synthetic hair transplant can destroy the hair follicle when done carelessly and repeatedly.
- When the transplantation is carried out frequently, it may lead to lower blood circulation around the scalp.
- It may lead to headaches if not done properly.
- No freedom to scratch. Synthetic hair transplant takes away your freedom to scratch itching areas on your scalp because itching can dislodge hair fibers.
- You need to treat the hair carefully, especially after treatment, because slight tremors or stress can scatter the whole hair.
- Synthetic hairs require expensive and specialized shampoos.
- You will need to visit the treatment centre monthly for cleaning due to the potential of sebum plug clogging on your scalp. This is tiring and stressful.
- You will need to carry out the implantation process yearly because you will lose up to 40% of the hair within a year.
- There's a high risk of cancer. However, this is still an issue of medical debate.
How Many Hairs Can Be Implanted?
The density of hair implanted depends on the needs of the patient. However, more than 1500 hairs can be fixed within one hour using the implantation device.
Types of Synthetic Hair Transplantation
- Nido synthetic hair transplantation
Nido Synthetic Implantation is a special hair treatment operation initially introduced in 1975 in Japan. It is now a highly effective surgery that provides patients with immediate hair results.
Nido has received operations approval in several countries and is only offered through the process carried out in several treatment centers. Although synthetic hair implantation is not for everyone, NIDO clinical trials demonstrate that over 90% of individuals who have undergone this procedure get excellent outcomes.
- Bio fiber hair implant
A bio fiber implant is a non-surgical alternative to hair transplantation. A typical bio-fiber hair implantation treatment is planting synthetic fibers that appear like genuine hair strands. These artificial hair strands are placed on the person's scalp where they have been experiencing hair loss.
If you have the opportunity to have a real hair transplantation process, we strongly advise you to do so. There are no other solutions that can give you the natural effects you want on your head. For various reasons, folks who are not qualified for a true transplantation operation choose bio-fiber implants. The most prevalent cause for this is that the person's donor location lacks the necessary hair density for a successful hair transplant treatment.
Because synthetic hair strands are not supplied directly from the scalp, they may require extra care. Synthetic hair strands are formed of fiber and linked to the head without any living tissue.
Eligibility for Synthetic Hair Transplant
Despite the ease and affordability of synthetic hair transplants, some people are more eligible than others. Below are categories of people considered eligible for synthetic hair transplantation:
- People with a less donor area or those who are in their donor area.
- Those who want to treat the issue of hair loss immediately would not want to wait for traditional hair treatment methods, which may take months before results begin to show.
- Those with very low hair density or a completely bald scalp should go for this method.
- Synthetic hair transplant is suitable for you if you do not suffer from diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV, Asthma, etc.
- Your skin or scalp is not sensitive to irritation or infections.
- You did not have a history of hair transplant failure.
Can Synthetic Hair Be Styled?
While it is possible to style some synthetic hairs, generally, it is not ideal because synthetic hairs come in already made styles and colors. Instead of styling, it is advisable to purchase the color and style of your choice. It should also be noted that though synthetic hairs have advanced and have become very difficult to differentiate from normal human hair, they are still artificial and cannot grow after cutting.
How Much Does Synthetic Hair Transplant Cost
The cost of synthetic hair transplant varies according to region or country. Generally, it also depends on the person's expertise in carrying out the process, the after-service support, the type of synthetic fiber used, and other market forces. In most cases, synthetic hair transplants can cost between $500 - and $6000.
Also, another factor that affects the cost of carrying out synthetic hair surgery is the demand for the service. If there's a high demand for the service in your area, then expect a surge in cost.
Is Synthetic Hair Transplant Legal?
While synthetic hair transplant has gained wide acceptability and acceptance in many countries, in the United States, the Federal Drug Agency has declared all synthetic hair surgeries illegal. In arriving at its decision to declare the operation illegal, the FDA relied on well-documented cases of irritations, infections, and injuries suffered by patients due to synthetic hair transplant operations.
The FDA also stated that since synthetic hair transplant is not a public hair good, it is only unwise to approve its deployment in hair treatment since there are several options for treating hair loss that is not medically complicated.
Despite the ban on synthetic hair transplants, daily TVs and web pages are filled with advertisements on the efficacy of synthetic hair transplants. The marketers of these products have been unrelenting, and so are the consumers who have continued to patronize them.
While the FDA, which is an American body, might have banned synthetic hair transplants, there are many countries where regulators are silent on the activities of synthetic hair transplant merchants. The general consensus among the medical circle is that synthetic hair transplant is not a safe surgical procedure.
Conclusion
Finally, it is essential that a few medical examinations and scalp tests are carried out first to verify the success and plausibility of an artificial hair transplant. The hair surgeon should check the patient's medical history to make sure there are no serious illnesses that might cause the transplant to fail.
Additionally, a trial treatment guarantees that no allergic responses occur in most cases. Only if the examination has gone well will the therapy be continued. Synthetic hair implantation is not recommended for people who have scalp allergies, Cancer, sensitive or irritated skin, hepatitis, heart issues, HIV, high blood pressure, asthma, or uncontrolled diabetes.
Also, the scalp and immune system may attack synthetic hair strands. They may be perceived as a threat to your health, causing infections and inflammation in your scalp. This does not happen at a specific moment; it can occur at any time, so you need always be prepared.