Hair Shaft Thickness and Hair Transplants
For individuals with thinning hair, surgical hair loss treatment at our Chicago, IL practice could be a long-term solution. At Chicago Hair Institute, our doctors can design a personalized treatment plan based on the unique needs of the individual.
The results of hair restoration will depend on a number of factors, including hair shaft thickness, the flexibility of the scalp, and hair color. Here, our team will discuss hair shaft thickness and hair transplants and explore other elements that can help patients achieve the results they desire.
Hair Strand Anatomy: A Brief Overview
Every single hair strand consists of a root and a shaft. When new growth occurs in the root, the cells inside the follicle split. As a result, the older cells are pushed upwards, where they eventually die. The portion of the hair that we see is actually the result of this complex process.
Each hair strand is comprised of three parts:
- Cuticle: Made of transparent cells that overlap, the cuticle is the outermost surface of the hair. This element is what gives hair its pliability and shine.
- Cortex: Underneath the cuticle is the cortex. This middle layer is made from protein fibers. If the cuticle is damaged, the cortex is much more vulnerable to breakage.
- Medulla: The supporting construct of the hair strand, the medulla, is somewhat mysterious, as very little information is known about it. However, even strands of hair that lack this innermost layer can still be strong and intact.
Hair Shaft Thickness and Hair Transplants: Can it Affect Your Results?
In simple terms, hair shaft thickness can have a direct impact on the results of your treatment. Why is this? Imagine light passing through thinning or sparse hair. In these cases, the appearance of baldness is intensified. As a result, those with thicker hair shafts will yield more impressive outcomes.
Another factor to consider is the hair texture. For example, hair with more curl or wave will give the illusion of more significant coverage.
Exploring Other Considerations
In addition to hair shaft thickness, there are other factors to think about when undergoing surgical hair loss treatment, as well, such as hair color. Those with less contrast between skin color and hair color generally achieve more optimal results. Therefore, an individual with light hair will yield more superior results if they are fair-skinned as well. The same is true for a patient with dark hair; they will achieve more desirable results if their skin is darker.
In addition, a loose scalp is beneficial when undergoing hair restoration. This is because the doctor will be able to insert new hair follicles with greater ease. If your scalp is tighter than average, surgical hair loss treatment might not be the solution for you.
Learn More about the Chicago Hair Institute
Thinning hair can result in self-consciousness. Give yourself a full head of hair and a boost in confidence with surgical hair loss treatment. Our team is standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding potential treatment. To schedule a visit at our practice, call us at (630) 932-9690 or contact us online anytime.