Hair loss isn't just scary, it can hinder self-confidence. In most cases, there are several things that you can do about it. Yet, it is a natural process that everyone goes through as they age.  

One of the most popular methods is called hair plugs. Though hair plugs have lost their popularity over time, they still remain a viable option for many people. So if you're experiencing hair loss, you'll want to review all your options.

Hair plugs are an option for both men and women. You can find them in most metropolitan areas. They are not very invasive, they are relatively inexpensive.

‍

What Are Hair Plugs?

Hair plugs are a popular method of restoring the appearance of the head of hair that people have lost. These are often used to restore the appearance of the head of hair rather than to restore the fullness, but they are also sometimes used to restore fullness. Hair plugs are used on people with male pattern baldness, alopecia, or other type of baldness.

Hair plugs are made from human hair that is either collected or that is donated. They are then placed in strategic locations on the head to restore the appearance of the hairline. The rest of the hair is then styled to compliment the hair plugs, if necessary. Balding men typically use hair plugs to restore the appearance of the hairline, and they are primarily used to camouflage the appearance of male pattern baldness. The plugs will not restore the fullness of the hair. That is not something that can be done with hair plugs.

Hair plugs are not the same as hair transplants, which are far more invasive and expensive. The difference between hair plugs and hair transplants is that hair plugs are essentially a plug of human hair that is inserted into the scalp. On the other hand, hair transplants involve removing a strip of skin from the back of the head and replacing it with the hair from the plugs. So the results of a hair transplant are more extensive than those of hair plugs and tend to look more natural than hair plugs alone.

You should know that hair plugs are becoming less and less common due to their obvious appearance.

‍

Advantages of Hair Plugs

One of the biggest advantages of hair plugs is that they are relatively inexpensive. They can be quite affordable if you are looking to get a small number of them.  The cost of hair plugs varies widely depending on the number of hair plugs that you get, and the quality of the hair.

Another advantage of hair plugs is that they are not very invasive.  There is some discomfort involved in getting hair plugs, but it is not at all like the discomfort of getting a hair transplant. Getting hair plugs done is generally painless, and there is no recovery time involved, unlike after a hair transplant.

‍

Disadvantages of Hair Plugs

One of the biggest disadvantages of hair plugs is that they don't actually restore fullness. They can only restore the appearance of the hairline, so the appearance of the fullness of the hair is not improved. They are not a good option if your hair loss is severe.

The other disadvantage of hair plugs is that they can look very obvious. If you are trying to hide the appearance of male pattern baldness, then getting hair plugs may not do the trick.

Hair plugs are also only an option for people who are experiencing male pattern baldness, receding hairlines, or who are experiencing other types of baldness that are not severe. You cannot use hair plugs if you have a severe case of baldness.

‍

Hair Plugs vs. Hair Transplants

Hair plugs are often confused with hair transplants, but they are actually very different things. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that is similar to a skin graft. The surgeon removes hair from one part of the body, mostly the back of the head, and then transplants it to the part of the head where the hair is lacking. The problem is that the hair in the back of the head does not grow very fast, so the transplanted hair will not grow back quickly.

Hair plugs are not transplanted from one part of the body to another. They are made from human hair that is either collected or donated. In most cases, the hair that is used to create the hair plugs is collected from the back of the head or the side of the head. The plugs are then placed in strategic locations on the head to restore the appearance of the hairline. The rest of the hair is then styled to compliment the hair plugs, if necessary.

The good news is that hair plugs are less expensive than a hair transplant. Most people find that they can get the results they want from a hair plug, and they like the fact that they can get the results in a matter of hours rather than having to wait for a hair transplant. A hair transplant can take weeks or months to fully heal, and during that time, you will be lacking in the appearance of hair.

Hair plugs allow you to get the results you want quickly, but often don't look natural.

‍

Other Treatments for Hair Loss

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical medication that is used to stimulate hair growth in men and women. It works by stopping the hair follicles from shrinking, and some people have even reported that it makes their hair grow back. It is often used in combination with Finasteride, but some people have had success with it on its own. Minoxidil can be applied once or twice a day, so it is easy to use.

The hair follicles are prevented from shrinking by stopping them from producing Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is produced in the body when the hormone Testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Minoxidil stops this reaction, so it prevents the hair follicles from shrinking.

Finasteride

Finasteride is a medication that is used to treat male pattern baldness. It is a prescription drug that has been shown to be very effective at stopping hair loss in men. It works by stopping DHT from being produced. DHT is produced in the body when the hormone Testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Finasteride stops this reaction, so it prevents the hair follicles from shrinking. Finasteride comes in pill form, and it is taken once a day. When Finasteride is taken in conjunction with Minoxidil, it is more effective than Minoxidil alone.

Side Effects

Some people experience side effects when they use Minoxidil and/or Finasteride. The most common side effects of Minoxidil include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Itching

‍

How Can I Get Finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescription medication that is used to treat male pattern baldness. It is only available with a prescription from a doctor.

Phoenix Health knows that it can be anxiety-inducing to see a doctor about something as personal as hair loss. That's why Phoenix's telehealth platform is text-based, meaning you don't need to turn your camera on or even talk over the phone. Phoenix's doctors are licensed to prescribe Finasteride. If you are interested in learning more about how Finasteride works, and how you can get it, make an appointment today!