Growth of US Hair Transplant Market Shows Increasing Demand for Hair Loss Solutions
Published 6th of August, 2022
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Despite a downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US hair transplant market is expected to grow by about 6% from 2020-2027 in the US. This demand is set to be driven mostly by men, who account for a majority of the cases of hair loss in the US.
The predicted growth of the hair transplant industry is driven by the rise of new technologies and automation in the hair transplant process. The two most common methods for hair transplants are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). FUE involves moving individual hair follicles to other parts of the body and FUT involves slicing out a strip of the patient’s scalp and slicing them into smaller pieces for implantation. Of the two, FUE has increased in popularity over the years as it is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. The implementation of new technology such as robotic systems has led to more effective FUE hair transplants.
The increase in hair transplants is part of an overall increase in the number of men undergoing cosmetic surgery. According to figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 1.3 million plastic surgery procedures were performed on men in 2018, an increase of 29% since 2000.
However, like all surgeries, hair transplant procedures come with risks. Due to the increasing popularity of the procedure, there are many clinics promising cheap procedures. However, due to a relative lack of regulations on who can perform such surgeries, many patients end up suffering negative side effects from the procedures, such as scarring and uneven hair growth. Because of the prevalence of robots and machines in the transplant process, some doctors delegate the operation of hair transplant machines to unlicensed technicians or nurses. This has resulted in doctors facing malpractice suits.
Due to the invasiveness, cost, and risks of a hair transplant surgery, many are opting for other methods to combat hair thinning or hair loss. The hair loss treatment industry is worth $3.3 billion, and is set to grow by 3.8% this year. There are several ways to treat male hair loss without resorting to surgery.
One popular method is hair loss shampoo for men. These shampoos are easy to use and accessible to consumers. Hair loss shampoos can address hair loss by increasing blood flow to the scalp, working as anti-inflammatories, and blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from damaging hair follicles. These shampoos often contain ingredients like ketoconazole and pyrithione zinc to prevent hair loss and help hair growth. Research has also shown that caffeine based shampoos can prevent hair from thinning. As an alternative to shampoos, prescription medicines such as Finasteride, which comes in tablet form, and Minoxidil, which can be used as a spray, foam, or liquid solution can be used.
Despite hair transplant surgery becoming more widespread, the risks associated with an invasive procedure cannot be dismissed lightly, and alternative methods like shampoos and medication may be a safer way to address the issue of male hair loss.