Deciding how to approach hair restoration is an important part of transitioning from male to female. Transgender or non-binary transfeminine patients may wish to reverse hair loss due to male pattern baldness or other hormonal changes. In cases where the hairline has receded, a patient may pursue hairline feminization to create a more rounded, feminine appearance. In the process of a male-to-female transition, hair restoration is crucial to achieving this effect. For this reason, we offer a comparison of suitable techniques for transgender hair restoration.
Hairline Feminization
While men’s hairlines tend to be higher, some women also have high foreheads. The two main differences between higher hairlines in men and women are that a female’s eyes tend to be closer to their hairline, and the female hairline is curved. The rounded shape is traditionally more feminine, and the symmetrical distance between the eyebrows and hairline can play a significant role in the feminization of the face.
The differences in male and female hairlines are usually subtle but can become more noticeable with age. The hairlines of males may recede dramatically, especially at the temples. This hair loss leads to a wavy “m” pattern, making it more prominent and distressing for transgender women who were assigned male at birth. Fortunately, a plastic surgeon can help reverse this sign of male pattern baldness.
A hairline advancement (or hairline lowering) procedure may be the solution for individuals wanting a softer look. Additional procedures like a transgender brow lift or a brow bone reduction may aid in achieving this goal. When recommended by a plastic surgeon, these procedures may be paired with a hair transplant to accomplish a suitable hairline and a more feminine appearance.
Hair Restoration Methods
While surgical and non-surgical hair restoration exists, only surgical methods can effectively create a new hairline. The method an individual chooses will depend on what outcome they want to see, the current condition of their hair and scalp, and the surgeon’s recommendation to achieve the best results.
- Surgical: A hair transplant is a way to promote hair growth and restoration. Surgeons perform surgical hair transplants using the following methods: FUSS (follicular unit strip surgery) and FUE (follicular unit extraction). With FUSS, the surgeon takes a section–or strip–of the skin from the donor site, then divides the strip and hair follicles into grafts. The surgeon will remove individual hair follicles when using FUE. The next step in both methods is for the surgeon to clean the scalp and place the newly extracted hair follicles into the thinning areas. It may take several months, but the patient should soon start to see the beginnings of growth.
- Non-Surgical: Hair restoration injections like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment may be an option for some individuals. For instance, perhaps a transgender woman has experienced a degree of hair loss; however, she has no need or desire to move her hairline. If the only change she wants is fuller, more voluminous hair, non-surgical hair restoration may be a viable option.
Some doctors may also recommend pairing PRP with a hair transplant. The high concentration of platelets in the plasma can support healthy growth and encourage a more luscious head of hair.
What Hair Restoration Technique Is Right For Me?
Transgender hair restoration does not require hormone replacement therapy (HRT). If a patient chooses to undergo HRT, they should wait at least a year before they begin hair restoration. It’s best to wait this long to allow the hormones to slow or halt any hair loss that may still occur. Once this is effective, it will ensure the hair restoration process has more opportunity to provide the desired results.
Transgender Hair Restoration Techniques
A consultation with a skilled, experienced, and thoughtful surgeon can help transgender patients decide what hair restoration technique may be right for them. Dr. Javad Sajan will walk you through the steps to achieve all your desired changes and advise you on the best choices for your situation. Feminization Surgeries offers extensive care to all patients. We respect your gender identity and strive to make you feel comfortable. Choosing us means you’ll be in the excellent care of our staff as you start this new journey.
