A hair-raising trend, thanks to celebs!The commonest cause of baldness is genetic. Hair transplantation is a surgical technique that involves moving s

The commonest cause of baldness is genetic. Hair transplantation is a surgical technique that involves moving skin containing hair follicles from one part of the body (the donor site) to the bald or balding parts (the recipient site).

However, contrary to common perception, the treatment is not just limited to the scalp but is also used to restore the eyebrow, beard and moustache.

The clinical process is usually a one-day affair performed under local anesthesia, and is a permanent solution to balding. After the surgery, it takes about a month's time for the hair to regrow.

The transplantation techniques have advanced so as to ensure no pain or scars and that is also one reason why people are lapping it up. While we thought women were more conscious about their looks, experts say men approach them more often for hair transplants.

"Women come to us for other hair treatments, but for transplantation their numbers are very less," a doctor from The Richfeel Trichology Centre here said on condition of anonymity.

Viral Desai, a renowned cosmetic surgeon with the DHI global group, said: "The surgery has been simplified even more as it leaves no cuts, no stitches, no scars, no pain with the DHI (Direct Hair Implant) method.

"The demand for this treatment has increased immensely. We treat almost 30 cases in a month, of which only two-three are women."

Hair transplantation costs anything between Rs.40,000 and Rs.100,000, depending on the number of follicles to be transplanted, said Desai. "The DHI method is expensive and may vary between Rs.200,000 and Rs.500,000 because it has no stitches and guarantees no pain," he added.

Rahul Sharma, an executive at a multinational company, opted for hair transplantation after failing to regain his tresses with home remedies.

"My hairline had reduced almost 60-70 per cent. I tried many remedies and several products claiming to help the hair grow again but nothing worked. Finally, I was suggested to undergo hair transplant. I spent around Rs.60,000 for the treatment. Though I was reluctant initially, now I am really happy that I have got hair back on my head," said Sharma.

For best results, one must adhere to certain precautions like staying away from chemicals, gymming and excessive exposure to sunrays.