Young Adults and Women Seeking Hair Restoration Solutions on the Rise

Growing Interest in Hair Restoration Among Younger Adults and Women

Overview

A recent survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) has revealed a significant trend in the realm of hair restoration. Findings indicate that younger adults, particularly those aged between 20 and 35, are increasingly seeking hair restoration procedures. The data from 2024 shows that 95% of patients undergoing hair restoration surgery fall within this age bracket. Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in the proportion of women pursuing these procedures, with a 16.5% rise in female patients since 2021.

Surge in Patient Numbers

According to ISHRS member reports, there has been a continuous growth in the hair restoration field, largely fueled by advancements in hair transplant techniques and a variety of effective non-surgical treatments. The average number of patients treated per ISHRS member has seen a remarkable increase of 20% since 2021. On average, around 15 hair restoration surgeries were performed per ISHRS member each month in 2024. This reflects the hands-on approach of ISHRS physicians, who dedicate a significant portion of their practice to hair restoration.

Dr. Ricardo Mejia, President of ISHRS, emphasizes the shift in mindset among individuals affected by hair loss, stating, "People are no longer waiting until middle age to seek effective solutions from trusted experts like ISHRS physicians, who spend about three-quarters of their practices on hair restoration."

Increasing Interest in Non-Scalp Hair Restoration

While scalp hair transplants remain the most popular form of hair restoration, interest in body hair transplants—often referred to as non-scalp hair restoration—is on the rise among both men and women. The percentage of men seeking hair restoration without scalp involvement increased from 13% in 2021 to 18% in 2024, with corresponding figures for women rising from 17% to 21% during the same period. Notably, eyebrow transplants ranked high among women, accounting for 12% of procedures, while beard transplants were the second most common choice for men, making up 5%.

Patients’ Perspectives

In the survey, ISHRS members sought feedback on patients’ viewpoints regarding hair restoration surgery. Notably, nearly half of the surveyed patients expressed a willingness to discuss their procedures with others. The primary reason for choosing hair transplantation cited by 90% of patients was the desire to feel or appear more attractive. Additionally, 63% of participants aimed to appear younger to remain competitive in their workplaces.

Impact of the Black Market

However, the rise of the black market for hair transplants remains a concerning issue. Dr. Mejia noted an upward trend in complications arising from black market procedures, often due to untrained individuals performing surgeries without proper oversight. A troubling 59% of ISHRS members reported the existence of black market hair transplant clinics in their cities, up from 51% in 2021. Furthermore, the average percentage of repair cases linked to previous black market surgeries rose from 6% to 10%.

About ISHRS

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is a globally recognized nonprofit medical association dedicated to promoting excellence in hair loss treatment and restoration. With 1,200 members across 80 countries, ISHRS is committed to patient outcomes through establishing high standards in medical practice and ethics in the hair restoration sector. The organization also provides ongoing education for physicians in this field while ensuring individuals suffering from hair loss have access to the latest treatment information. Established in 1993, ISHRS focuses on continuous quality improvement and professional education in the realm of hair restoration surgery.

Conclusion

As interest in hair restoration continues to grow, particularly among younger demographics, it is vital for potential patients to seek trusted and qualified professionals for their treatments. As the field evolves, ongoing education and awareness about the dangers of black market services are essential to ensure patient safety and satisfaction.