Most men are bothered by the idea of going bald, perhaps considering it to be an erosion of their masculinity. However, men aren’t the only victims of baldness and its attendant psychological effects. Women comprise nearly 40% of the U.S. sufferers of hair loss.

Most men are bothered by the idea of going bald, perhaps considering it to be an erosion of their masculinity. However, men aren’t the only victims of baldness and its attendant psychological effects. Women comprise nearly 40% of the U.S. sufferers of hair loss. While men usually experience progressive pattern baldness, women usually see a general thinning of their hair.

That explains why so much money and energy have been invested over the years, in search of effective ways to cure or hide hair loss in both men and women. Here are some of the most widely known approaches still practiced today:

1. Treatments – There are various treatment compounds available, but the two most commonly prescribed are Propecia® (finasteride) and Rogaine® (minoxidil). Propecia® is taken as a pill, and should never be used or even handled by women that are pregnant or likely to become pregnant. Rogaine® is a topically applied medication, which can be used by either gender. Both can slow or stop balding, but neither can promote new growth;

2. Toupees – Made from either synthetic fiber or human hair, these are often called "rugs" -just a small mat made to hide the bald spot. They may hide the bald patch, but they are often quite obvious to the casual observer;

3. Wigs – These are most often a total hairpiece, covering the entire scalp and the remaining hair of the wearer. Also made from either synthetic fiber or human hair, the effect usually appears more natural. One benefit of a wig is that one can change both their hairstyle and color;

4. Comb-overs – The simplest, but perhaps the most obvious solution, this is a poor attempt to hide a bald spot by combing long hair from one side of the head over it. The result is neither inconspicuous nor attractive;

5. Spray-on product – This baldness "solution" was invented and marketed by Ron Popeil, a prominent marketer since the 1950s. The aerosol consists of fibers that cling to the existing hair, to fill out a sparse area. The resulting effect is about as convincing as you might expect;

6. Plugs – This was the first method of actual transplant in the U.S., wherein plugs of multiple follicles are transplanted into the scalp, creating an effect not unlike a "doll’s head", with clumps of hair sprouting in a widely spaced and fairly noticeable pattern;

7. Follicular unit transplantation – Follicles are extracted from the donor area, separated into individual units and then implanted individually in tiny incisions. Growth resumes almost immediately.

Only one of these methods is safe, lasting and virtually impossible to detect, as you can see: follicular unit transplantation. Let’s explore how this is done:

What does this preferred method involve?

Follicles are extracted from the patient in a process called FUE (follicular unit extraction). A small strip of hair is harvested from an area that will be normally hidden, and the individual follicles are separated from each other. When enough are ready for implantation, the procedure can begin.

Each follicle is implanted at an angle consistent with normal growth into its own minuscule incision in the target area. This ensures that the hair will grow in a totally natural manner. These incisions are densely packed, allowing the implantation of over 322 grafts per square inch.

The procedure can last a few hours, depending upon the number of follicles to be grafted. It is performed under local anesthetic, with very little discomfort, and the person can return to normal activity the following day, with only slight redness in the area, which clears up in a matter of days.

There’s virtually no risk of rejection and this method boasts an extremely high success rate. Recipients of these grafts are always extremely pleased at the undetectable nature of their new growth.

Naturally, the new growth will need some time to fill out, since the units are very tiny when implanted. But once this procedure is completed, all the recurring issues that other options might entail are left behind, as well. The new hair will grow for the rest of the patient’s life and the recipient will no longer be plagued with expensive prescription medications, replacement wigs or embarrassing moments.

This state-of-the-art hair transplant technique is the most effective and undetectable method there is, and is arguably the most cost-effective, as well, with the only recurring cost will being more frequent visits to the barber.