Hair and now: most men prefer not to be bald

(CNW) Hair transplantation is the top cosmetic procedure for men, worth $76 million in Canada, says the Canadian Hair Transplant Centre and the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS).

The popularity of hair transplants is not surprising considering how many people are affected by hair loss. Statistics show that 40 to 50 percent of men and women will suffer from hair loss by age 50. What is interesting however is the fact that about 45 percent of patients from the survey would likely not discuss their hair transplants with family and friends, while the other 45 percent would freely share their experiences.

On a global scale, the estimated worldwide hair restoration market size is $1 billion in Canadian funds.

Hair transplantation is actually a minor skin surgery that moves donor hair from the backs and sides of a patient's head (that are genetically programmed to last) to the area with hair loss. It's usually a one-day procedure performed under local anesthesia.

n According to an international online survey, the majority of men with male pattern baldness (57 percent) would give up a prized personal possession (such as their stereo, cell phone, expensive car, laptop computer or even plasma TV) just to have more hair.

n  Over 95 percent of hair loss sufferers have genetic hair loss which can actually be inherited from either or both sides of the family

n Over 90 percent of hair restoration procedures are performed on the scalp, however hair restoration in other areas of the body are gaining in popularity. In 2006, of all hair restoration procedures performed,  3.4 percent were on the eyebrows, 1.5 per cent were on facial areas, 1.4 percent were on eyelashes, 0.4 per cent was on the pubic area, and 0.2 percent focused on the chest.

n While most women's hairlines remain unchanged throughout their lifetime, men's hairlines change or "mature" by receding as they age. As such, a 20-year-old man's hairline would look inappropriate and unnatural on a-50-year-old man for example

n Contrary to popular myths, hair loss has nothing to do with wearing hats, or how often hair is washed, permed, or coloured. Similarly, shaving one's head won't strengthen hair either.