Hair Restoration in South Africa

Hair restoration treatment is a solution for those who are battling hair loss or balding due to aging or diseases. The main goal is to give patients a full head of hair, as well as to improve their appearance and confidence. Hair restoration can be performed by dermatologists or plastic surgeons. There are numerous different types of hair restoration, ranging from non-surgical to surgical treatments. Some of the most common are:

• Prescription medicine – your doctor can prescribe medicine, such as minoxidil and finasteride, to help stop hair loss and regrow hair. These medicines are usually prescribed for those with pattern (hereditary) baldness, but may not restore as much hair as other types of hair restoration.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) – this is a therapy procedure that involves drawing injections of a concentration of your own platelets to your scalp. It is commonly used for androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
• Microneedling – during microneedling, a skin roller with small needles are used to cause minor skin injury to regenerate the health of the hair follicles, resulting in new hair growth. This procedure is recommended for alopecia areata, androgenic alopecia, and male pattern baldness.
• Scalp micro-pigmentation (SMP) – this is a type of hair tattooing to give an illusion of having a fuller head of hair. It can be done on any form of hair loss, including those with thinning hair, severe baldness, alopecia, as well as cancer patients and people who want to conceal scars from a hair transplant.
• Hairline lowering surgery – this procedure is best for those who have receding hairlines. It involves “moving” your hairline to its old position or a little closer to your brows. 
• Hair transplant – this is the most popular and effective hair restoration procedure. It works by moving hair follicles from one part of your body or scalp with healthy hair follicles to a balding or thinning part of your scalp. It can also be done to restore hair on other parts of the body, such as your brows.

How Long Should I Stay in South Africa?

The length of stay in South Africa can be different for every person, depending on the type of hair restoration procedure you underwent. In general, you may need to stay in South Africa for 2 to 7 days until you are allowed to travel home. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Different hair restoration procedures have different recovery times. With medications, microneedling, and PRP, no recovery time is usually needed. However, you may be advised to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities for 24 to 48 hours. With scalp micro-pigmentation, hairline lowering surgery, and hair transplant, you may need to take around 5 to 10 days off work. During this period, you should also avoid any strenuous activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

A detailed aftercare instruction will be given by your doctor. It is vital that you follow all of these instructions to get the best results and avoid complications. You may be asked to avoid hair accessories and styling your hair until your scalp has fully healed. 

What's the Success Rate?

With continuous research, improvement in treatment techniques, and advancement in technology, hair restoration procedures are now more successful and safer than ever before. For example, the success rate of hair transplant now ranges from 95% to 98%, and modern hair transplant gives more natural results.

Are there Alternatives?

If you do not want to undergo any medical procedures or take any medications, you can try other hairstyles or use a wig as the non-surgical alternatives. It is best, however, that you consult your doctor regarding the best alternatives for your specific case. 

Hair Restoration in and around South Africa

About South Africa

South Africa is home to some of the world's most luxurious private game reserves and lodges. Wildlife lovers come here from all corners of the globe in search of the "Big Five": lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephants. Coral reefs, shark dives, dragon-backed mountain ranges, white-water rafting, and golden beaches lapped by legendary surf breaks are some of South Africa's many other attractions. Traveling around this vast land and touring the vibrant cities, visitors can learn about the nation's turbulent history. Travelers coming to South Africa for medical treatments do so for cost savings, advanced medical technology, and the internationally qualified and skilled doctors. The country welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Hair Restoration procedures. Medical Tourists travel from all across the globe, particularly from African countries with an inferior healthcare system. Popular destinations include the capital city, Pretoria, neighboring Johannesburg, and the stunning Cape Town.

Popular Parts of South Africa

With more than 57 million inhabitants, South Africa is the world’s 24th most populous nation. It is a multiethnic society with a large variety of cultures, languages, and religions. Known for its exhilarating outdoor adventure, fascinating wildlife, magnificent landscapes, and opulent history makes South Africa a truly magical destination

• Cape Town is the oldest city and the legislative capital of South Africa. This pleasant city has a lot to offer as you can Hike the Table Mountain, take a wine tour, cruise to Robben Island, relax on beautiful beaches, visit District Six Museum, discover Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and watch the Boulders Penguin Colony or shop in trendy markets. 
• Johannesburg is the largest and the most populous city. It is changing rapidly into an ultra-modern metropolis. Other than being an urban city, it also boasts a rich history. Tourists can visit the Apartheid Museum to learn more about the country’s difficult past through exhibitions. Other museums such as MOAD and MuseuMAfriCA are also worth a visit to view the city’s art and history.
• Durban is a cosmopolitan city with sunny beaches and charming Afro-Indian culture. There are more Indian nationals residing in this city than any other country outside of India. It is the place to go if you want to see marine life. Visit uShaka Marine World where you can snorkel, dive, and interact with animals. 
• Pretoria is a scenic city and you will find various historic buildings with astounding architecture such as the Voortrekker Monument, Union Buildings, and Church Square with its statue of Paul Kruger. Those who are looking for some outdoor activities can explore Pretoria National Botanical Garden and Rietvlei Nature Reserve for some wildlife viewing.
• Kruger National Park is one of the largest national parks and one of the most exciting safari destinations in the world. Here you can view all of Africa’s safari species such as Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo, Hippo, and Giraffe along with more than 100 mammal species and 500 varieties of bird.

Weather and Climate in South Africa

South Africa’s climate is determined by its situation in the Southern Hemisphere’s subtropical zone and between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country is a year-round destination thanks to its varying regional climates. May to September is the Dry Season with little to no rain. The days are mostly sunny, but it gets cold in the evenings and mornings. The average temperature during this season is around 14 °C with June to August as the coldest months. The wet season starts in October and ends in April. There will be occasional short rain showers in the afternoon. The average temperature during the wet season is around 20 °C, but it can also be as high as 35 °C, especially in December, January, and February.

Getting Around in South Africa

The main and the busiest airport in South Africa is the O.R. Tambo International Airport. The airport is located in Kempton Park, near Johannesburg and Pretoria. It serves as the primary domestic and international gateway to and from South Africa. The airport operates flights to other cities in South Africa as well as numerous major cities in the world including London, Singapore, Sydney, Abu Dhabi, and Atlanta. There are also two other major international airports: Cape Town International and King Shaka International. The inexpensive way to travel around the country is by flying with budget airlines such as FlySadair, Kalula.com, and Mango.

South Africa has an excellent infrastructure and is easy to navigate. However, if you wish to visit several cities, expect to have at least one long-distance trip. You can travel around by bus, train, or rental car. There are several long-distance bus companies you can choose, such as Intercape, Translux, and Greyhound. The buses are relatively affordable and safe. They are generally equipped with air-conditioning and an onboard toilet. For short-distance travel, Baz Bus is the best choice. A one-way ticket fare starts at around 500 ZAR.

Although trains are slow, they are less expensive than flights and more comfortable than buses. Shosholoza Meyl long-distance trains serve Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Bloemfontein, and several other major cities. This train is very affordable with tickets costing as low as 400 ZAR for a sleeper train. If you’re looking for a more luxurious train, try the Blue Train which offers comfortable compartments, good food, and wine for around 18,300 ZAR. 

Taxis are available to get around major cities. Tourists can hail one directly from the streets. However, since the taxi ranks are not common, it is best to call for one. The base fare can be different in every city, ranging between 11 ZAR to 20 ZAR. 

Tourist Visas in South Africa

A valid visa is required if you wish to visit South Africa. Citizens of more than 60 countries can enter and stay for up to 90 days. Other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement must apply and obtain a visa to the nearest South Africa embassy or consulate. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 30 days after the expiration of their intended visit, and the passport must have at least two unused pages. 

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: South African Rand (ZAR) is the official currency. 1 USD converts to 14 ZAR.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can find ATMs all around the country. Credit Cards are widely accepted. However, since South Africa has a reputation for scams, you should inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid declined transactions. It is also advisable to always bring some cash with you. Tipping is expected here and you can tip around 10% to 15% of the bill in restaurants and cafes and the standard tip in hotels is 10 to 20 ZAR. 
3. Local Language: There are 11 official languages in the country, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, Tswana, Southern Sotho, Tsonga, Swazi, Venda, Southern Ndebele, and English. Zulu is the most widely spoken language.
4. Local Culture and Religion: As a secular state, South Africa has a diverse religious population. Most of the population follows Christianity. Other religions such as the traditional African religion, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism are also freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: The country has 12 public holidays such as New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Freedom Day, and Christmas Day.