Hair Transplant

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TLDR Surgery that moves hair follicles from the back of the scalp to thinning areas

What a hair transplant is

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that redistributes a person's own hair follicles from a donor area — typically the back and sides of the scalp, where follicles are genetically resistant to the hormone DHT — into areas of thinning or baldness. Because the moved follicles largely retain that resistance, transplanted hair usually keeps growing long-term, although graft survival varies and donor hair can thin with age.

The two main techniques are FUE (follicular unit extraction), which harvests individual follicular units directly from the scalp, and FUT (follicular unit transplantation, or "strip"), which removes a strip of donor skin that is then dissected into grafts. Variations such as DHI use a specialized implanter pen. A transplant redistributes existing hair rather than creating new follicles, so results depend on donor supply, the extent of loss, and the surgeon's skill — and it does not stop ongoing loss of the native, non-transplanted hair, which is why surgeons often pair it with medical therapy. That therapy has its own side effects: finasteride, a common choice, has reported side effects that are not only sexual: its label lists sexual side effects, some of which men report continued after they stopped it, as well as depression and suicidal thoughts and breast and semen changes; how often the persisting problems happen is not known (see the FAQ 'Is finasteride safe?'). The UK regulator (MHRA, May 2026) advises stopping finasteride 1 mg immediately and contacting a doctor if depression or suicidal thoughts develop. Finasteride must not be used by anyone who is or may become pregnant.

Every transplant leaves scars (a line with FUT, small dot scars with FUE), and complications such as folliculitis, numbness, poor growth and donor over-harvesting are reported (Loganathan 2014, PMID 25368473; Romera de Blas 2026, PMID 41709896).

This page is an overview; see the frequently asked questions below for specifics on cost, pain, recovery, grafts, results and risks.

Research

20 / 1000+ results

research Elliptical Donor Stereoscopically Assisted Micrografting as an Approach to Further Refinement in Hair Transplantation

172 citations , December 1994 in “The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology”

This study introduces a hair transplantation method combining elliptical excision and micrografting, suggesting it provides significant cosmetic improvements for androgenetic alopecia.

research Follicular Unit Extraction: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hair Transplantation

153 citations , August 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This paper introduces the Follicular Unit Extraction procedure and its accompanying FOX Test, finding that 60% of tested patients were suitable candidates for this minimally invasive hair transplantation method.

research Surgical Complications In Hair Transplantation: A Series Of 533 Procedures

69 citations , January 2009 in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal”

In this study, the hair transplantation complication rate was found to be 4.7%, highlighting the importance of thorough patient assessment, surgical precision, and postoperative care.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Developing After Hair Transplantation for Androgenetic Alopecia

64 citations , January 2005 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This report discusses cases of frontal fibrosing alopecia developing after hair transplantation for androgenetic alopecia, without presenting new clinical findings.

research Contemporary Hair Transplantation

54 citations , August 2009 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This review outlines the steps of contemporary hair transplantation surgery, including the roles of medications and nonsurgical options, but it reports no new clinical findings.

research Morphometric Analysis of the Human Scalp Hair Follicle: Practical Implications for the Hair Transplant Surgeon and Hair Regeneration Studies

51 citations , November 2010 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study measured the lengths and depths of different portions of occipital scalp hair follicles and suggested cutting below 1 mm for hair regeneration procedures to avoid damaging the bulge zone.

research Is Hair Transplantation Indicated in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia? The Results of Test Grafting in Three Patients

45 citations , April 2013 in “Dermatologic surgery”

Hair transplantation might work for some people with frontal fibrosing alopecia, but more research is needed.

research Extensive Traction Alopecia Attributable to Ponytail Hairstyle and Its Treatment with Hair Transplantation

44 citations , July 2005 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

Hair transplantation successfully treated a woman's hair loss caused by a tight ponytail.

research Hair Transplanting: An Important but Often Forgotten Treatment for Female Pattern Hair Loss

43 citations , October 2003 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article explains why modern hair transplant techniques can be effective for women with pattern hair loss, despite this being underrecognized.

research Scalp Reduction as an Adjunct to Hair Transplantation: Review of Relevant Literature and Presentation of an Improved Technique

40 citations , December 1980 in “The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology”

This review describes an improved scalp reduction technique that removes two to three times more bald skin than previous methods, utilizing wide undermining, serial relaxing incisions, and adrenocorticosteroids.

research Outcome of Intra-Operative Injected Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy During Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant: A Prospective Randomized Study in Forty Patients

39 citations , January 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

This study found that intra-operative platelet-rich plasma therapy may enhance hair regrowth, increase graft density, and activate dormant follicles more effectively than normal saline in follicular unit extraction hair transplant patients.

research The Effects of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Various Growth Factors on Non-Transplanted Miniaturized Hair

37 citations , March 2009 in “Hair transplant forum international”

This small study observed that infusing platelet rich plasma into the scalp reversed hair miniaturization and stimulated new hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata over 8 months.

research The Latest Innovations in Hair Transplantation

32 citations , July 2011 in “Facial Plastic Surgery”

This review discusses recent surgical and medical advancements in hair restoration techniques but reports no new clinical results.

research The Density Issue in Hair Transplantation

32 citations , September 1997 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that mini-micrografting and plug methods achieve comparable hair density, but mini-micrografting requires fewer sessions due to its dense graft packing.

research Hair Transplantation Controversies

31 citations , October 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This review examines controversies in hair transplant surgery, including donor harvesting techniques and the roles of platelet-rich plasma and low-level light therapy, and reports no new clinical results.

research The Potential Role of Minoxidil in the Hair Transplantation Setting

31 citations , October 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This article reviews expert opinions on combining pharmacologic treatments like minoxidil with hair transplantation, reporting improved hair density and regrowth in patients with partially functioning follicles.

research Effects of Cooling Micrografts in Hair Transplantation Surgery

31 citations , September 1999 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that cooling hair grafts during transplantation did not significantly improve the survival or growth rates of hair follicles compared to room temperature storage.

research Effects of Finasteride (1 mg) on Hair Transplant

30 citations , March 2006 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this study of men with androgenetic alopecia, daily finasteride 1 mg alongside hair transplant improved scalp hair density and growth of nontransplanted hair compared to placebo over 48 weeks.

research Hair Transplantation: Current Concepts and Techniques

30 citations , October 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This article reviews modern hair transplantation techniques, noting that while many innovations have improved natural-looking results and expanded candidate eligibility, some may have hidden drawbacks, and it reports no new results.

research Hair Follicle Growth by Stromal Vascular Fraction-Enhanced Adipose Transplantation in Baldness

30 citations , July 2017 in “Stem cells and cloning”

This study found that scalp injection of fat enriched with stem cells may offer a promising alternative for treating early genetic alopecia in both men and women.

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FAQs

View 278 more Hair Transplant FAQs →

Community Join

20 / 1000+ results

community Hair Transplant in Poland vs Turkey

11 upvotes 1 day ago

A UK man considering a hair transplant is weighing options between Poland and Turkey, citing familiarity and perceived safety in Poland. He has been using minoxidil, microneedling, and finasteride but hasn't seen major improvements, and is advised to prioritize choosing a skilled surgeon over focusing on the country or cost.

community Hair Transplant 1 year later - 3206 Grafts Bogata Hairlines

188 upvotes 2 weeks ago

The user is mostly satisfied with their hair transplant of 3206 grafts from Bogota Hairlines in Colombia, noting the right side feels stringy. They have been using oral minoxidil and finasteride, and recently added topical GHK-cu to enhance growth.

community Positive experience with Ko Yonguk for hair transplant

in Hair Transplants 17 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Dr. Ko Yonguk is highly recommended for hair transplants in Korea, specifically using the FUE hidden cut method with 1700 grafts.

community Does hair transplants all cost over 3K euros?

8 upvotes 4 weeks ago

Hair transplants can vary in cost, with cheaper options potentially leading to poor results. It's advised to choose a reputable clinic, even if it means paying more, and consider the price per graft rather than the total cost.

community For those 3+ years post hair transplant, how has your hair held up?

4 upvotes 4 weeks ago

Hair transplants can maintain results if combined with medications like finasteride, minoxidil, or dutasteride. Without medication, hair loss may continue, and some users consider additional transplants.

community Hair Transplant (Feb 2024) Results

in Progress Pictures 228 upvotes 1 month ago

A user shared progress pictures of their hair transplant results from February 2024, discussing recovery and the time it takes for permanent hair to grow. The conversation includes questions about the procedure, costs, and whether the user is on medications like Minoxidil, Finasteride, or RU58841.

community Hair Transplant Recommendations Within $3000 Budget

in Basic Questions 46 upvotes 1 month ago

The user is seeking recommendations for countries to get a hair transplant with a budget of £3000. They are considering treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community Does a hair transplant last "forever"?

66 upvotes 1 month ago

Hair transplants are not permanent and require medication like finasteride or dutasteride to maintain results, as transplanted hair can still thin over time. Individuals with a history of prostate cancer may need to avoid these medications due to potential health risks.

community hair transplant + finasteride 1mg

in Progress Pictures 23 upvotes 1 month ago

A 42-year-old male shared his positive hair transformation experience using a hair transplant in Turkey and daily 1mg finasteride. He initially tried minoxidil but stopped due to scalp irritation.

community Why do Hair Transplant procedures take a rectangle from the donated area?

in Transplants 6 upvotes 2 months ago

Hair transplants typically involve spreading follicle extraction across the back and sides of the head to maintain an even appearance, rather than taking a solid rectangle of grafts. FUT procedures, which involve taking a strip of skin, are less common now due to advancements in techniques like FUE, which heal well and are less invasive.

community Hair transplant progress 3 months later

in Progress Pictures 23 upvotes 2 months ago

The user shared progress on their hair transplant after 3 months, having had over 7,000 grafts transplanted, and is using Minoxidil and finasteride. Others questioned the number of grafts, suggesting it might be 3,000 grafts with 2.5 hairs per graft, and noted that significant results typically appear after 6 to 12 months.

community Thinning Hair After 1200 Graft Transplant and Minoxidil/Finasteride Use

in Hair Transplants 96 upvotes 2 months ago

After a 1,200 graft hair transplant and using minoxidil and finasteride, the user's hair initially improved but later thinned and changed texture. They are seeking advice on this issue and have a dermatologist appointment scheduled.

community 6 months post hair transplant, can my results still improve after this?

66 upvotes 4 months ago

Hair transplant results can improve up to 12-14 months post-surgery. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil and finasteride.

community Hair Transplant Issues & Hair Loss Medication Side Effects - Similar Experiences

in Basic Questions 187 upvotes 4 months ago

The user experienced long-term pain after an FUE hair transplant and is considering Kenacort injections for relief. They also reported brain fog, dizziness, and anxiety after stopping minoxidil and finasteride, and are currently using PRP, microneedling, and rosemary oil for hair maintenance.

community Hair Transplant + Scalp Treatments

92 upvotes 5 months ago

The conversation discusses the benefits of combining scalp stem cell treatments and exohealer with RF microneedling before a hair transplant. The original poster recommends these treatments for better results.

community Understanding the Hair Transplant Timeline — A Medical Perspective

in Transplants 5 months ago

Hair transplantation involves a detailed consultation, preparation, and a long-term recovery process with stages like initial shedding and gradual new hair growth over months. Setting realistic expectations is crucial for patient satisfaction.

community Hair Transplant result - 1st of 2 transplants.

in Transplants 253 upvotes 5 months ago

The user had a hair transplant in Toronto to restore their hairline and crown, using 2400 grafts in the first procedure and is happy with the results. They are using Minoxidil and finasteride, and note that their hair is thinner on the back and sides due to graft removal.

community If this message find you, then it’s time to get that hair transplant you’ve been thinking about

85 upvotes 5 months ago

Hair transplants can significantly enhance attractiveness and confidence, especially in dating, as many women value a good hairline. The original poster found finasteride ineffective and opted for a successful hair transplant, recommending it for those considering surgery.

community Hair transplant #1 7 month update

in Is this regrowth? 4 upvotes 5 months ago

The user started oral minoxidil and finasteride two months after a hair transplant and plans to switch to dutasteride, using Nizoral and Mossi shampoos. They are considering a second transplant in Tijuana and using hair fibers and mousse for styling while waiting for medication effects.

community Hair transplants and PP405 - Irregular density concern

18 upvotes 6 months ago

The conversation discusses concerns about getting a hair transplant with the potential release of a new treatment, PP405, which may regrow dormant hair follicles. The user is currently using Minoxidil, Derma, and Keto but is waiting to start finasteride or dutasteride.

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