What are common myths about hair transplants?

    ← back to Hair Transplant

    Surveyed from the published FAQs of 8 hair transplant providers. The percentage on each highlighted claim is the share of surveyed providers who make that claim on their own sites — it shows how common a claim is, not that it is true. Hover to see who.

    Also asked as: “What are Common Myths About Hair Transplants for Women?” · “What are some common myths and misconceptions about hair transplants?” · “What are some myths about hair transplantation?” · “What are the common myths about hair transplants?”

    Clinics often describe hair transplants in very positive terms. Below are common claims, with the caveats that matter.

    "The result will look completely natural." Most providers assert that modern hair transplant techniques yield natural-looking results75%Stated by 75% of the providers we surveyed. Including The Youth Fountain, Hash Clinics, Hande, Skination, Ojas Clinic, Shine Hair Clinic Pune.. How natural a result looks depends on the surgeon, the donor hair and the plan. Some patients get poor growth or a hairline that looks unnatural.

    "It doesn't hurt." Most providers describe hair transplantation as minimally painful, often performed63%Stated by 63% of the providers we surveyed. Including KALIKA MED CARE S.A. - Hair Clinic, The Youth Fountain, Skination, and 2 more. under local anesthesia. A minority acknowledge that hair transplantation can be painful13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including The Youth Fountain.. The anaesthetic injections and the first days after surgery can be uncomfortable, so ask your provider how pain is managed.

    "Anyone can have one." Most clinics state that hair transplantation is suitable for women as well as men63%Stated by 63% of the providers we surveyed. Including Hash Clinics, Ojas Clinic, Shine Hair Clinic Pune, and 2 more., and about half say it is suitable for various stages of hair loss, not just complete baldness38%Stated by 38% of the providers we surveyed. Including Hande, Hash Clinics, Shine Hair Clinic Pune.. But not everyone is a suitable candidate for hair transplantation13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including KALIKA MED CARE S.A. - Hair Clinic.. The extent of hair loss, the donor hair supply and overall health all matter.

    "Results are instant and permanent." Providers say full results from a hair transplant take 9-12 months13%Stated by 13% of the providers we surveyed. Including Shine Hair Clinic Pune. to appear, and some people take up to 18 months. About half of clinics say results are long-lasting, with transplanted hair continuing to grow38%Stated by 38% of the providers we surveyed. Including KALIKA MED CARE S.A. - Hair Clinic, Hash Clinics, Shine Hair Clinic Pune.. That is not a permanent cure for hair loss: native hair around the grafts can keep thinning, so some people need further treatment or another session later.

    "It is risk-free." A hair transplant is surgery. In one published series of 73 patients, reported problems included swelling, folliculitis, a wide donor scar and numbness (Loganathan 2014, PMID 25368473).

    What clinics say

    Claims from clinics' own websites

    In their own words — the 8 clinics whose published guidance fed this answer.

    1. … and misconceptions about hair transplants, including that it’s painful, unnatural-looking, and only for men.
      The Youth Fountain Freehold Township, US
    2. … women from thinking about the treatment. Here are some common myths about hair transplants for women.
      Hash Clinics Karachi, PK
    3. … Fake - Modern techniques create highly natural results. 2) Hair Transplants Are Painful - The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is generally well tolerated.
      Skination Faridabad, IN
    4. Hair transplantation is not limited to individuals with complete baldness.
      Hande Chennai, IN
    5. Common myths include that hair transplants are painful (they are performed under local anesthesia), that only men can get them (women can also benefit), that results look fake (modern techniques yield natural results), and that…
      Ojas Clinic Jabalpur, IN
    6. 3. Hair Transplants Are Painful: False! They are performed under local anesthesia, making them a pain-free experience.
      Shine Hair Clinic Pune Pune, IN
    7. Myth 1: The results are temporary. Truth: Hair transplant results are long-lasting.
      KALIKA MED CARE S.A. - Hair Clinic Thessaloniki, GR
    8. Fact: Hair transplantation has been around for over 50 years, and was first used to treat patients with burns or other injuries that resulted in hair loss.
      Hair Revive A Total Hairloss Solution Centre Kanayannur, IN