What is a hair transplant? The basics, donor hair, limits and preparation

The basics of a hair transplant

A hair transplant is a procedure in which hair follicles are moved from a healthy area of the scalp, the donor area, to areas where hair has fallen out or become thin. The transplanted follicles keep the characteristics of the area they came from, which is why hair from the back of the head, usually more resistant to androgenetic hair loss, is used.

It is important to understand what a transplant does and does not do. It redistributes hair you already have; it does not create new hair and does not treat the cause of hair loss. Native hair around the transplanted area may continue to thin over time, so many patients also discuss supportive treatment with their doctor.

The two techniques most often mentioned are FUE (follicular unit extraction), where follicles are removed one by one, and FUT, where a strip of skin is removed and divided into grafts. In modern practice, FUE is used for androgenetic alopecia, and a combined FUE and DHI approach, where grafts are placed with an implanter pen, is used for androgenetic alopecia and for adding density. The method is chosen by the surgeon after an examination.

A short history

Early attempts to move hair were described long ago, but the real progress came in the twentieth century. Japanese doctors experimented with small hair-bearing grafts to treat burns and scars, and in the 1950s the American dermatologist Norman Orentreich showed that hair moved from the back of the head keeps growing in its new place. His plug technique produced visible, doll-like tufts, but it proved the principle.

Over the following decades grafts became smaller and more refined, leading to follicular unit techniques, FUT and then FUE, which reduced visible scarring and made results look far more natural. Today a hair transplant is a well-established procedure, although, like any surgery, it has limits and risks.

Who a hair transplant may suit

Whether a transplant makes sense depends on the type of hair loss, the donor area and your expectations. It is most often considered in the following situations:

• Androgenetic (pattern) hair loss. The most common reason for a transplant, provided the hair loss has been assessed and the donor area is sufficient.
• Scars and injuries. Hair can sometimes be transplanted into stable scars to make them less visible; the doctor assesses the scar tissue first.
• When other treatments have not helped enough. If medication or other approaches have not given the desired result, a transplant may be discussed as an option.

Hair loss caused by stress, hormonal changes, illness or nutritional problems is usually investigated and treated first; a transplant does not solve these causes. Age is not a barrier in itself, but younger patients need careful assessment, because their hair loss pattern may still change.

Where donor hair comes from

In most cases, hair is taken from the back and sides of the head. Hair there usually keeps its density and is more resistant to androgenetic hair loss. It is harvested either as a strip (FUT) or as individual follicular units (FUE).

When scalp donor hair is limited, some surgeons use body hair, for example from the beard or chest. Body hair often differs in thickness and growth cycle, so it is usually a supplement rather than the main source, and not everyone is a candidate.

Hair from another person is not used: the immune system would reject it. Only your own hair can be transplanted, which is why the size and quality of your donor area set the limit of what is possible.

Contraindications and limitations

A transplant is not right for everyone. The doctor will look carefully at the following:

• Active scalp conditions such as infection, inflammation, psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis, which should be treated before surgery.
• Uncontrolled chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular conditions, which need to be stable because they can affect healing.
• Rapidly progressing hair loss, which makes it hard to plan a result that will still look natural in future years.
• Insufficient donor hair, where density or quality in the donor area is too low.
• Unrealistic expectations, such as hoping to restore the density of a teenager.
• Some psychological conditions, particularly those that affect how a person perceives their own appearance.

How to prepare

Good preparation supports healing. The usual recommendations include:

• discuss your goals, health and history of hair loss with the surgeon;
• avoid smoking and alcohol for some time before and after the procedure, as they can slow healing;
• tell the doctor about all medication you take; blood thinners may need to be paused, but only on medical advice;
• eat a balanced diet and rest well in the days before;
• do not cut or shave your hair without instructions, as the surgeon may want to assess its density and growth pattern;
• arrange transport after the procedure and a quiet place to rest during the first days.

You can read more about the procedure itself on our hair transplant page.

Consultation at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre works with international patients. The first consultation is free and can be held online: send photos of your hair and donor area, and ask whether a transplant is suitable in your case. The doctor assesses your situation and names the cost, which is then fixed in the contract. A personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to the end of recovery, and photos and questions can be sent by WhatsApp. Find out more on the hair transplant page.

Frequently asked questions

What is a hair transplant in simple terms?

It is a procedure that moves your own hair follicles from an area where hair grows well, usually the back of the head, to areas where hair has thinned. It redistributes existing hair and does not create new hair.

Does a hair transplant treat the cause of hair loss?

No. It moves hair to where it is needed, but it does not stop the underlying process. Native hair may continue to thin, so many patients discuss supportive treatment with their doctor after the procedure.

Can hair from another person be used?

No. Donor hair from another person would be rejected by the immune system. Only your own hair is used, from the scalp and, in some cases, from the body as a supplement.

Who is not a good candidate for a hair transplant?

People with active scalp disease, uncontrolled chronic illness, rapidly progressing hair loss, too little donor hair or unrealistic expectations may not be suitable. The doctor decides after an examination and, if needed, further tests.

How should I prepare for a hair transplant?

Discuss your goals and health with the surgeon, avoid smoking and alcohol, review your medication with the doctor, eat well, do not cut your hair without instructions and arrange transport and rest for the first days.