Hair transplant: procedure, healing and aftercare
Who a hair transplant is suitable for, how it works, what happens in the months afterwards and how to care for your scalp.
A hair transplant is a medical procedure in which your own hair roots are moved from the back of the head to thinning areas. It's mainly an option for hereditary hair loss, provided there is enough donor hair. The result takes patience: the new hairs only grow after a few months, and you'll usually see the final result after about a year.
Who is a hair transplant suitable for?
- Hereditary hair loss: The hair at the back of the head is usually not affected and is therefore suitable as donor hair.
- Enough donor hair: Your doctor checks during the consultation whether the density at the back of your head is sufficient.
- Realistic expectations: A transplant redistributes existing hair; it doesn't create new hair.
For diffuse hair loss, alopecia areata or hair loss with an unclear cause, a transplant is usually not the right choice. Get the cause clarified first. You'll find an overview of the different types in Hair loss: causes and types.
The methods at a glance
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| FUE | Groups of hair roots are removed individually with a fine hollow needle and then implanted. |
| DHI | A variant of FUE: the grafts are implanted with an implanter pen. |
| FUT (strip method) | A narrow strip of skin is removed from the back of the head and divided into individual grafts. A fine, linear scar remains. |
Read more about the most common method in FUE hair transplant.
How it works
- Consultation: The cause of your hair loss, donor hair, the hairline you'd like and realistic expectations are discussed.
- The procedure: Usually under local anaesthetic and over several hours.
- The first few days: Swelling, redness and small scabs are normal. The first hair wash follows your clinic's plan.
- The months afterwards: Many transplanted hairs fall out at first before the new ones grow.
You can read what happens when in Recovery after a hair transplant.
Care after the procedure
- Wash according to plan: gently, with lukewarm water, without rubbing. You'll find the instructions in Washing your hair after a hair transplant.
- Mild products: In the first few weeks, low-fragrance products without harsh surfactants are a good choice, often with caring ingredients such as panthenol or aloe vera.
- Take it easy: no sport, no sauna, no direct sun until your clinic gives the go-ahead.
- Don't scratch: even if it itches during healing.
For the first few weeks, we've put together our PostOp Set with gel and foam. The Evocapil Panthenol Foam Spray and our Aloe Vera Gel go well with it. You'll find everything for the time afterwards under Care after a hair transplant.
Risks and possible side effects
Like any procedure, a hair transplant carries risks. These include swelling, pain, numbness, inflammation of the hair follicles, infections, visible scars or a result that doesn't meet your expectations. In a good consultation, they are discussed openly.
What to look for in a clinic
- Who performs the procedure, and with what qualifications?
- Is there a thorough consultation with an honest assessment?
- How are aftercare and contact arranged, including if you have the procedure abroad?
- Is it clear what the costs will be?
A hair transplant is generally not covered by public health insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hair transplant permanent?
The transplanted hairs come from an area that is usually not affected by hereditary hair loss, so they generally remain. However, your own hair around them can continue to thin. That's why many people keep caring for it with a regular routine, for example with our hair routine set of scalp spray and tablets.
Does a hair transplant hurt?
The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. Afterwards, the scalp may feel tight, sore or swollen for a few days.
When will I see the result?
New hairs usually grow after three to four months; the final result shows after about a year.
Can women have a hair transplant too?
Yes, if the cause has been clarified and there is enough donor hair. In women, the cause should be investigated particularly carefully.
Summary
A hair transplant can be a good option for hereditary hair loss if the conditions are right. Take your time with the consultation, plan your aftercare from the start and give your new hair a year.