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Pete Scott, MD Written by Erin D. Updated on 14 Jan 2024
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EXPERT GUIDE

Afro Hair Transplant

Medically reviewed by

Pete Scott, MD

This text was written according to the highest scientific standards and reviewed by medical experts. Find out more about our quality assurance.

Written by Erin D. Updated on 14 Jan 2024
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Despite being curly, thick, and dense, Afro hair is just as susceptible to breakage as straight hair. A hair transplant is one of the best ways to treat hair loss in afro hair for both men and women. Read on to learn all about hair transplants for afro hair including hair types, transplant techniques, and challenges.

In a Nutshellsvg

Afro Hair Types Curly, Wavy, Straight
Afro Hair Transplant Methods FUE, FUT, DHI
Duration 3 - 8 hours
Side Effects Swelling, Redness
Cost 2,500 - 9,000 USD
Where US, UK, Turkey...

Afro Hair Types

In order to treat hair loss in afro hair, you need to identify your curl pattern. Afro hair comes in various curl patterns between the categories A to C. 

Each letter indicates how curly your hair is with category A being the least curly and C being the most tightly wound curls. The classification is further divided into Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 which represent straight, wavy, curly, and kinky hair respectively. 

Here are the three main types of afro hair:

  • Curly – Afro hair is usually characterized as being curly but these curl patterns can fall into different categories. The curlier the hair, the drier it tends to get. So, curly afro hair requires a lot of moisture and deep conditioning to keep it healthy. Otherwise, it can get very frizzy and brittle. Curly afro hair is usually considered Type 3 with kinkier hair being Type 4.
  • Wavy – Afro hair can also be wavy with large waves or tighter, almost curly waves. This hair type is more similar to straight hair and has more volume and frizz. Wavy afro hair falls under Type 2.
  • Straight – Straight hair is resistant to curls and waves. This hair type is easier to maintain and style. It is also less frizzy, brittle, and dry. This usually falls under Type 1.

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What is the difference between afro hair and straight hair?

Criteria Afro Hair Straight Hair

Curls
Characterized by tight curls that are very difficult to straighten even after combing.
Naturally resistant to curls or waves.

Breakage
Hair strands may seem thicker but are more fragile and brittle, making them prone to breakage, especially while brushing.
Might be less prone to breakage than afro hair as it is less brittle and frizzy.

Growth
Grows slowly at only 0.9 cm per month. Slower growth than straight hair.
Growth rates for straight Caucasian and Asian hair are 1.2 cm a month and 1.3 cm a month respectively.

Roots
Tends to twist and curl at the roots, sometimes even below the skin.
The roots and ends are both straight. Even most wavy hair is straight at the roots.

Density
High-density, thick and voluminous hair.
Less density and volume than afro hair.

Why are afro hair transplants so difficult?

The differences between straight hair and afro hair make the process of hair transplantation more challenging for afro hair types. 

The most crucial part of the process is to understand the curl or wave pattern for afro hair. Most afro hair is tightly coiled, making it difficult to reach the hair follicles that curve under the skin. This increases the chances of transection or accidentally cutting hair follicles during the extraction process.

Another challenging aspect of hair transplantation on afro hair is determining the correct number of grafts. Since afro hair is denser and thicker than straight hair, it might take a lower number of grafts to make it look voluminous. 

Moreover, a lot of hair transplant doctors may be experienced in performing surgeries on straight hair but do not have the same expertise when it comes to curly hair. The challenge lies in finding hair surgeons that have extensive experience with afro hair types as well.

Afro hair transplant methods

While afro hair and straight hair may be worlds apart, the hair transplant methods for both are more or less the same. Much like straight hair, the most common hair transplant methods for afro hair are FUE, FUT, and DHI.

  • Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – One of the most popular hair transplant procedures for both straight and afro hair. FUE is a minimally invasive procedure with almost no scarring and short healing times. The process consists of the extraction stage where hair follicles are harvested from the back or sides of the head. These healthy follicles are then transplanted into the balding areas. 
  • Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) – The second most widely performed hair transplant technique is FUT. The procedure involves taking a strip of skin from the donor region. This strip is then divided into grafts that are implanted into the balding region. FUT leaves a visible scar and has longer healing times.Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) – A modification of the popular FUE procedure, DHI seeks to improve hair follicle survival rates by using a special tool called the Choi implanter pen. This pen reduces the time between harvesting and implantation, reducing the risk of damage to hair follicles.

 

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Afro hair transplant for women

To manage afro hair, a lot of women tie them up in tight braids, weaves, and cornrows. This can lead to traction alopecia that damages hair follicles and causes a thinning hairline and bald patches. A hair transplant is a viable option for fixing the permanent damage caused by such conditions. 

In both men and women with afro hair, the procedure should take the unique curl pattern into account. The challenging part is creating a natural look by closely studying the direction, placement, and angle of hair follicles in curly and wavy hair.

Summary

Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, everyone goes through hair loss and thinning that may be caused by medical conditions, age, or other factors. Afro hair, in particular, can be very tricky to manage and maintain. It is especially prone to breakage due to its brittleness and the hairstyles associated with it can often cause traction alopecia. 

Fortunately, hair transplant is an excellent option for fixing your afro hair. But unlike straight hair, afro hair has tight curls that make the process a bit more challenging. Hair transplant for afro hair requires more care and expertise for natural-looking end results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an afro hair transplant cost?

What is the best method for an afro hair transplant?

How long does a hair transplant last?

What is special about an afro hair transplant?

Sources

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What does your hair loss look like?

Funnel_Hair_Loss_NW3Funnel_Hair_Loss_NW4Funnel_Hair_Loss_NW6My hair loss is different
Find DoctorFree & non-binding
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  • Fast
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