EXPERT GUIDE

Hair Transplant Frequently Asked Questions


Dr. Karen Owen

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

Written by Matilda H. Updated on 5 Mar 2024

Hair transplants are one of the best and most effective treatments for hair loss. But before you undergo a transplant, it is important to know everything from alternatives and outcomes to risks and side effects of the procedure. Read on for answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive about hair transplants and the overall recovery process.

FAQs Summarysvg

How long does a HT last? Last a lifetime
How many grafts for a HT? Depends on hair loss
Is a HT painful? Normally painless
Best age to get a HT? From 25 on
When back to work after HT? 10 to 14 days
Finasteride before HT? Not compulsory
How to reduce swellings after HT? Headband etc.
How long until grafts are secure? 3 - 5 days
HT with long hair? Yes
Minoxidil after HT? Generally advised
Finasteride after HT? Generally advised
Exercise after HT? Ligt 14 days after
Sleep after HT? Elevated position

How long does a hair transplant last?

A hair transplant is a permanent solution for hair loss and should typically last a lifetime. Since the tendency for hair loss lies in the follicles, healthy DHT-resistant follicles implanted in balding regions will produce new hair for a long time to come. However, factors such as age, hormonal imbalances, injuries, and aftercare can have an impact on the permanence of your hair transplant. Read more here:

How long does a hair transplant last?

How many grafts are needed for a hair transplant?

The number of grafts you need depends upon factors such as the severity of hair loss, your balding pattern, age, pre-existing hair, and other factors. The scalp can yield around 4000 to 8000 grafts, depending on the hair density of the donor area. In order to get a definite estimate, you can visit your hair clinic or surgeon for a professional evaluation. Read more here:

How many grafts are needed for a hair transplant?

Is a hair transplant painful?

Due to new techniques and advancements in the hair restoration industry, hair transplants have become increasingly painless and convenient. While surgeries can still be intimidating due to their invasive nature, you should feel nothing more severe than temporary discomfort and tenderness from the procedure if all goes well. Read more here:

Is a hair transplant painful?

What is the best age to get a hair transplant?

The most common age range for hair transplants is 30 to 39. Getting a hair transplant at a very young age before your balding pattern is apparent can yield unsatisfactory results. Meanwhile, getting it at an older age when your hair loss has advanced drastically can also be futile due to the declining number of healthy hair follicles. For long-term results, you need to get your hair transplant procedure as soon as your hair loss pattern stabilizes. Read more here:

What is the best age to get a hair transplant?

When can I go back to work after a hair transplant?

Ideally, you should return to work after 10 to 14 days to give yourself time to heal and recover. At this stage, the redness, scabbing, and swelling should have subsided to help you conceal your procedure better. However, the final decision should depend on factors such as the nature of your job and the hair transplant technique. Read more here:

When can I go back to work after a hair transplant?

Do you have to take finasteride if you have a hair transplant?

Hair transplants are permanent and should last a lifetime as the newly transplanted follicles will continue to produce healthy hair. However, you may lose hair in other parts of your head making the results look incomplete many years down the line. While it is not necessary to take finasteride or other hair loss remedies after your procedure, taking them might help your hair transplant last longer. Read more here:

Do you have to take finasteride after a hair transplant?

How to reduce swellings after a hair transplant?

The most effective treatment for swelling after a hair transplant are steroids like Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone, and Triamcinolone that can be taken before, during, or after the surgery. Other methods of reducing swelling include sleeping in an elevated position, wearing a headband, applying a cold compress to the area, and staying hydrated. Read more here:

How to reduce swelling after a hair transplant

How long does it take after hair transplant for grafts to become secure?

Newly transplanted hair grafts are fragile at first and can take around 3 to 5 days to become fully secure on the scalp (sometimes up to 10 days). Avoid touching the new grafts, scratching your head, wearing headgear, or doing anything that might dislodge them before they are done healing. Read more here:

How long does it take after a hair transplant for grafts to become secure?

Can you have a hair transplant with long hair?

Yes, it is possible with unshaven or minimally shaven hair transplants that allow you to get the benefits of the surgery without any drastic shaving. These techniques allow you to maintain your existing hair length during and after the surgery. Read more here:

Can you have a hair transplant with long hair?

Do you need to take minoxidil after a hair transplant?

Minoxidil is recommended as a complementary post-surgery treatment to speed up the hair transplant results and preserve existing hair. Taking minoxidil is not necessary and it is important to consult your surgeon if you plan to take minoxidil before or after the surgery. Read more here:

Do you need to take minoxidil after a hair transplant?

Do you need to take finasteride after a hair transplant?

Taking finasteride after a hair transplant is not compulsory. However, without finasteride, you may continue to lose hair in other areas and require a second hair transplant. To avoid that possibility and get the best long-term results, you should discuss the feasibility of taking finasteride and its side effects with your doctor. Read more here:

Do you need to take finasteride after a hair transplant?

When can I exercise again after a hair transplant?

You can resume your exercise routine 7 to 14 days after the hair transplant surgery. Typically, you are allowed to do light exercises such as walking and yoga after only seven days of the procedure. After two weeks, you can perform most exercises except high-contact sports. Combat sports, rugby, football, and other such activities can be resumed after one month when full recovery is expected. Read more here:

When can I exercise again after a hair transplant?

How to sleep after a hair transplant?

The most effective way to sleep after a hair transplant is to lie on your back on a bed or a recliner, wear disposable pads to protect the grafts and use pillows to elevate your head. Remember, your operated scalp should not touch or rub against any surface during the first two weeks of the surgery.  You should be able to return to your normal sleeping habits 14 days after the transplant. Read more here:

How to sleep after a hair transplant?

Do Steroids Cause Hair Loss?

The use of steroids has always been a controversial topic among the general public, especially since there are so many case studies linking steroids with a number of health issues. Some studies have even linked steroids with hair loss because of how they can alter a person’s testosterone levels.

Do Steroids Cause Hair Loss?

Does Whey Protein Cause Hair Loss?

Fitness enthusiasts around the world remain divided when it comes to the benefits and side effects of Whey protein. And now, this latest claim about whey protein causing hair loss has just added fuel to the fire. Especially since multiple studies claim that 80% of all men and 50% of all women will experience hair loss in their lifetimes.

Does Whey Protein Cause Hair Loss?

How Much Hair is Normal to Lose in the Shower?

You will be happy to know that losing hair in the shower is actually normal. That said, you do have to closely monitor how much hair you are losing because if it is above a certain threshold, then the signs may point to hair loss.

How Much Hair is Normal to Lose in the Shower?

Will I Go Bald if My Dad Is Bald?

Male pattern baldness is prevalent in most men and hits everyone at different ages. According to studies, 80% of all men will start balding when they hit 70. While some will start experiencing some form of hair loss well before that time. Stats like these have got young people worried about the fate of their hair, especially if their dad is bald.

Will I Go Bald if My Dad Is Bald?

What does your hair loss look like?

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