What is a Hair Transplant? How it Works, Success Rate & What to Expect

Key Takeaways 

• Definition: A hair transplant permanently relocates your own hair to thinning areas.

• Techniques: FUE and FUT hair transplant surgery are the 2 main techniques, and they differ in scarring, recovery, and graft harvesting.

• Candidacy: Patients should have stable hair loss, a healthy donor area, and realistic expectations.

• Recovery: Most patients fully recover within 2 weeks, with full hair growth at 12 months.

• Risks & Aftercare: Mild side effects are common; serious complications are rare when surgery is safely done to a high quality.

Cost: Varies from £3,000 to £10,000, depending on the number of grafts and the technique.

What is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair from one area of your scalp to another area where hair is thinning or missing.¹ Unlike wigs or temporary fixes, it’s permanent as the hair you move continues to grow naturally.

Hair transplants are increasingly popular because they offer natural-looking results that can restore density and improve appearance. Both men and women with hair loss caused by various conditions can benefit from the procedure.

A Brief History of Hair Transplant Surgery

The first recorded hair transplant was documented in 1822 in Germany, where surgeons successfully moved hair from one area of the scalp to another. However, these early techniques were not widely adopted for treating pattern baldness.

Modern hair transplantation began in Japan during the 1930s and 1940s, when dermatologists such as Dr S. Okuda described transplanting hair-bearing skin to areas affected by hair loss and scarring. These findings remained largely unknown outside Japan until after World War II.²

The foundation of modern hair restoration was established in 1959 by Dr Norman Orentreich, who introduced the principle of donor dominance. He demonstrated that hair taken from the back and sides of the scalp retains its growth characteristics when transplanted to balding areas.

Today, hair transplantation uses refined microsurgical techniques such as FUT and FUE, allowing surgeons to transplant individual follicular units with high precision. These advances have produced results that are more natural-looking, with minimal scarring and significantly improved graft survival.

How Does a Hair Transplant Work?

Not all hair is affected the same way. Male pattern baldness occurs because a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes some follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.

However, follicles at the back and sides of the head are genetically programmed to be resistant to DHT. When these follicles are transplanted to the thinning areas, they retain this resistance, allowing them to continue growing even in their new location.¹

Hair transplantation begins with a consultation to assess your hair loss and donor area. Patients serve as their own donors; hair is never taken from another person, ensuring compatibility and eliminating the risk of rejection.

During the procedure, healthy follicles are carefully harvested from the donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp, using one of the two main surgical methods: Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) or Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Once removed, the follicles are kept in a controlled environment to maintain viability while the surgeon prepares the recipient areas. Tiny incisions are made in the thinning or bald regions, and the follicles are precisely implanted to achieve a natural-looking hairline and overall density.

After the procedure, the transplanted follicles need time to settle and establish a blood supply in their new location. Most patients start to see regrowth within a few months, with full results developing over 12 to 18 months.

Hair Restoration Techniques 

In clinical practice, hair transplantation is performed using specific surgical methods designed to extract and implant follicular units with minimal trauma and optimal graft survival.

The two principal techniques used today are Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). These approaches differ mainly in how follicles are harvested, the type of scarring produced, and post-operative recovery.

Follicular Unit Excision (FUE)

FUE involves taking individual hair grafts from the back and sides of the head (the safe donor area) and moving them to areas of recession, such as the hairline, temples, and crown. Each graft averages 1-4 hairs.³

The FUE method has become highly popular due to its minimal scarring, natural-looking results, and shorter recovery time. 

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT, also known as the strip method, involves removing a small strip of scalp from the back of the head, from which hair follicles are then extracted and transplanted to the desired areas.⁴

This technique can yield multiple grafts in a single session, making it beneficial for individuals with extensive hair loss. However, FUT leaves a linear scar at the donor site and has a longer recovery time than FUE hair transplant surgery.

FUT vs. FUE

The simple table below can help compare and contrast the two methods:

	FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)	FUE (Follicular Unit Excision)
Donor Area Scarring	Linear scar	Dot-like scarring
Recovery Time	Longer	Shorter
Shave Type	Does not require a noticeable donor area shave.	Most commonly requires a donor area shave.
Cost	Less expensive	Slightly higher

Who is a Good Candidate?

An ideal candidate for a hair transplant is a patient who has the following attributes:

• Stable hair loss
• Good general overall health
• A good donor area of hair
• Reasonable expectations.
• A healthy scalp

A few examples of hair loss conditions that can be addressed successfully with hair restoration surgery are:

• Most commonly, male and female pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia)

• Traction alopecia

• Pubic, facial, and body hair placement for transgender patients

• Facial hair restoration for eyebrows, beards, and sideburns after facial trauma or burns

Who Should Avoid a Hair Transplant? 

While many people with pattern hair loss can benefit from a hair transplant, surgery is not suitable for everyone. Certain hair loss types, medical conditions, or personal factors can mean the surgery is not suitable or there are  increased risks, and they include:

1. Active inflammatory scalp conditions

Conditions such as lichen planopilaris (LPP) or discoid lupus erythematosus cause ongoing inflammation that can destroy hair follicles and prevent transplanted hairs from taking root. This therefore, increases the risk that surgery won’t work. Surgery should only be considered once these conditions are stable.

2. Diffuse or unstable hair loss

Diffuse unpatterned alopecia or rapidly progressing hair loss can make surgical outcomes unpredictable. Medical therapy is usually recommended for 6–12 months to stabilise hair before considering a hair transplant.⁵

3. Insufficient hair loss or donor supply

Transplants work best when noticeable thinning has occurred, and the donor area is healthy. Young patients or those with high hair density may benefit more from medical treatments first to preserve long-term options.

4. Unrealistic expectations

Surgery can improve density, but cannot fully restore childhood hairlines. Some scalp visibility remains, and donor-area scarring may occur. Discussing realistic goals with a specialist is essential.

5. Psychological conditions

Disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or trichotillomania (recurrent hair-pulling) can affect satisfaction with results and complicate post-surgical care.⁶

6. Medical factors that may affect healing

Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, advanced scalp sun damage, and certain autoimmunity disorders can increase the risks and reduce graft survival.⁷ 

Hair transplant surgery takes 1 year for the results to become visible. Patients often have the impression that their result will be visible overnight, but unfortunately, it takes 9-12 months for their transplanted hair to grow through. Having patience is incredibly important for my patients. 

Dr Dilan Fernando, Co-Founder and Surgeon and The Treatment Rooms London

Recovery and Aftercare

Everyone heals a little differently, but most people notice a common pattern after their hair transplant. In the first few days, mild swelling, redness, tenderness, and tiny scabs are normal. Around day four, gentle washing can usually begin as advised by your surgeon. By the end of the first two weeks, scabs fall off, tenderness eases, and patients can resume regular exercise.

Transplanted hairs may shed around two to four weeks after surgery; this is normal as follicles settle under the skin. New growth typically starts around three to four months, gradually thickening over time. Most patients see fuller, natural results by six months, with final density reached between 12 and 18 months.

Post-Operative Care

To support healing and maximise results, follow these key aftercare steps:

• Follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully for washing, handling, and grooming your hair.

• Take prescribed medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories as directed.

• Protect the scalp and avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks.

• Do not pick or scratch at scabs; allow them to wash away naturally.

• Wearing a loose-fitting hat outdoors can protect the scalp without disrupting grafts.

Hair Transplant Costs

The cost of a hair transplant varies depending on the number of grafts required and a patient’s specific surgical requirements. 

The average price ranges from £3,000 to £10,000, depending on the extent of the work required. 

Financing options are available to help make a procedure more affordable. You can read our blog on the cost of hair transplant. 

Hair Transplant Side Effects

Like any surgery, hair transplants have side effects, but most are mild. These include temporary numbness, swelling, and redness, which usually resolve within a few days to a few weeks.

These standard hair transplant side effects are easily manageable, and serious complications are rarely seen. 

When to Seek Medical Advice

Most hair transplants heal smoothly, but if you experience certain warning signs, it’s important to contact your surgeon right away. This helps address any issues quickly and safely.

• Heavy bleeding
• Sudden onset of severe rash, skin bumps, or cysts (signs of infection)
• Wound incision opening in FUT hair transplant surgery
• Skin that has turned a dusky colour and is crusty

Hair Transplant FAQs

• Does it hurt?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort after their surgery. Local anaesthesia is used, and post-operative pain is manageable.

• Will I need another transplant?

This depends on ongoing hair loss and donor availability. Some patients require further surgery as they continue to lose hair over time.

• Can I style my hair normally?

 Once the scalp has healed and the transplanted hair has grown in, you can style your hair normally.

References 

1. Goldin J, Zito PM, Raggio BS. Hair Transplantation. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan– [updated August 2, 2025]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/

2. International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). History of ISHRS. ISHRS [Internet]. c2026 [cited 2026 Feb 2]. Available from: https://ishrs.org/about/history/

3. Sharma R, Ranjan A. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: Curves Ahead. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2019 Dec;18(4):509–517. doi:10.1007/s12663-019-01245-6. PMID:31624428; PMCID:PMC6795649. 

4. Pothula SR, Jayanth BS. Hair Transplantation. In: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for the Clinician. Singapore: Springer; 2021. p. 707–730. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1346-6_34.

5. Mendoza LA, Ocampo GG, Abarca-Pineda YA, Khan MA, Ahmadi Y, Brown N, Deowan D, Nazir Z. Comprehensive review on hair loss and restorative techniques: advances in diagnostic, artistry, and surgical innovation. Cureus. 2025 Apr 25;17(4):e82991. doi:10.7759/cureus.82991. PMID: 40416167; PMCID: PMC12103887. 

6. Cleveland Clinic. Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Medically reviewed 11 Jan 2023. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder.

7. Guo S, DiPietro LA. Factors affecting wound healing. J Dent Res. 2010 Mar;89(3):219–229. doi:10.1177/0022034509359125. PMID: 20139336; PMCID: PMC2903966. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2903966/