Hair transplantation: what is it and how long does it last?
Today, thinning hair or receding corners do not necessarily mean resignation to baldness. Hair transplants are among the most effective ways to regain natural-looking hair density - without wigs, sprays or other uncomfortable solutions. How exactly does it work? And does it really last a lifetime?
What is a hair transplant and how does it work?
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure in which healthy hair roots (follicles) are removed from the so-called "hair follicles". donor (donor) areas - most often from the back of the head, where hair remains genetically resistant to loss even in men with significant baldness. These follicles then move to areas where the hair is sparse or completely absent.
Two main methods are used:
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method
The most modern and gentle method in which individual grafts (follicular units) are removed using a very thin needle with a diameter of approximately 0.6-1 mm. Each graft usually contains 1-4 hairs, so that the removal and subsequent implantation are as precise as possible. This results in only tiny dot-like scars that are virtually invisible with conventional hairstyles, and the overall healing time is usually much shorter than with older techniques. The resulting effect also looks very natural.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) method
In this method, a narrow strip of skin and hair is taken from the donor area and sent to a specialised laboratory. There, under microscopes, experts divide it into individual follicular units so that they are ready for precise implantation in areas affected by baldness or significant thinning. A significant advantage of this technique is the possibility of transplanting a really large amount of hair in a single operation, thus achieving a higher final density. This makes it an ideal solution for clients with more extensive hair loss or for those who want the most visible change after a single procedure.
The procedure itself takes approximately 4-8 hours depending on the extent. After the procedure, there may be slight redness, scabbing or swelling, which usually disappears within a few days.
What happens after the transplant?
Many people expect immediate growth of new hair, but transplanted follicles have their own biological rhythm. Therefore, they go through several natural phases after the procedure, which may seem surprising but are perfectly normal.
1. Initial "shedding" - temporary hair loss
During the first few weeks, the transplanted hair may start to fall out. There is no need to panic - this is a natural process in which the hair follicle goes into a resting phase and actually "reboots". The follicles remain firmly embedded in the skin, preparing for new growth.
2. New growth
Around the 2nd-3rd month, the hair follicles wake up and start producing new hair shafts. These first hairs may be thinner, finer or lighter, but they gradually get thicker and acquire their natural texture.
3. Visible result
Between the 6th and 8th month, most patients notice a significant thickening and better definition of the hairline. Hair continues to grow, thicken and evenly replenish.
The final result usually occurs between the 9th and 12th monthwhen the new hair growth has a stable density and appearance.
How long will transplanted hair last?
Here comes the best part: transplanted hair is in most cases permanent. Because they come from an area that is resistant to the hormones that cause balding, the hair behaves the same way even after transplanting. They literally carry their "resistance" with them - and they usually grow for life. But beware: Transplants won't stop loss of original hairwhich naturally become brittle and thin. Therefore, doctors often recommend long-term growth support and possibly smaller additional sessions in the future to thicken. However, the transplanted follicles themselves are among the most resilient that are on the head - and this is the main reason why the procedure has such a high success rate.
What can affect the durability of the results?
The long-term success of transplantation is no accident. Several key factors influence the final density of the hair and its further growth:
- Genetics
The quality of the so-called. donor areas (most often the back of the head) is essential. In people with genetically strong and resilient follicles, the transferred hair often has almost "lifelong immunity" to hair loss. This is why these roots commonly persist for decades after transfer. - Age at surgery
Transplants commonly transfer follicles resistant to hormonal hair loss. However, if you undergo the procedure too early, the original - untransplanted - hair may continue to thin. This may require replenishment and detailed hairline planning in the future to keep the result looking natural even 10-20 years from now. - Postoperative care
Proper washing, moisturizing the skin, avoiding direct sun exposure and careful adherence to recommended medications (e.g. topical solutions, gentle products) are crucial to whether new follicles will successfully take root. The first 14 days determine the 80 % outcome. - Lifestyle
Stress, poor diet, lack of sleep and poor scalp care can slow down growth and weaken hair health. Conversely, a balanced diet with plenty of protein, iron, zinc and omega-3s promotes natural hair growth.
Bottom line
Hair transplantation is now a sophisticated, safe and extremely effective way to restore the density and natural appearance of hair. Combined with proper follow-up care and any supportive treatment, it produces results that can last decades - and in most cases, a lifetime.
If you are considering the procedure, the best step is a personal consultation with a specialist. You'll find out if you're a good candidate, how many grafts will be needed, what type of method is ideal for you, and how realistic your resulting growth may look. This allows you to set realistic expectations and choose the ideal solution for you.