Who is a good candidate for a hair transplant?

The first question that pops into the mind of many patients is whether they’re a good hair transplant candidate.

Despite the treatment’s widespread popularity, not everyone is an ideal candidate for a hair transplant procedure.

But what makes someone an ideal candidate for a hair transplant surgery, and how can you determine if you fit the bill?

Let’s find out together!

Am I a good candidate for a hair transplant?

Generally speaking, you’re most likely a good candidate for a hair transplant if your hair loss has progressed beyond stage two on the Norwood Scale.

It’s also important that your hair loss pattern has stabilized, and you haven’t noticed any additional hair loss for at least a few months.

Getting a hair transplant while your hair loss is still in progress can easily ruin your long-term results, and leave you with patchy coverage.

Your existing hair may continue to shed even after your surgical hair restoration.

This is why it’s important to wait with hair restoration surgery until you’re a perfect hair transplant candidate. Otherwise, you may risk wasting away your hair follicles prematurely.

Hair transplant age

At HairPalace, we recommend that all patients wait until they’re at least 22 years of age.

This is largely due to the issue we covered above. Hair loss, especially male pattern hair loss, can take decades to fully materialise.

Your hair loss must stop before you commit to hair transplant surgery to ensure you get lasting results.

Hair loss type

The best hair transplant candidate usually suffers from male pattern baldness. This condition happens as the follicle-killing DHT hormone attaches itself to certain receptors on the scalp, causing follicles to shrink.

Hair transplantation uses hairs from the back and sides of the head, which are resistant to the effects of DHT.

This means that the implanted hairs will never fall out, and hair transplants can provide a permanent solution.

Is your hair loss pattern stable?

A good rule of thumb is that if your hair loss pattern has not changed for a year, it probably stabilized.

If you’re in doubt schedule a consultation with a hair loss clinic, they’ll be able to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a hair transplant.

If your hair loss hasn’t stabilised it can be challenging to predict the future loss, which could lead to unnatural-looking results after transplantation.

Are your hair characteristics ideal for the surgery?

Your hair has several characteristics that may or may not make you an ideal candidate for hair transplant surgery.

These include things such as colour, texture, density and whether you have thin or thick hair.

Hair colour

Hair colour can often be a big factor due to the contrast between hair and scalp colour.

If you have dark hair but lighter skin your hair loss might be more noticeable, and you may need more hair to achieve the right results.

However, in case your skin complexion matches your hair colour it might be easier to achieve adequate density.

Hair density

Hair density is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to a hair transplant. You need good density and adequate donor hair, otherwise the surgeon can’t carry out the procedure.

If you have a good amount of healthy hair in the back and sides of your hair, you’re most likely an excellent candidate for a hair transplant.

Hair texture

If you have curly or wavy hair it can be challenging to carry out the surgery as most extraction devices are designed for straight hair. At HairPalace we only work with straight hair.

Additionally, different ethnicities have different hair characteristics which can mean a difference in density, elasticity, and thickness.

Hair thickness

Hair thickness only influences the result, it has little effect on someone’s eligibility. If someone has thicker hair it’s much easier to achieve the desired effect.

People with thicker hair tend to require fewer grafts to cover the same area compared to someone with thinner hair.

Should you have a hair transplant?

If you’re suffering from male pattern baldness, hair transplant surgery is the best solution for your problems.

The majority of patients are satisfied with their results, and hair transplants provide much more than just an aesthetic change.

Patients report an increase in confidence and an invaluable boost to their self-esteem.

Your transplanted hair will never fall out, so those who undergo hair transplant surgery can enjoy their new hair growth for a lifetime.

Last medically reviewed on May 9th, 2024