A hair transplant is a cosmetic surgery that moves hair from one part of the body (usually the back of the head) to areas with thinning or baldness.
Hair loss↗️ can feel discouraging, but a hair transplant↗️ provides a reliable solution to restore your hair and confidence. This surgical procedure relocates healthy hair follicles to thinning or bald areas, offering natural results.
Whether you are exploring options or ready to decide, this blog explains the process, types, and steps in simple, technical language. Let us examine how hair transplants work, who needs them, and what to expect, including cost, time to, and empowering you to make an informed choice.
What Is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a surgical technique that moves hair follicles from a donor site, usually the back of the head, to areas with thinning or no hair. It is designed to restore natural hair growth↗️ in bald spots or improve hair density.
The procedure uses your own hair, ensuring a seamless, realistic look. Performed by skilled surgeons, it is a popular, effective solution for hair loss, offering long-lasting results with proper care.
How Does a Hair Transplant Work?
- Donor Area Selection: Surgeons identify a donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp, where hair follicles are genetically resistant to balding. These healthy follicles are chosen because they are less likely to fall out after transplantation, ensuring long-lasting results for the patient.
- Follicle Extraction: Using precise tools, surgeons extract individual hair follicles or small strips of skin from the donor area. This step requires accuracy to minimise scarring and ensure the follicles remain viable for successful transplantation to the recipient site.
- Recipient Site Preparation: The surgeon creates tiny incisions in the balding or thinning area, mapping out a natural-looking hairline or pattern. This careful planning ensures the transplanted hair blends seamlessly with existing hair for an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
- Follicle Implantation: Extracted follicles are meticulously implanted into the prepared recipient site, aligning with the natural direction of hair growth. This delicate process ensures the new hair grows naturally, matching the surrounding hair in texture and appearance.
Types of Hair Transplant Procedures
Hair transplants come in different types, each suited to specific needs. Understanding these procedures helps you choose the best option for natural, lasting results. Let us explore them:
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
In FUT, the surgeon removes a small strip of skin from the back of your head, where hair is thick. This strip is divided into tiny units containing hair follicles, which are then placed into bald areas. It is excellent for covering larger bald spots but leaves a thin scar, which might show if you wear your hair very short. The process is quicker than other methods.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE involves taking individual hair follicles from the back or sides of your head using a tiny tool. These follicles are then planted into thinning areas. It leaves small, dot-like scars that are hard to notice, making it perfect for short hairstyles. This method takes longer and might cost more, but it is less invasive and has a faster recovery time.
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)
How to Know If You Need a Hair Transplant
Deciding if a hair transplant is right for you can feel tricky. This section highlights key signs to help you determine if this procedure suits your hair loss needs.
Noticeable Hair Thinning
Stable Hair Loss
Enough Donor Hair
For a successful hair transplant, you need a healthy donor area, usually the back or sides of your head, where hair is thick and strong. The surgeon checks if you have enough good-quality hair follicles to move to the bald areas. If your donor area is robust, it increases the chances of a successful transplant with natural results.
Realistic Goals
Being a good candidate means understanding that a hair transplant takes time to show results and may not fully recreate your original hair. If you are patient and have clear expectations, you are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome. Knowing the process involves gradual hair growth and some limitations helps you stay positive.
The Hair Transplant Process – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Consultation and Planning: You meet with a surgeon who checks your hair loss and discusses what you want. They plan the transplant, deciding how many hair follicles to move and where to place them. This step ensures the new hair looks natural and matches your face, setting the stage for a successful procedure with clear expectations.
Step 2: Preparing the Scalp: Before surgery, the doctor cleans and numbs your scalp with medicine so you feel no pain. They mark the areas where hair will go, ensuring the design looks natural. This preparation helps the transplant go smoothly and keeps you comfortable throughout the process, providing the best possible results.
Step 3: Taking Hair Follicles: The surgeon takes hair follicles from the back or sides of your head, where hair is strong. They might remove a small strip of skin or pick individual follicles carefully. This step is done gently to keep the follicles healthy, so they can grow well when placed in the bald areas.
Step 4: Placing the Follicles: The doctor makes tiny cuts in the bald areas and places the hair follicles carefully. They follow the natural direction of your hair to make it look real. This step needs skill to ensure the new hair grows nicely and blends with the rest of your hair for a natural look.
Step 5: Aftercare and Recovery: After the transplant, the doctor gives instructions on how to care for your scalp, like gentle washing and avoiding heavy activity. They may suggest medicines to help with healing. Follow-up visits check how the hair is growing, ensuring you get the desired full, natural results.
Hair Transplantation Recovery and Results Timeline?
Recovering from a hair transplant takes time, but knowing the steps makes it easier. This section explains how your hair heals and grows, so you feel ready and confident.
Understanding how hair grows↗️ helps explain the recovery process. Hair goes through four stages that affect how transplanted hair develops. Here’s a simple look at these stages before we explore the recovery timeline.
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This is when hair grows, lasting three to five years. Scalp hair grows longer than other hair, and transplanted hair will eventually grow like this, giving you fuller hair.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): For about ten days, hair growth slows, and the hair detaches but stays on the scalp. Only a few hairs are in this short phase at a time.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): Hair rests for about three months without growing. New hair starts forming in the follicle, and 10-15% of hairs are usually in this phase.
- Exogen (Shedding Phase): Old hair falls out over two to five months as new hair grows. This happens when you brush or wash your hair, and it’s normal.
Now, let’s review the recovery and results timeline after a hair transplant. Each stage shows how your scalp heals and when new hair appears.
- First Week: Right after surgery, your scalp is sore and bandaged. You might feel itchy as scabs form. Don’t wash your hair for four days, avoid sports, and wear a hat outside. Use pain medicine if it hurts.
- Two Weeks: Swelling goes down, but some redness stays. Scabs fall off, and you can do light activities. Some hair shedding is normal as new hair forms. Soak your head to help scabs, but don’t pick them.
In two weeks, you can return to work and gently wash your hair as your doctor says. Shedding continues as hair enters the telogen and exogen phases, making the scalp look patchy. This is normal, and new hair is getting ready to grow.
- One Month: More transplanted hair falls out, and the scalp may look uneven. The donor area grows new hair, covering it well. Call your doctor if redness or heat lasts, but shedding is okay.
- Two to Three Months: Shedding continues, and the scalp may look patchy. By three months, thin, wispy hairs appear. New hairs are starting to grow, and they’ll get stronger later.
At three months, healing is done, and early growth starts. Wispy hairs show the anagen phase is beginning, but are not thick yet. Stay patient, as hair will improve and look more even soon.
- Four to Six Months: At four months, more hair grows, but it’s still patchy. By six months, hair is thicker, and growth is noticeable. This “ugly duckling” stage shows progress but is not the final look.
- Nine to Twelve Months: Hair grows 1-2 cm monthly, getting thicker. You can style it if it’s long. By twelve months, most hair has grown, looking full and natural.
- Twelve to Eighteen Months: Between one and one-and-a-half years, you see the final results↗️. All transplanted hair is thick, dark, and fully grown. You can treat it like normal hair.
By twelve months, your hair looks natural and blends well. You can use regular shampoos and style it freely. The donor and recipient areas look great, giving you a confident, full head of hair.
Hair Transplant Cost and Factors That Affect Pricing
The cost of a hair transplant↗️ depends on several factors that vary from person to person and clinic to clinic. Below, we outline four key factors influencing pricing, followed by a table showing estimated costs at Hairfree & Hairgrow Clinic (HFHG).
- Number of Grafts Needed: The more grafts required to cover bald areas, the higher the cost. Larger bald spots need more grafts, increasing the price significantly.
- Technique Used: Advanced methods like FUE or DHI cost more than FUT because they use precise tools and take longer, offering better results.
- Clinic Location: Costs are higher in big cities like Delhi or Mumbai due to higher clinic expenses compared to smaller cities like Surat.
- Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced surgeons charge more for their skills, ensuring natural results and fewer complications, which can raise the overall price.
Hairfree & Hairgrow Clinic (HFHG) Cost Table
HFHG is India’s leading hair transplant clinic, with locations in Surat, Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Nagpur. The table below shows estimated costs for different techniques based on the number of grafts. Note that these are approximate prices, and GST is extra. Costs may vary depending on grafts, techniques, and clinics. For precise pricing, consult HFHG directly.
No. of Grafts | BIO FUE (INR) | I-FUE (INR) | BIG FUE (INR) |
1000-1500 | 30,000-40,000 | 40,000-50,000 | 50,000-75,000 |
1500-2500 | 40,000-60,000 | 50,000-75,000 | 75,000-120,000 |
2500-4500 | 60,000-90,000 | 75,000-135,000 | 120,000-250,000 |
These prices reflect HFHG’s commitment to quality and advanced techniques like BIO FUE, I-FUE, and BIG FUE, which use innovative tools for natural results. Always check with the clinic for exact costs tailored to your needs.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
- Allergies: Some medicines or products might cause rashes, itching, or swelling. Bad allergies can make breathing hard. Tell a doctor if you see any weird signs on your body.
- Feeling Sleepy or Dizzy: Some medicines can make you tired or dizzy. This might make driving or using machines unsafe. Wait to see how the medicine affects you before doing risky things.
- Tummy Troubles: Medicines might make you feel sick, throw up, or have stomach pain. Taking them with food can help. Talk to your doctor if your tummy keeps hurting.
- Headaches: Some medicines or treatments can give you headaches. These are usually not bad, but they can bother you. Rest and drink water. Tell a doctor if headaches are strong.
- Mood Swings: Some medicines might make you sad, nervous, or grumpy. If you feel strange or act differently, tell your doctor so they can change your medicine.
- Skin Problems: Creams or medicines might make your skin red, itchy, or peel. Stop using them and call a doctor if your skin gets worse or the problem spreads.
- Heart Issues: Some medicines might make your heart beat fast or funny. This isn’t common, but it is serious. Get help right away if your chest hurts or your heart feels weird.
- Liver or Kidney Harm: Some medicines can hurt your liver or kidneys if used for a long time. Blood tests can find problems early. Tell a doctor if you’re super tired or your skin turns yellow.
- Mixing Medicines: Taking different medicines together can cause problems. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or herbs you use to stay safe and avoid getting sick.
- Eye or Ear Problems: Some medicines might blur your vision or cause your ears ring. This doesn’t happen often but is essential. Tell a doctor fast if your eyes or ears feel strange.
When To Call the Doctor
If you have serious side effects↗️ like breathing problems, chest pain, or swelling after taking medicine or starting treatment, call your doctor immediately. Ongoing issues like bad headaches, vomiting, yellow skin, or mood changes need quick attention. Don’t ignore strange symptoms like blurry vision, ringing ears, or weird heartbeats, as they might mean something serious.
Tell your doctor if side effects last or get worse, or if you’re worried about mixing medicines. Calling early can stop bigger problems and keep your treatment safe. Always have your doctor’s number ready and call if something feels wrong.
How to Choose the Right Hair Clinic and Surgeon
- Look for Skilled Surgeons: Choose a clinic with surgeons with years of hair transplant experience. They should be trained and have many successful cases. Check their qualifications to ensure they can deliver fantastic results safely.
- Check Real Patient Feedback: Read what past patients say about the clinic online. Look for honest reviews on trusted sites. Positive feedback about results and care shows the clinic is reliable and values its patients.
- Ensure Modern Equipment: Pick a clinic with updated facilities and advanced tools. Modern technology makes hair transplants safer and more effective. A good clinic keeps everything hygienic and uses the latest methods for better outcomes.
- Ask About Transplant Methods: Make sure the clinic uses advanced techniques like FUE or DHI for natural-looking hair. These methods reduce scarring and speed up recovery. Ask how they plan your treatment for the best results.
It is recommended that you choose Hair Free Hair Grow Clinic, which is known for its experienced surgeons, cutting-edge FUE and DHI techniques, and excellent patient reviews. Their modern facilities ensure safe, natural-looking results, making them a top choice for hair transplants.
Best Hair Transplant Clinic in Bangalore: Hairfree & Hairgrow Clinic
Hairfree & Hairgrow (HFHG) is one of India’s most trusted names in hair restoration. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Chintan Bhavsar, Dr. Kiran Chotaliya, and Dr. Shreedevi Lakhe, HFHG has clinics in Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Delhi (Gurugram), Hyderabad, Indore, Bhopal, Kolkata, Vapi (Silvassa), and Nagpur. With personalized treatment plans, state-of-the-art facilities, and a patient-first approach, HFHG ensures you receive safe, effective, and long-lasting solutions for hair loss.
Why Choose Hairfree & Hairgrow (HFHG)?
At Hairfree & Hairgrow Hair Transplant Clinic, we combine cutting-edge technology with expert care to deliver natural-looking, permanent hair restoration results. With over 18+ years of experience, our team of highly qualified doctors has helped more than 50,000+ clients regain their confidence and hair.
Here’s Why Thousands Trust HFHG:
- Experienced Surgeons: Led by a team of internationally trained doctors.
- Advanced Techniques: Including FUE, BIO-FUE, and DHT hair restoration methods.
- Natural Results: Customized hairline designs for a natural and youthful look.
- Affordable Pricing: World-class treatments at competitive prices.
- Multiple Locations: Easily accessible clinics across 11+ major Indian cities.
Hair Transplant Success Stories & Before-After Results
At Hairfree & Hairgrow Clinic – Surat Branch↗️, we recently performed a successful hair transplant for Mr. Dinesh Magna, a 34-year-old male from Surat suffering from grade 3-4 baldness and hair thinning from the front to crown area. He also had mild dandruff and ongoing hair fall.
After a detailed consultation with our expert, Dr. Jinkal Kunjadiya↗️, Dinesh opted for I-FUE hair transplant, performed on 23rd July 2021.
What Mr. Dinesh Manga Said
I was facing hair loss for over 8 years and started noticing major baldness in the last 3-4 years. I had lost my hairline and had thinning at the front and crown. I saw the amazing results of HFHG Clinic on Instagram and YouTube and decided to consult them.
Dr. Jinkal at the Surat branch explained everything clearly – from the cause of my hair loss to the entire transplant procedure. The surgery was painless and well managed. I had 3600+ grafts transplanted, and everything went smoothly.
The staff was very supportive, and I got a full post-op care plan including PRP, medications, and direct contact with the doctor for follow-ups. I’m now excited to see my hair grow back with better density and confidence.
Hair Transplant FAQs
1. What is a hair transplant?
A hair transplant surgically moves hair follicles from a donor area to balding spots, typically using FUT or FUE methods, offering permanent, natural-looking results for hair loss.
2. What’s the difference between FUT and FUE?
FUT removes a scalp strip, leaving a linear scar; FUE extracts individual follicles, minimising scarring. FUE is less invasive and has a faster recovery, so it is ideal for short hairstyles.
3. How long does recovery take?
Recovery takes 7–10 days, with redness and swelling subsiding. Transplanted hair sheds in 2–3 weeks, with new growth starting at 3–4 months and full results in 12 months.
4. What are the risks of hair transplants?
5. How much does a hair transplant cost?
Costs range from ₹77,000 to ₹1,65,000, depending on grafts needed, clinic location↗️, and surgeon expertise. Consultations provide personalised quotes; payment plans may be available.
6. Who is eligible for a hair transplant?
Good candidates have sufficient donor hair, typically from the back of the head, and stable health. Age and hair loss extent are assessed during consultations.
7. What aftercare is required post-transplant?
Avoid sun exposure, swimming, and scratching for 14 days. Use prescribed shampoos, sleep with high pillows, and follow the surgeon’s instructions for optimal healing and results.
8. Are hair transplant results permanent?
Yes, transplanted hair is permanent, growing naturally for life, as donor follicles resist balding. Ongoing hair loss in non-transplanted areas may require additional treatments.
9. Will a hair transplant look natural?
With a skilled surgeon, transplants look natural, using small grafts for seamless blending. Poor clinics may yield unnatural results, so research is crucial.
10. Can women get hair transplants?
Yes, women with sufficient donor hair can undergo transplants for thinning or scarring. Modern techniques ensure natural results, tailored to individual hair loss patterns.
Written By
MD (Skin & VD)
Dr. Kiran Chotaliya is a respected hair transplant specialist known for his expertise, experience, and patient-centered approach. Using the advanced FUE method, he provides natural-looking results that help patients regain their confidence. His dedication and skill make him a leading specialist in the field of hair transplantation.
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See Detailed Disclaimers Here.
