If you’re considering a hair transplant, you probably have a lot of questions—like how hair grafts are actually inserted and what the process feels like. The good news? Modern hair restoration techniques have come a long way, making results more natural than ever. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.
How Are Hair Grafts Inserted?
Hair graft insertion is a meticulous process designed to ensure that transplanted hair looks completely natural. Here’s how it works:
- Creating the Recipient Sites – Once the donor hair is extracted (either through Follicular Unit Transplantation [FUT] or Follicular Unit Excision [FUE]), tiny incisions are made in the thinning or bald areas where the new hair will grow. These incisions are carefully planned to match your natural hair pattern.
- Placing the Grafts – Individual follicular units (groups of 1-4 hairs) are delicately placed into these recipient sites. The key here is precision—each graft is positioned at the right angle, depth, and density to mimic natural hair growth.
- Hydration & Care – To maximize graft survival, keeping the follicles hydrated is critical. Dr. Sharon Keene, a pioneer in hair restoration, even developed a specialized graft hydration reservoir to ensure the highest success rates.
- Healing & Growth – After placement, the scalp heals over the next few days, and the newly inserted follicles enter a resting phase before new hair starts growing naturally in a few months.
What Does It Feel Like?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. A local anesthetic is used, so you won’t feel any pain, just some light pressure or tugging. After the procedure, mild soreness or redness is common but usually subsides within a few days.
How Long Does It Take?
Hair graft insertion is a time-intensive process, typically lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the number of grafts being placed. The meticulous nature of the procedure is what ensures a natural and permanent result.
What Results Can You Expect?
- 1-3 Months: Transplanted hairs may shed temporarily—this is completely normal.
- 3-6 Months: New growth begins, though fine and soft at first.
- 6-12 Months: Hair thickens and starts blending seamlessly with your natural hair.
- 12-18 Months: Full results become visible, revealing a natural, dense hairline.
Why Dr. Sharon Keene?
Dr. Keene is more than just a hair restoration specialist—she’s an innovator. From designing the first multi-blade recipient site scalpel to developing groundbreaking hydration techniques for graft survival, she has dedicated her career to perfecting the science and artistry of hair restoration. Her meticulous approach ensures that every patient gets results that look completely natural.
Thinking About a Hair Transplant? Let’s Talk!
If you’re ready to restore your hair—and your confidence—schedule a consultation today.
