A hair graft is a small unit of hair follicles extracted from the donor area and transplanted to thinning or balding areas. The success of a hair transplant depends on graft quality, survival, and placement. In this guide, we cover the essentials of hair grafts so you know what to expect.
What Is a Hair Graft?
A hair graft is a small piece of scalp tissue containing one or more hair follicles. These grafts are taken from the donor area, usually the back or sides of the head, where hair is genetically resistant to balding and transplanted to thinning or bald areas.
Each graft typically contains 1 to 4 hair follicles, depending on the extraction method. The goal of a hair transplant is to strategically place these grafts in a way that mimics natural hair growth for a full, seamless result.
How Are Hair Grafts Harvested?
There are two main ways to harvest hair grafts for hair transplantation:
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE is a minimally invasive technique that removes individual follicular units directly from the donor area using a small, circular punch tool (typically 0.7–1.0mm in diameter). The surgeon extracts each graft one by one, leaving behind tiny dot-like scars that are nearly undetectable once healed.
- Advantages: No linear scar, faster healing, and the ability to wear short hairstyles without visible signs of surgery.
- Considerations: Requires precision and time; may need multiple sessions for high graft counts.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
FUT, also known as the strip method, involves removing a thin strip of scalp from the donor area. A skilled team then carefully dissects individual grafts under a microscope before transplanting them. The donor area is sutured, leaving a thin linear scar that is typically concealed by surrounding hair.
- Advantages: Allows for the extraction of a larger number of grafts in one session; cost-effective, efficient for advanced hair loss
- Considerations: Longer healing time and a linear scar, which may be visible with very short haircuts.
How Are Hair Grafts Inserted?
After extraction, hair grafts are carefully implanted into the thinning or bald areas. This step is what shapes your final results, so this is where your surgeon’s artistry and surgical skill make all the difference.
Your surgeon makes tiny incisions in the scalp, mapping out the new hairline and density. These incisions match your natural hair growth pattern to ensure the results look impeccable. Each graft is carefully inserted one by one into the incisions. The angle, direction, and spacing are all carefully controlled to create natural-looking results.
When Are Hair Grafts Secure?
Hair grafts are considered secure when they have fully anchored into the scalp and can no longer be dislodged. This process happens in stages:
- Days 1-3: The grafts are at their most fragile. Avoid touching, rubbing, or washing the area to prevent dislodging.
- Days 4-7: The grafts start to settle as the skin heals around them, but they’re still delicate. Follow your surgeon’s post-op care instructions carefully.
- Day 10: By this point, the grafts are firmly in place. The scabs that formed around the grafts will start falling off naturally.
- Weeks 2-3: The grafts are fully secure. You can now wash your scalp normally, sleep without extra precautions, and gently touch the area without worrying about graft loss.
How Many Hair Grafts Do I Need?
The number of hair grafts you need depends on your level of hair loss, the density you want, and your hair characteristics like thickness, curl, and color contrast with your scalp. An experienced surgeon like Dr. Keene will assess these factors to recommend the right graft count for a natural, full-looking result.
The Norwood scale is commonly used to classify male pattern baldness:
Norwood Scale | Hair Loss Description | Estimated Grafts Needed |
Norwood 2-3 | Receding hairline & mild thinning | 500–1,500 |
Norwood 3-4 | Moderate hair loss at hairline & crown | 1,500–3,000 |
Norwood 4-5 | Significant hair loss, larger bald spots | 3,000–4,000 |
Norwood 5-6 | Extensive balding, top of scalp affected | 4,000–5,000+ |
Norwood 6-7 | Severe baldness, very little hair on top | 5,000–7,000+ (may require multiple sessions) |
How Long Does Grafted Hair Last?
Hair grafts are permanent because they’re taken from the donor area, typically the back or sides of the head, where hair is genetically resistant to balding. Once transplanted, the follicles continue to grow hair just as they did in their original location.
How Much Does Hair Grafting Cost?
The cost of hair grafting varies based on the number of grafts needed, the technique used (FUE or FUT), the surgeon’s experience, and the clinic’s location. On average, hair transplants range from $4,000 to $15,000.
Additional treatments like PRP treatment for hair loss also add to the overall cost. Since hair transplants are considered cosmetic procedures, insurance does not cover them.
Your Hair Grafts Deserve Expert Hands. Book a Consultation with Dr. Keene.
Every hair graft counts. That is Dr. Keene’s philosophy in hair transplantation. Dr. Sharon Keene is a board-certified hair transplant surgeon at the Physician’s Hair Institute in Tucson and Scottsdale, Arizona. She specializes in creating natural-looking hair transplant results using advanced FUT and FUE techniques.
With 20+ years of surgical experience, Dr. Keene has helped thousands of men and women renew their hair and confidence. Call today to schedule your consultation. We serve patients in and around Tucson and Scottsdale, AZ, including Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Paradise Valley, and Mesa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hair grow back after a hair graft?
Yes, but it follows a cycle. Transplanted hair sheds in the first few weeks, then starts regrowing around 3-4 months. By 12-18 months, full results are visible, and the hair grows naturally like the rest of your hair.
Is hair grafting permanent?
Yes, hair grafts are taken from the donor area, where hair is genetically resistant to balding. Once transplanted, they continue growing for life. However, non-transplanted hair may still thin over time, requiring maintenance treatments.
Can hair grafts be removed?
Yes, but it’s complex. Hair grafts can be extracted through corrective procedures, laser treatments, or another hair transplant session. However, removing them may leave scarring or require strategic redistribution for a natural look.
