Let’s be honest – hair loss can be especially disheartening. For example, a receding hairline or fading patches of hair can make you feel like you’re losing a part of your identity. And while some men may come to terms with the bald look, the majority prefer finding a way to regain their confidence. Hair transplants do exactly that, and no, they are not solely for celebrities or the ultra-rich; hair transplants offer a straightforward, long-term solution for men who wish to regain their hair in a natural manner.  

What exactly is a hair transplant?  

The concept of a hair transplant is rather straightforward; your doctor will take hair from a region around your scalp (usually the back or sides, where there is an abundance of hair), and relocate it to the areas of your head that are balding. The hair follicles, once transplanted, will grow naturally, just like the other hair on your scalp. A trichologist can help you choose the right one depending on the patient’s condition. “The most common way is grafting. To be a good candidate, you need to have thicker areas of hair on your head,” says Dr Shilpa Patil, MD dermatologist and director of Ethoski Healthcare Pvt Ltd. 

There are two main techniques: 

1. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) – Hair follicles are removed one by one and transplanted. This method is less invasive and heals faster. 

2. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) – A strip of skin with hair follicles is removed, and then individual follicles are implanted. This is better for those needing a larger number of grafts but can leave a thin scar. 

Who needs a hair transplant? 

It’s not for everyone and not every case demands a serious step such as a hair transplant. Therefore, if you have a permanent hair loss, have receding hairline or have male pattern baldness, a transplant can help. If your hair loss is stabalised, or you’re losing hair regularly, it’s good to wait to see the pattern. “Not every balding person is a candidate for hair restoration; missed diagnoses can lead to poor surgical outcomes,” says Dr Patil. Also, hair transplant is for those who are looking for a permanent solution which also comes at a cost. “It’s not ideal for those with active hair loss, severe medical conditions, or unrealistic expectations,” says Dr Trishna Gupte, clinical cosmetologist and founder-owner of Cosmo-Square Clinic. 

Before- and after care  

There are few things to keep in mind if you are a candidate for hair transplant. The pre-preparation includes some generic tips; the person going for it must stop smoking at least two weeks before the procedure as smoking slows down the recovery. You must also consult with your doctor if you’re on any medications, especially blood thinners, because ideally you need to stop taking these to prepare for the procedure. Needless to say, you must take care of your diet and hydration so that you're healthy for the procedure to start. “Along with this, just wash your hair with a mild shampoo the night before the surgery,” says Dr Gupte. 

For the after care, it is suggested to sleep with head elevated to avoid swelling and avoid any strenuous exercise. “With FUT, a strip of hair is removed from the donor area, which requires sutures to close the incision site. Patients may experience some discomfort or pain at the incision site for a few days after the procedure and will need to avoid strenuous physical activity for several weeks to ensure proper healing,” says Dr Patil. You must also avoid touching and scratching the transplanted area. “Hair shedding (shock loss) is normal—new hair starts growing in three to six months,” Dr Gupte adds. If possible, avoid the sun for some time. 

Potential risks or immediate concerns 

Though the procedures are safe without any side-effects or risks, they are minorly invasive which cause some discomfort after the surgery is done. The patient may suffer from temporary redness and swelling. “Patients may experience some swelling and redness in the recipient area, which typically resolves within a few days to a week. patients can generally return to work and light activities within a few days after the procedure,” says Dr Patil. To this, Dr Gupte adds that an infection, though rare, may occur if post-care is not followed properly. Additionally, minimal scarring with FUE and slightly more with FUT can occur. 

Lesser-known facts 

Not many people would know that transplanted hair can be cut, styled and dyed as you normally do. Also, the results are permanent; once the transplanted hair settles, it grows like your natural hair. However, this may take some time to show, expect a time period of nine to 12 months to see full results with thicker, fuller hair. “People should understand that after the surgery, proper post care is needed by applying solutions which contain Minoxidil 5 per cent and oral biotin supplements, and PRP of hair to grow hair and for long lasting results,” says Dr Patil. It doesn’t stop future hair loss, so if you’re still losing hair in other areas, you might need medications like Minoxidil to maintain the rest of your hair. “Results are not instant—full results take 8–12 months. Not many might know this, but the procedure can be done for eyebrows and beard too,” adds Dr Gupte. While you might know everything before heading for the procedure, there are a few things that you must keep in mind. “It is a minimally invasive procedure, age needs to be factored in, and results take time to show,” says Dr Patil. 

The real question is whether it is a permanent solution or requires a redo after a few years. The answer is yes and no. The transplanted hair is permanent, but your existing hair can still thin over time. “Some people may need a second session after a few years to maintain density,” says Dr Gupte. Dr Patil explains further and says that the result for people may vary if he hasn't been an ideal candidate for the transplant, didn’t indulge in proper after-care, has a medical condition or didn't get the surgery done from a board-certified doctor. 

How much does it cost? 

The fact is that the procedure isn’t cheap and it’s true that not everyone can afford it. However, the prices depend on the fees of the doctor, the condition of the patient and the number of grafts he needs. “Per graft cost in India is Rs 30 Rs 120. On average, a hair transplant in India costs Rs 50,000–Rs 3,00,000,” says Dr Gupte. Also, remember that the cost differs from city to city, the experience of the doctor, clinic’s reputation and technology used.

Checklist before going under the knife: 

• Pick a skilled surgeon – Look at their previous work, patient reviews, and certifications. 
• Manage your expectations – It takes months to see full results, so be patient. 
• Consider long-term hair health – You may still need lifestyle changes and medications to maintain the rest of your hair. 
• Avoid cheap clinics – A bad transplant can look unnatural, and fixing it later is even costlier.