Why do you need to shave before a hair transplant?
When picking out the hair follicles (grafts) to be moved (often from the back of the head) to the area you desire more hair, the hair follicles are more clearly visible in a shaved area making it easier and safer to pluck them out. It is therefore often considered the best option.
The size of the area that needs to be shaved is assessed on a case-by-case basis but it is important that the area is large enough not to risk thinning the hair in the area where hair follicles are moved. Hair follicles that are moved are permanently moved and no new hair follicle is formed where the moved hair follicle sat.
Also, the area where the hair follicles are moved is recommended to shave. This is so that the existing hair follicles are again visible more clearly and so that new hair follicles can be easily placed in areas that need to be filled, without risking damage to existing hair follicles. Another important aspect is to avoid that existing hair will run the risk of pulling new hair follicles with them before they have time to attach.
Can you do a hair transplant without shaving?
Yes, indeed, one can. It is often said that the method DHI It makes it possible to avoid shaving. But the truth is that the more traditional FUE method can also be performed without shaving. The reason why “avoid shaving” is primarily associated with the DHI method is probably mainly because several clinics choose to talk about the method in connection with the fact that shaving is not needed.
Not shaving can pose a risk to the finished result if hair follicles do not have the best conditions to heal and gain attachment. Therefore, few clinics actually perform hair transplants completely without shaving. Whether it is appropriate or not depends on a number of factors and is something that needs to be discussed at your consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable hair specialist.
Who can do a hair transplant without shaving?
The vast majority can carry out a Hair Transplant without shaving your entire head, however, it is important to go through and be familiar with the prerequisites and risks. Individual assessment based on your conditions should always be made by a professional hair specialist in a clinic with extensive accumulated experience and expertise.
Are there any benefits to shaving your entire head before a hair transplant?
Yes, the benefits of shaving your head before a hair transplant are several.
The operation time is slightly shortened, as it is faster and easier to pick out hair follicles to be moved if the area is shaved. Similarly, the location of existing hair follicles is more clearly visible in the area the “new” hair follicles are supposed to be located. It allows you to easily place hair follicles where it needs to be filled, with a low risk of damaging existing hair follicles.
Another last and important aspect is to avoid that existing hair will run the risk of pulling the newly placed hair follicles with them before they have had time to attach. Read more about How a Hair Transplant Works here.
DHI at Nordic Hair Clinic
We at Nordic Hair Clinic perform hair transplants without shaving using both FUE and DHI methods. Which method suits you best depends entirely on your wishes and prerequisites. Before your hair transplant, you always get to see a hair specialist who will go through everything with you and help you choose the method that suits you best.
