Importance of hair density in hair transplantation

Jan 02, 2019 | By Dr. Sangay Bhutia (Hair Transplant Specialist in Delhi)

You have perhaps made up your mind to undergo a hair transplant procedure. You realise that it is the only permanent solution. Of course you are anxious and there are a lot of questions you want addressed. What do I need to know? What should I be mindful of? Will I look like a different person after the transplant? Well, all these concerns and more are absolutely relevant. In the following piece we aim at introducing a very important element of hair transplant - hair density! You may ask - why is this even important? Read on to find out.

Stand in front of the mirror - how much of your scalp is visible? A lot? Does your hair appear thin? Are some areas thicker or thinner than the rest? Well, answers to these questions might help you assess your hair density. But simply put, it is the total number of hair on your head.

However, technically, hair density is the number of follicles per square centimeter of scalp. And it goes a long way in determining how natural your post transplant look will be. You are obviously wondering how? Let us try and understand.

During a transplant, hair follicles from the donor area (usually the back of the scalp) are harvested and transplanted on to the recipient area. Hair density and follicular units in the donor area are among the important factors to determine a good candidate for transplantation.

Patients with hair density of 225 hairs/cm2 or more are considered ideal. Experts performing transplant aim to mimic the natural look of your hair. And therefore for a natural looking appearance, it is important to match hair density as well. The denser the donor area, the better it is. For it will allow the surgeon to harvest more follicles for transplantation. It is, however, not advisable to achieve higher post transplant density as your body will most likely not support it.

Hair density differs from person to person and each body is attuned to support and nourish a finite number of follicles. So it is extremely important that you discuss this with your surgeon and understand the level of density your body can support.

We know that genetics is an important reason for pattern baldness. And it plays out over a period of time. If you are young and considering a transplant - especially when balding is not completely evident - then bear in mind that those hair that are bound to fall will eventually do. And if a density improvement procedure is done at a young age, it surely will look excellent, but might not remain the same after a few years.

The reason is simple - your natural hair will fall with time and only the transplanted ones would remain. This can make your hair look thinner, despite the procedure. Therefore to avoid such complications, it is advised that you talk to your surgeon and clarify all your doubts before the procedure begins. It will not only help you understand your body better but would also go a long way in settling realistic expectations.