Hair transplantation is one of the most effective methods of combating baldness and thinning hair. However, many people wonder if is it possible to transplant long hair so that they can achieve a natural lush hairstyle right away. Standard hair transplant procedures involve taking hair follicles from the donor area and transferring them to the recipient area, but is it possible to transplant already long hair?
How does a traditional hair transplant work?
Modern hair transplantation techniques, such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), involve taking individual units of hair follicles from the back of the head (donor area) and implanting them in the balding areas.
The follicles are usually transplanted in their natural state – with short hairs or even in a dormant phase, meaning that new hair begins to grow only after several months. The process requires patience, as the full effects of the transplant are only visible after 9-12 months.
Is it possible to transplant long hair?
Although standard transplant procedures use short hair follicles, there is a method called Long Hair FUE (LHFUE), or long hair transplantation. In this technique, hair follicles with longer hair shafts are harvested and implanted, allowing you to see the visual effect immediately.
Advantages of the Long Hair FUE method:
1. Immediate visual effect – the patient can immediately see how the hair is arranged in its new location.
2. Better aesthetic evaluation – the doctor can place the hair more precisely, as you can immediately see the direction in which it grows.
3. No need to shave the head – traditional FUE requires shaving the donor area, which many patients find uncomfortable. With the LHFUE method, hair can be harvested without shaving.
Disadvantages of the Long Hair FUE method
1. Loss of transplanted long hair – although follicles are transplanted with long hair, these hairs usually fall out after a few weeks as they go into a resting phase (telogen). New ones then begin to grow, but the whole process takes time.
2. More time-consuming – the long hair transplant procedure is more complicated and time-consuming, which can increase its cost.
3. Less accessible – not all clinics offer this method, as it requires high precision and experience of the doctor.
What are the alternatives to long hair transplantation?
If a patient wants the immediate effect of long hair, but does not want to undergo an LHFUE transplant, there are other options:
Micropigmentation hair thickening – this technique involves applying pigment to the scalp to mimic thicker hair.
Hair grafting – although not permanent, hair grafts can be used to create an immediate volume effect.
Drug treatment – preparations such as minoxidil or finasteride can help inhibit hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
Summary
Long hair transplantation is possible with the Long Hair FUE method, but it is not standard practice. Although it allows for an immediate visual effect, the hair falls out after a few weeks anyway, before new hair grows back. This method requires more precision, is more expensive and less accessible than classic transplantation techniques.
For those who want to thicken their hair quickly, hair extensions or micropigmentation may be a better option. On the other hand, for those looking for a permanent solution, classic FUE or FUT transplantation remains the most effective method.
The final choice depends on the individual patient’s needs, budget and expectations of the result. Before making a decision, it is advisable to consult with an experienced specialist who can help select the best method for the individual.
You can read more about hair transplantation HERE. If the problem concerns you, we invite you to CONTACT us. You can also make an appointment ON-LINE. Visit us on Instagram and TikTok.
Want to know more interesting facts about hair?
We encourage you to read the book: 101 questions about hair transplantation, here is an excerpt:
You can find offers from clinics that offer to take hair without shortening it and implant such long hair. Since such a procedure is definitely more difficult and definitely more time-consuming, up to a maximum of about 1,000 hair follicles can be taken, and the procedure itself is much more expensive than a standard FUE hair transplant. The hair follicles are stored for several hours outside the body at a lower temperature, and will regenerate once implanted in the scalp. This means that just like the standard hair transplant procedure, the long hairs will also fall out about three weeks after the procedure. The hair follicles will begin to regenerate and only after about 3 months will new hair begin to grow back.
See the effect of micrografting in Kierach Medical Clinic:
