Common FAQs

Many men close crop their hair to disguise their thinning hair or receding hairlines. However, unless you are having FUE (where the whole head ideally should be shaved), then it is best to leave your hair a bit longer at the back, to cover the stitches in the first 10 days. In the recipient area, where the hair is replaced, then ideally that should be trimmed. In the real world, many people need to avoid drastic changes to their appearance and you do not need to shave your head. Having said that, it is fair to say that we can achieve higher densities or greater coverage if the patient does shave their recipient areas. It is your choice. Afterwards, it is better to leave it until 3-6 months and the scar has faded before cutting too short. Most men can manage a clipper grade 3-4 afterwards and some even heal so well now with the trichophytic closure, that grade 2 is possible. Hair styles after that are up to you. Most men find a medium length, clippers grade 4-6 works well but some still go for a spikey buzz cut and yet others experiment with longer styles as the transplanted hair can grow much longer than the wispy hair it replaces. Choose whatever styling works for you – comb it forwards or backwards but never “combover!” You should experiment and you should expect that you could have a different hairstyle afterwards.

Dandruff and similar problems are not usually a problem for hair transplantation. The hair does not need to be overly long – clippers grade 4 is usually ok.

There is no specific age – we have performed surgery from 17 to 83 years! However, generally we recommend waiting for hair transplants until 25, after taking Propecia to stabilise the hair loss first.

Current waiting times are from 4 weeks, although we also offer short notice cancellation availability for those who can be flexible about dates.

No – shaving has no effect on hair loss, only the appearance of the visible hair shaft. Likewise, most hair products are unlikely to cause hair loss. People often ask about hats, but in fact, a recent study seems to show hat wearing is associated with a reduced risk of hair loss, compared to men who never wear hats.

Propecia is not licensed or recommended for female pattern hair loss and is proven to be of no benefit in such women. However, it is effective in some women with a male pattern type of loss, especially in conjuction with anti androgens such as Cyproterone. Also, Propecia is a prescription only medicine, so you do need to consult with a doctor.

Propecia. – I do not want to take any medication to prevent hair loss. What results can I expect if I opt for a hair transplant without taking propecia? I have very thick curly hair. I have crown baldness and it is receeding at the front and top. I have plenty of donor hair at back and sides.

You can get very good results with hair transplants alone, especially if you do have good characteristics such as thick curly hair. Also, if your hair loss is gradual and not too extensive, then that is an advantage.

It is possible, but you do need to be careful with it and probably change the method of attachment. You really need a detailed consultation to be sure.