How many grafts are needed to build a hairline? -

The hairline is the most notable aspect of a head of hair. Mainly because it frames our faces. It can change the look from youthful to mature. Simply depending on the height and recession of the hairline. All male hairlines thin out or recede a little. Very few lucky ones keep a strong hairline into their 50´s and beyond. So,for the rest of the male population. if we want a strong hairline that improves our look. We need to look into a hair transplant. So, how does this work. How many grafts are needed to build a hairline? Will it look natural and be permanent?

Not Too high or too low … just right

Every aspect of a hair transplant is important. But maybe no more so than the look of the hairline design. Natural, not too high or too low. Not too flat or too rounded. It must frame the face natural and match the individual´s natural bone structure. Importantly, and often surprisingly it must not be symmetrical. A hairline is rather like a fingerprint, no one is the same. That includes holding a mirror against each side of our faces. There will be subtle differences in bone structure. These facial changes must be respected. To create a natural new hairline. How many grafts are needed to build a new hairline? Really depends on a number of factors.

With a great understanding of the anatomy and body proportions a Doctor can mimic nature. Create natural hairline results for patients. With skills such as recognising angulation, orientation and spacing and the importance they all play. These medical and artistic skills will determine how the hair will grow in creating a look that is natural. Hairline planning can be a compromise between the patient and doctor. On occasions people have a tendency to want the hairline too high or too low and this needs to be addressed for the long term benefit of the patient.

Deciding On The Best Looking Hairline

A low rounded adolescent hairline. This will look fine on a younger man. But may not match the age and facial features of an older man. The younger man still has vivid memories of his hairline. Very often wants to create the same appearance. Whereas a middle-aged man. Can have the fear that a hairline not adequately receded at the temples. This may seem unnaturally low for his age. Along with this the individual´s age, current and future hair loss pattern need to be considered. As well as their natural hair characteristics being able to maintain a natural balanced hair restoration.

According to the survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery in 2017. In Europe around 79,513 people underwent a hair transplant. A good first step to researching your options is contacting a specialist in hair restoration. Who specialises in FUE, Body Hair and the FUT hair transplant techniques. Having over a decade of experience he has designed and rebuilt 1000´s of hairlines in that time.

So, how many grafts are needed to build a hairline?

The hairline can vary from minor adjustments maybe requiring 500 grafts. To full temple point to temple point reconstruction measuring maybe 2000 plus follicular units/grafts. It is impossible to place like for like density when the man had a full head of hair. The effects of trying to reach the same density can result in trauma to the skin. A large aspect to creating a natural hairline is using a relatively small number of grafts to mimic nature.

When designing a hair line with minimal recession one has to understand the principles of the hair transplant. The amount of FU required and the density that looks natural. Follicular unit placement in the very front zone will be made of one hair follicular units. Then further back two, three and four hair follicular units. The single hair units are placed closer together to mimic nature. As a result provide a natural progressive increase in density. Rather than a flat, straight block, or wall of hair. If the desired look is to have a thick, almost no gradient in density. Then the number of grafts will have to be that much more. The potential for poorer hair growth is higher and ill advised.

Therefore some of the art is to give the cosmetic effect that the density is the same. This is best achieved with a little hair length. When the hair is longer because it blocks the reflection of light on to the scalp. Opposed to short or shaved hair. When the effect is lessened. Because there appears to be less density; although in reality it is untrue.

The Best Have An Innate Artistic Skill

When building a new hairline there are many considerations. One fundamental being hairline placement, density and thickness can vary from ethnic origin and genetic background. Artistry exceeds textbooks. It is an innate skill. If a doctor simply mimics a textbook plan the doctor is only an imitator not an artist. Mathematical guides do not assume the reality of the 3 dimensional head. The textbook approach relies on theories of anatomy. Predisposed distances to create the “perfect” look. If all doctors followed a textbook template then hair transplants would never look natural. This one aspect can make the difference between a WOW result and a “good” hair transplant. Or a poor hair transplant hairline result. The artistic skill of the doctor to recognise the small changes in bone structure and tailor the design to the individual makes a great result.

The best hair transplant results are a blend of innate artistry and surgical excellence. Ensuring you have realistically achievable goals and expectations. Discussing with your Doctor to ensure you reach a mutually agreed plan. Starting with your consultation or if you are not quite ready. Request a Call-Back.