Hair Transplant FAQ:
All Your Questions
Answered

Good candidates for hair transplant have: stable androgenetic alopecia (or are on medical therapy to stabilise it), sufficient donor supply on the back and sides of the scalp, good general health, realistic expectations, and are typically 25 years of age or older. Women with female pattern hair loss and adequate donor density are also excellent candidates for DHI transplant. Dr. Ashwini assesses candidacy in detail during your free consultation.

At Sapphire Roots, we generally recommend waiting until age 25–26 before proceeding with hair transplant surgery. This allows the pattern of hair loss to establish sufficiently for accurate planning. However, non-surgical treatments (PRP, GFC, medications) can be started as soon as hair loss becomes apparent — even in the late teens or early 20s. Starting medical treatment early preserves the maximum amount of native hair for the best long-term outcome.

Post-COVID hair loss is typically a form of telogen effluvium — temporary, diffuse shedding triggered by the physiological stress of the illness. In the vast majority of cases, it resolves completely within 6–12 months. PRP or GFC therapy can significantly accelerate recovery. If you had an underlying androgenetic predisposition, COVID-19 may have unmasked or accelerated it — in which case medical treatment or hair transplant may be appropriate.

Wearing a helmet does not directly cause hair loss. However, poorly fitting helmets can cause localised traction and friction. More relevantly, helmets increase scalp sweating and heat — if the scalp is not kept clean, this can worsen scalp conditions that indirectly affect hair health. Using breathable helmet liners and washing the scalp regularly minimises any indirect effects.

Stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium) is almost always temporary — the follicles are alive and will regrow once the stress resolves and the hair cycle normalises. However, chronic, severe stress over many years may accelerate androgenetic alopecia in predisposed individuals. Managing stress is important for overall hair health, but it is rarely the sole cause of permanent hair loss.

Procedure duration depends on the number of grafts. Smaller sessions (1,500–2,500 grafts) typically take 6–8 hours; larger sessions (3,000–4,000+ grafts) take 8–12 hours. The entire procedure is completed in a single day. Patients have regular breaks and can eat, drink, and use their phone throughout.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. The only discomfort is the initial anaesthetic injections (brief, lasting 15–20 seconds per injection site). Once anaesthesia takes effect, patients feel no pain during extraction or implantation. Some mild soreness in the donor area may be felt for 2–3 days afterward, managed easily with mild over-the-counter pain relief.

With FUE-based techniques, the donor area heals with tiny dot-like scars (0.7–0.9mm each) that are virtually invisible even at very short hair lengths when extraction density is managed appropriately. We do NOT perform FUT (strip surgery) at Sapphire Roots, which would leave a permanent linear scar. There is no scarring in the recipient area — the transplanted grafts heal seamlessly.

New growth begins emerging at months 3–4. By month 6–7, significant coverage is visible. Full results are apparent at 9–12 months, with complete maturation at 12–18 months. The shock loss (shedding of transplanted hair shafts) in weeks 2–8 is normal and expected — the follicles are alive underground, resting before initiating new growth.

For Sapphire FUE, the donor area is typically trimmed short and the recipient area may need to be shaved for optimal channel creation. For DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), the recipient area does NOT need to be shaved — only the donor area requires trimming. DHI is available for all patients who wish to avoid shaving, and is the standard technique for female hair transplant at Sapphire Roots.

Shock loss refers to the shedding of transplanted hair shafts within 2–8 weeks of surgery. It is completely normal and expected — the follicle enters a resting (telogen) phase before beginning a new growth cycle in its new location. The follicle is alive; new permanent hair emerges from month 3 onward. Some patients also experience temporary shedding of surrounding native hair (native shock loss) — this also regrows within 3–4 months.

This depends on your Norwood/Ludwig stage, the area to be covered, desired density, and your hair characteristics (calibre, wave, colour). As a general guide: Norwood III = 1,500–2,500 grafts; Norwood IV = 2,500–3,500; Norwood V = 3,000–4,500; Norwood VI+ = 4,000–6,000+. Female pattern hair loss (Ludwig II–III) typically requires 1,500–3,500 grafts. Dr. Ashwini provides an exact assessment during consultation.

Most desk-job/work-from-home patients return to work within 5–7 days. Those in physical jobs or who need a professional appearance should allow 10–14 days. The visible signs (minor redness, small scabs) fade progressively over the first 10–14 days.

Light walking from day 3–5. Light exercise (yoga, gentle gym) from weeks 2–3. Heavy weightlifting, high-intensity exercise, swimming, contact sports — wait until week 4–6. Exercise that causes significant sweating should be avoided during the first 2 weeks to protect grafts.

A gentle trim with scissors is possible from week 4. Avoid using a razor or electric trimmer directly on the recipient area until at least 6–8 weeks post-procedure. Normal hair cutting and styling can resume from month 3 onward.

Hair colouring should be avoided for at least 3 months post-transplant — waiting until the transplanted hairs have emerged and the scalp is fully healed. After 3 months, normal colouring can resume in the donor and recipient areas.

For PRP: an initial loading course of 4–6 sessions (3–4 weeks apart), followed by maintenance every 4–6 months. For GFC: 3–4 sessions in the loading phase (more potent than PRP, so fewer sessions needed), then maintenance every 4–6 months. The exact protocol is tailored to your response during treatment.

GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) is a more advanced, more potent evolution of PRP — producing 5–10× higher growth factor concentration with fewer inflammatory components. For most patients, GFC produces superior results with fewer sessions. However, both are effective treatments; the recommendation depends on individual factors and Dr. Ashwini will advise the best option for you.

Absolutely — combining is strongly recommended. PRP or GFC sessions at 1, 3, and 6 months post-transplant improve graft survival, accelerate growth timeline, and stimulate adjacent native follicles. Medical therapy (finasteride/minoxidil) should continue long-term alongside transplant to preserve existing native hair.