Long-hair and unshaven hair transplant
In an unshaven hair transplant, we generally do not cut your hair short; in a long hair transplant, for suitable patients, we take the follicles while keeping the hair strands long. Here we explain clearly how the two differ, who they may suit and what their limits are.
On this page
What is an unshaven hair transplant?
In an unshaven hair transplant, we do not cut your hair short in the recipient or donor area, or we cut it short only in narrow areas beneath the longer hair. As in the FUE method, we take the grafts one by one. Our aim is for the procedure to be less noticeable to the people around you.
This option is not suitable for everyone. The size of the recipient area and the density of your donor area determine whether an unshaven plan is possible.
Terms: unshaven, partially shaven, long hair
These terms are not used the same way everywhere. To avoid confusion, this is how we use them:
- Unshaven
- We generally do not cut the hair short in the recipient and donor areas. The strands of the follicles to be taken are often trimmed, or only narrow areas that the long hair will cover are shortened; so not every unshaven transplant takes the follicles with their long strands.
- Partially shaven
- In the donor area, we cut the hair short only in narrow strips that the hair above can cover. We do not cut the hair short in the recipient area.
- Long hair (Long Hair FUE / DHI)
- For suitable patients, we take follicles from the donor area while keeping the hair strands long and transplant them, with these long strands, to the areas that need them.
- Shaven
- We cut the hair short in the donor area, and often in the recipient area too. We include it on this page for comparison.
The difference between long hair and unshaven hair transplants
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same procedure. The key difference is the hair length at which the follicles are taken and placed.
| Aspect | Unshaven hair transplant | Long hair transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Hair strand length | The strands of the follicles to be taken are often trimmed; follicles are not taken with their long strands in every case. | Follicles are taken with the hair strands kept long and placed together with these strands. |
| Aim | Because the hair is generally not cut short, the procedure is less noticeable to the people around you. | In addition, the transplanted area does not look cropped right after the procedure. |
| Who it may be considered for | Suitable candidates with a limited recipient area who do not want to cut their hair short. | Candidates who need fewer grafts and whose donor area and hair type are suitable for it. |
| Procedure time | Usually takes longer than a shaven procedure. | Usually takes even longer, because the work is done with long strands. |
The long strands transplanted with the follicles often shed in the following weeks; permanent hair grows back from the follicle within months. So the way it looks right after the procedure does not show the result.
Who is it suitable for?
We consider an unshaven plan especially for people whose recipient area is limited, who do not want to cut their hair short, or who want to return to daily life after the procedure without the people around them noticing. Whether it suits you becomes clear during the examination.
How is suitability assessed?
At the examination, we look in particular at:
- The size of the recipient area and the number of grafts needed
- The density and capacity of your donor area
- The thickness, wave and length of your hair
- The cause of hair loss and how likely it is to progress
A long hair transplant is more selective; not everyone suitable for an unshaven plan may be suitable for a long hair transplant. The doctor who examines you decides which plan is suitable for you.
Men
In male pattern hair loss, we can plan an unshaven transplant for limited areas such as the front hairline, the temples or the crown. If the area of hair loss is large, we usually suggest a partially shaven or shaven plan.
Women
In women, hair loss usually takes the form of diffuse thinning. That is why we need to understand the cause of the hair loss before we plan a transplant; a transplant is not the right option in every case.
Situations in which it may not be suitable
- If the area of hair loss is large and many grafts are needed
- If the donor area is sparse or cannot provide enough grafts
- If the cause of the hair loss is not yet clear
In these cases, we often suggest a partially shaven or shaven plan; sometimes we recommend medical treatment before a transplant.
Advantages and limitations compared with the shaven method
The comparison below is a general outline. How it will be for you depends on your hair type and your plan.
| Aspect | Unshaven or long hair | Shaven |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance after the procedure | Because the hair is not cut short, the procedure is usually less noticeable to the people around you. | The areas that were cut short may be noticeable until the hair grows back. |
| Length of the procedure | Usually takes longer, because we take the grafts from between the longer hairs. | Usually takes less time for the same number of grafts. |
| Harvesting the grafts | Working with long hair takes more care; we plan accordingly. | We work with short hair, with a full view of the donor area. |
| Team and experience | Takes more team effort and experience. | Does not require the extra team effort that working with long hair brings. |
How many grafts can be implanted?
There is no fixed number that suits everyone. The number of grafts depends on the size of the recipient area, the density of your donor area and the density we aim for.
We determine the number of grafts that is right for you during the examination, as part of planning. Online graft calculators are no substitute for this planning.
We explain in detail what determines the number of grafts, and how many can be transplanted in one session, in our article how many grafts do I need.
What happens on the day of the procedure?
The day of the procedure generally follows this order. We share your personal schedule for the day with you in writing in advance.
Preparing the donor area
Depending on your plan, we either do not cut your hair short in the donor area at all, or we cut it short only in narrow strips that the hair above will cover. The area is then numbed with local anesthesia.
Harvesting the grafts
We take the grafts one by one with a fine-tipped instrument, using the FUE method. In an unshaven plan, the strands of the follicles to be taken are often trimmed beforehand; in a long hair plan, the strands are kept long. When we work with long hair, this stage usually takes longer.
Placement
We place the grafts between your existing hairs, either into channels opened beforehand (for example, Sapphire FUE) or with an implanter pen (DHI). An authorized physician opens the channels.
Check and care instructions
When the procedure is over, we check the recipient and donor areas and give you written care instructions for the first days.
After the procedure: returning to work, washing, shock loss
The healing process varies from person to person. After the procedure, we give you written aftercare instructions; always follow those instructions rather than the general information on this page.
Returning to work
When you can return to work depends on the type of work you do, how you heal and the plan used. With an unshaven plan, your hair is not cut short, so the procedure is usually less noticeable. Even so, redness, mild swelling or scabbing may occur in the first few days.
The first wash
We state clearly in your written instructions when and how to do the first wash. You may see different timings elsewhere; follow your own instructions.
Shock loss
In the weeks after the procedure, some of the transplanted hair or the hair around it may fall out temporarily. This is called shock loss. When it happens and to what extent varies from person to person. If you have any questions, ask us at your follow-up appointment.
Healing and when the result shows
In the first days, redness, mild swelling and scabbing may occur; the scabs usually fall off within the first weeks. New hair starts to grow within months, and for most people the result becomes clear at around 12 months; this varies from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Is an unshaven hair transplant suitable for everyone?
No, it is not suitable for everyone. This depends on your hair type, your donor area and the size of the recipient area; whether it suits you becomes clear during the examination.
Is a long hair transplant the same as an unshaven hair transplant?
No. In an unshaven transplant, the hair is generally not cut short, but the strands of the follicles to be taken are often trimmed. In a long hair transplant, for suitable patients, the follicles are taken with the hair strands kept long and transplanted with these strands to the area that needs them.
Does an unshaven plan mean no hair is cut at all?
It depends on the plan. In some plans, we do not cut your hair short at all; in others, we cut it short only in narrow strips of the donor area that the hair above will cover. We explain clearly during planning which approach we will use.
Will the people around me notice the procedure?
Because your hair is not cut short, it is less likely to be noticed. Even so, redness or scabbing may occur in the first few days; this, too, varies from person to person.
Can I get information about the cost?
Of course. The cost depends on the method and your needs; we give you cost information tailored to you after the initial call and planning.
Hair analysis
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What happens next?
- We contact you by phone or on WhatsApp to arrange a preliminary consultation at a time that suits you.
- In the consultation, we listen to your expectations and explain the procedure and the process. If photos are needed, we tell you separately how to share them.
- Whether a procedure is suitable for you is decided at the doctor's examination. Fees and dates are discussed after planning.