All about hair transplants for Afro/textured hair

Hair transplants have become a popular solution to address hair loss and hair thinning. Although hair transplants can be performed in all hair types, a hair transplant in Afro/textured hair requires an expert approach and careful consideration. This specialised approach is necessary to ensure successful outcomes and natural-looking results.

Dr Eleojo Achimugu, senior hair transplant surgeon at The Mae Clinic, provides an expert insight into the specifics of hair transplants for Afro/textured hair, addressing key questions about the best techniques, post-procedure care, and expected results.

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body (donor site) to a balding or thinning area (recipient site). Curly/Afro hair is best referred to as textured hair. For curly, Afro hair and textured hair, the approach to the hair transplant process is generally similar to that of all other hair types, however, extra care and specific considerations are needed due to the unique characteristics of curly and coiled hair.

In the past, a false assumption was that only FUT-strip hair transplants were possible for textured hair. I hope to dispel that myth.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is increasingly considered the preferred hair transplant technique. This can be a challenge in curly, textured hair. Unlike other methods, FUE uses a small punch tool to extract individual hair follicles directly from the donor area, which significantly reduces the risk of linear scarring. With curly hair, the direction of hair changes as it curls beneath the skin. As such, expert skill and precision are needed for hair follicle extraction, as well as hair placement, which is especially important for correctly aligning with the natural curl pattern of Afro/textured hair. At the Mae clinic, specialised and dedicated equipment is used to address this.

NON-shaven FUE

This is one of my favourite approaches. This involves harvesting or extracting hairs from the donor site without the need to shave beforehand. The important thing is to understand the nature of textured hair and ensure the choice of hair transplant technique is tailored to your individual situation. I personally believe this modern technique applies to all hair types, and equally applies to hair transplants in men as well as hair transplants in women.

Are there any special considerations for Afro/textured hair in hair transplants?

Afro/textured hair has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other hair types. When performing an Afro/textured hair transplant, it’s essential to consider:

Curl pattern

Afro/textured hair typically has a tight curl pattern or coiled structure, and this can affect the angle at which the hair follicles are extracted and implanted. Your hair transplant surgeon needs to be skilled in handling the curl pattern to ensure the hair grafts (the group of hair follicles) integrate seamlessly with the existing hair.

Risk of keloid scarring

The risk of adverse scarring, including keloid scars, is something a lot of people worry about. Keloid scarring is the formation of raised, thickened areas of scar tissue. People often associate this with very pale or dark skin. Thankfully, keloid scaring following a hair transplant in textured hair is actually quite rare. Nevertheless, your hair transplant surgeon needs to be aware of this risk and take precautions to minimise scarring and manage any potential keloid formation. I’ve had the recent privilege of being invited to speak at the recent Durban hair masterclass and participated in the inaugural African hair restoration society in Brazil. My passion for the small needle approach in all hair types is affirmed, but more importantly I’m able to reinforce the importance of having these tools and expert skill to correctly treat textured hair.

Graft survival

Due to its coiled structure, Afro/textured hair is naturally more prone to breakage and damage, and thus should be extracted with care. This can potentially affect the survival rate of the grafts. Your hair transplant surgeon needs to use specially-developed equipment and have training in the correct handling of Afro/textured hair to minimise the transection rate.

In addition, precision is needed when choosing and placing each follicle in the donor area to ensure the transplanted hair blends seamlessly with the existing hair and aligns with the natural curl pattern. This precision will help ensure the transplanted hair grows in a natural direction.

How should I care for my Afro/textured hair after the transplant?

After the hair transplant, you will need to follow specific care instructions to ensure the best results.

Firstly, gentle washing is essential. Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp delicately. It's important to avoid vigorous scrubbing, as this can dislodge the newly transplanted grafts and potentially compromise the results of the procedure.

Secondly, moisturising plays a vital role in the recovery process. A light, non-comedogenic moisturiser helps to keep your follicles hydrated. This helps alleviate dryness and itching, which are common post-transplant.

Lastly, it’s crucial to avoid heat styling tools during the initial healing period. Excessive heat can irritate the scalp and interfere with the healing process, potentially affecting the success of the hair transplant.

Adhering to the right guidelines will promote optimal healing and ensure the transplanted follicles establish themselves effectively.

How long does it take to see results from a hair transplant in Afro/textured hair?

If you choose the long-hair approach, you may appreciate the appearance immediately after the treatment. In most cases, you may start to notice new hair growth between three and six months post-surgery.

In the first week after the procedure, some swelling and redness in the recipient area are normal. This is a standard part of the healing process and typically resolves as your scalp begins to recover from the transplant. In addition, some people may also experience a short period of shedding where the transplanted hair may fall out before new growth begins.

Initially, the new hairs may appear finer and lighter than your existing hair. It’s important to be patient during this stage, as the hair needs time to establish itself and continue to grow with your natural hair.

Full results from a hair transplant are typically visible within 12 to 18 months. By this time, the transplanted hair should have matured and blend seamlessly with your existing hairs, giving a natural appearance.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr Eleojo Achimugu, head on over to her Top Doctors profile today.