All about hair transplants for Afro/textured hair

Hair transplants have become a popular solution to address hair loss and/or hair thinning. A hair transplant for Afro/textured hair, however, necessitates careful consideration and a specialised approach 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). For Afro/textured hair, the process is generally similar to that of other hair types, but specific considerations are needed due to the unique characteristics of curly and coiled hair.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is generally considered the best hair transplant technique for Afro/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. Additionally, FUE's precision enables precise hair follicle placement, which is especially important for aligning with the natural curl pattern of Afro/textured hair.

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

People with Afro/textured hair may be more prone to keloid scarring, which involves the formation of raised, thickened areas of scar tissue. Your hair transplant surgeon needs to be aware of this risk and take precautions to minimise scarring and manage any potential keloid formation.

Graft survival

Due to its coiled structure, Afro/textured hair is naturally more prone to breakage and damage, and this can potentially affect the survival rate of the grafts. Your hair transplant surgeon needs to be precise 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. With time, 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. Apply a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep your scalp 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 ensure the transplanted follicles establish themselves effectively, promoting optimal healing.

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

In the first 1-2 weeks 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. During this stage, you may also experience a period of shedding where the transplanted hair may fall out before new growth begins.

Between 3 and 6 months post-surgery, you may start to notice new hair growth. Initially, this new hair 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 integrate 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, adopting the curl pattern of your existing hair and blending seamlessly for a natural appearance.

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