A common question about hair transplants is whether they can change natural hair texture.
Briefly, a standard hair transplant using scalp hair as the donor source will not significantly change the hair’s texture, as the transplanted hair will continue to exhibit the characteristics of its original location.
However, for those who are open to using alternative donor areas, such as beard or body hair to head options, some degree of texture variation can be expected. These different hair types can add unique characteristics to the overall look, potentially altering the appearance of hair texture to some extent.
This article provides information on the possibilities and limitations of hair texture in transplants to help you make an informed decision about the procedure.
What Are the Main Hair Types?
Hair types are generally classified by their pattern, which can be straight, wavy, curly, or coily. These categories are also known as Types 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Each type has unique structural, textural, and care needs, and is further divided into subcategories A, B, and C to describe variations within each type. So, altogether, there are 12 distinct types as follows:
Is It Possible to Change Your Hair Type?
The natural hair type of a person is genetically determined, which means by the DNA they inherit from their parents. So, your genetic blueprint defines whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily and influences other factors like thickness, density, and coarseness. [1]
Styling products, tools, and chemical treatments can temporarily alter the look and feel of your hair; however, they do not permanently change the actual hair type or structure at the follicle level.
But, a slight change in hair texture can be expected after hair transplant procedures, based on the difference of your donor hair.
For instance, using hair from the beard, chest, or other areas with coarser or curlier characteristics can result in a transplant with a texture slightly different from the original scalp hair. Also, possibly, if the donor hair and natural hair textures are different, it may change the overall look of the hair texture. [2]
What Causes Hair Texture to Change
Your genetics primarily determine your hair texture.
There 5 other factors that can influence how hair texture appears over time.
While these changes can alter your overall appearance, they do not redefine your genetic hair type but rather affect thickness, elasticity, and structure.
Chemical treatments, such as relaxers, perms, and keratin treatments, offer a temporary way to change hair texture by breaking down and restructuring the protein bonds in the hair. This process can smooth curls, add volume, or create a sleeker, straighter look, depending on the treatment.
However, the effects of these treatments are not permanent and they do not permanently change your hair texture As new hair grows in, it matches the original natural texture of your hair, requiring regular treatments to maintain the desired look.
Yes, hormonal changes are one of the most common factors that can impact your hair texture.
During certain life stages, especially puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to thicker, coarser hair or even a shift in curl pattern.
For example, some women experience wavier or curlier hair during pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels. While these hormonal effects can change how hair looks, the basic hair type will generally revert once hormone levels stabilize.
Yes, aging can naturally alter hair texture, density, and appearance. Hair may become finer, drier, or lose its elasticity as we age due to hormonal shifts, slower cell turnover, and reduced sebum production. [3]
Additionally, curl patterns may relax over time, and hair might feel thinner or less resilient.
While these changes do not redefine the fundamental hair type, they can lead to noticeable differences in the overall texture and manageability of your hair.
Can a Hair Transplant Change Hair Texture?
Hair transplants typically retain the original texture of the hair grafts on the donor area, which sits on the back side of your head. So, the transplant itself does not fundamentally alter hair type but it can change how it looks if your donor hair graft texture is different than your thinning hair.
However, significant texture variations can arise depending on the donor area from which the hair is harvested.
For example, using donor hair from the beard, chest, or under the chin can bring a coarser or curlier quality to the transplant, which may give the transplanted area a slightly different appearance. [4]
This can be beneficial if a fuller, more textured look is desired, though these changes are typically subtle and may be more noticeable up close.
Can A Hair Transplant Make Hair Straight?
No, a hair transplant cannot change the natural curl or straightness of your hair when the hair follicles are taken from the scalp.
The type and texture of the transplanted hair will match that of the donor site on the scalp, meaning curly hair transplanted to a new area will still grow curly, and straight hair will remain straight, retaining its original texture after transplantation.
However, this also means that a hair transplant can make your hair appear straighter if the donor site is carefully chosen to provide the desired results. Since the transplanted hair retains the characteristics of the hair from the donor area, selecting a donor site with straight hair can give a straighter look to the transplant area.
This approach works best only for specific cases, as the texture of the donor hair must match the natural look of the recipient area for a seamless result. Working with a skilled surgeon experienced in handling different hair types is essential to achieve the best outcome.
How Does Donor Hair Affect Hair Texture?
The characteristics of the donor hair, such as thickness, curl pattern, and coarseness, significantly impact the look and feel of the transplanted area. Since transplanted hair retains its original characteristics, using hair from different parts of the body can create subtle variations in texture.
For instance, hair taken from the beard or chest may be coarser or curlier than scalp hair, which can contribute to a fuller or more textured appearance in the transplant area.
Properly matching donor hair to the recipient area helps maintain a natural look and feel post-transplant.
Are All Hair Textures Suitable for Hair Transplant?
Yes, most hair textures are suitable for hair transplants, but there are important considerations for each type.
For example, straight hair is typically the easiest to transplant, as it lays flat and blends well with surrounding hair. Straight hair can come from various donor sites, ensuring a good match with the recipient area.
Wavy hair can also be effectively transplanted. Surgeons need to pay attention to the wave pattern to ensure a natural appearance, as different wave intensities can impact how the hair falls.
Curly hair, on the other hand, requires more specialized techniques during transplantation. The surgeon must consider the curl pattern to ensure the transplanted hair integrates well with the natural hair. Proper handling and grafting techniques are crucial for achieving the desired results.
Afro-Textured Hair Transplant
Afro-textured hair transplants require a specialized approach due to the unique curl pattern and structure of each follicle. The follicles of afro-textured hair curl beneath the skin, making them more delicate to extract and place without damage.
However, success in achieving a natural, dense look relies on the skill and experience of the surgeon in handling afro-textured grafts.
A surgeon experienced with this hair type can ensure that each graft is aligned to complement the natural curl pattern, resulting in a full, seamless, and natural-looking outcome for people with afro-textured hair.
It is common to experience some shedding following a hair transplant. This is called “shock loss,” a temporary phase where the hair falls off before it begins to grow anew.
Over the next several months, hair will enter a regrowth phase, with significant growth and volume appearing around the 6- to 9-month mark.
By one-year post-transplant, you can expect to see the full results, as the transplanted hair continues to grow naturally and seamlessly blends with your existing hair.
Hair growth cycles after a transplant align with the natural growth phases of any hair follicle.
The first phase, known as the “telogen” or resting phase, involves shedding that can happen within the first few weeks after the transplant.
Afterward, follicles enter the “anagen” phase, the active growth stage, where new hair begins to sprout.
Over time, the area gradually fills in as more follicles reach their growth phase, eventually leading to a denser appearance that mirrors the natural growth cycle of your original hair.
Yes, the texture of transplanted hair typically remains stable over time, retaining the natural characteristics of the donor area. Because the transplanted hair is genetically programmed from its original site, it will maintain its inherent texture – whether that’s straight, wavy, curly, or coarse.
However, like natural hair, transplanted hair can be affected by factors such as age, hormonal shifts, and environmental conditions. These factors can impact the thickness, dryness, or overall look of your hair, but they do not change the fundamental texture of the transplanted grafts.
Maintaining the natural texture of your hair after a transplant requires proper care. You can opt for products suited to your specific hair type and avoid heavy heat styling, chemical treatments, or harsh hair care routines that might weaken or alter the hair’s natural pattern.
Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, especially those free from sulfates, can help keep hair hydrated and resilient. Regularly trimming and using leave-in conditioners or protective oils can also help preserve texture and minimize frizz.
By treating the transplanted area with the same care as your natural hair, you can maintain a consistent and healthy look long-term.
Conclusion
A hair transplant generally will minimally alter your natural hair texture if scalp hair is used as the donor source, as the transplanted hair retains the qualities of its original location.
However, for those looking for a slight variation, using alternative donor areas like beard or chest hair can introduce a different texture, which may subtly impact the overall look.
Also, while changing hair texture is not the primary purpose of a hair transplant for most people, selecting an appropriate donor site can often make a difference in achieving a unique or fuller look.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31613520/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5070467/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/
