Hair loss can occur due to a variety of factors, including genetics, aging, medical conditions, and environmental stressors. A hair transplant is one of the most effective treatments currently available for hair loss.
But can you get a hair transplant using someone else’s hair? This question often comes up when people are considering hair restoration options.
In this blog, we will explore whether it’s possible to get a hair transplant from someone else’s hair, including the challenges, risks, and alternatives. We’ll also touch on the future of hair restoration, particularly hair cloning for transplants.
Can You Get a Hair Transplant from a Donor?
A hair transplant typically involves transplanting healthy hair grafts from one part of the body to an area experiencing hair loss. This procedure is done using the patient’s own hair, which is referred to as autologous transplantation. [1]
But can you get a hair transplant using another donor’s hair?
Unfortunately, the answer is no, as it involves a number of potential complications and has a very low success rate.
When hair follicles are transplanted from another person, they are essentially treated as foreign objects. As a result, the immune system attempts to reject them in the same way it would reject any other foreign tissue, like in the case of an organ transplant. [2]
This is why doctors do not recommend getting a hair transplant using someone else’s hair.
Identical twins have the same genetic makeup, and it is often assumed that they can share hair for a transplant.
However, although genetic similarities might reduce the chances of rejection in these cases, it does not completely eliminate the risks. The immune system might recognize hair follicles as foreign and initiate an immune response, reducing the chances of successful outcomes. [3]
But there is a small chance that a hair transplant from an identical twin might work better than one from a non-twin donor because of the genetic match.
There would still be significant challenges, and it would likely require close monitoring and potentially immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection.
Why Hair from Another Person Is Rejected
The main reason why a hair transplant from another person is not feasible is graft rejection and the need for immunosuppressants.
Here’s a deeper look into two main reasons:
1- Graft Rejection
The immune system is designed to protect the body from harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and other foreign cells. It does this by detecting markers on the surface of cells, called antigens, which identify the cells as either “self” or “non-self.”
The self-cells, like your own hair follicles, are accepted by the immune system, whereas the non-self-cells, like someone else’s hair follicles, are recognized as foreign, triggering an immune response.
When hair follicles from another person are implanted into the scalp, the body’s immune system sees them as “non-self” or foreign invaders. In response, the body attacks the foreign follicles, breaking down the grafts, causing the hair to eventually fall out. [4]
This response of the immune system to non-self hair follicles results in graft rejection. It triggers the destruction of the hair follicles transplanted in the recipient hair, ultimately leading to the failure of the procedure.
2- Need for Immunosuppressants
Patients who have had an organ transplantation need to use immunosuppressive drugs to prevent the immune system from rejecting the new organ. Similarly, if hair from another person is transplanted into the scalp, the person would need to take lifelong immunosuppressants to prevent the rejection of the grafts.
Immunosuppressive drugs come with significant side effects and risks. Long-term use can lead to an increased risk of infections, weakened immune function, and even cancer. The side effects of these drugs are often severe and difficult to manage.
Due to these challenges, hair transplants from another person are not only impractical but also unsafe for most people.
What Are the Risks of a Hair Transplant from Another Person?
Using someone else’s hair for a transplant presents several risks, such as:
Introducing foreign tissue to your body increases the risk of infection, especially when the immune system is suppressed by steroids.
If the transplant is rejected, it can lead to further damage and scarring on your scalp, making future hair restoration more difficult.
Immunosuppressive drugs come with their own set of risks, including an increased chance of infections, decreased wound healing, and a weakened immune system.
The cost of matching a donor, testing for compatibility, and managing the lifelong care with immunosuppressive drugs can increase the cost of the procedure.
What Are My Alternatives Other Than Hair Transplant from Another Person?
While hair transplants with someone else’s hair may not be possible, there are several alternatives that can help address hair loss. These hair transplant alternatives focus on either restoring your own hair or stimulating new hair growth using safe and effective methods.
Let’s explore them:
1- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy for hair is a non-invasive treatment that uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate hair growth.
In this procedure, blood is drawn from the patient’s arm, processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injected into areas of the scalp experiencing hair thinning or baldness. The growth factors in the platelets help stimulate hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth. [5]
PRP is effective in promoting hair growth, improving hair thickness, and slowing the progression of hair loss. It’s a great alternative for people who are not suitable candidates for hair transplant surgery.
2- Hair Loss Medications
Your doctor may recommend some medications to help promote hair growth, depending on the type and the underlying cause of your hair loss. Some commonly prescribed medicines for hair loss are Finasteride and Minoxidil.
Finasteride for hair loss
Finasteride is a popular medication used primarily for treating male pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting the action of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the key hormone responsible for hair loss, as it binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing hair. By inhibiting the production of DHT, finasteride effectively helps slow down the hair loss process and can even promote hair regrowth. [6]
Minoxidil for hair loss
Minoxidil is another well-known medication used to treat hair loss. It is typically applied topically, but an oral version is also available. When used on the scalp, minoxidil promotes hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, encouraging them to grow thicker, healthier hair. [7]
3- Steroid Injections for Hair Loss
Steroid injections are a common treatment used for hair loss, especially in cases of alopecia areata, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in patches.
This treatment involves injecting steroids directly into the affected areas of the scalp in an effort to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair regrowth. [8]
In many cases, patients see noticeable hair regrowth with steroid injections in the affected areas, though it might take several rounds of injections to achieve the desired outcome.
4- Hair Replacement Systems
While not a biological solution, hair replacement systems include advanced versions of traditional toupees and wigs. These systems are crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural hair, offering a realistic look.
One of the advantages of this system is that it offers a predictable, customizable result. Unlike hair transplant procedures, where you have to wait months to see the final outcome, a hair replacement system allows you to achieve exactly the look you want right away.
It is specifically suitable for those seeking a non-permanent appearance solution to hair loss. Since it’s a temporary solution, you can also change the style, length, and color of your hair to match your preferences, making it a versatile choice for those who like to change things up.
5- Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves the use of red light to stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair growth. The treatment is painless and is often done with a laser comb or cap device that you need to wear for a specified amount of time each week.
6- Hair Transplant Using Your Own Hair (Autologous Transplantation)
The most common and successful form of hair transplant involves using the patient’s own hair. This method ensures that your body does not reject the transplanted follicles, as they come from your own scalp.
There are two main techniques used in this process: FUE and FUT methods.
FUE hair transplant is the most common application where individual hair follicles are extracted from a donor area (usually the back or sides of the head) and transplanted into areas of thinning or baldness.
As the follicles are taken from the patient’s own scalp, the risk of immune rejection is low, and the success rate is high for these procedures.
7- Forehead Reduction
Forehead reduction is a surgical procedure aimed at lowering the hairline by removing excess skin from the forehead. This procedure is often recommended for people with a high forehead or a receding hairline.
Forehead reduction surgery boasts high success and low complication rates. The procedure typically results in a lowered hairline and a more youthful, harmonious facial appearance. [9]
8- Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
SMP technique involves tattooing tiny dots on the scalp to simulate the appearance of a closely shaved head or to fill in areas of thinning hair. It provides the illusion of a full head of hair without any actual hair growth.
Is Hair Cloning for Transplant Possible?
Unlike traditional hair transplant surgery, where healthy hair follicles are harvested from a donor area and transplanted to bald or thinning recipient areas, hair cloning aims to generate hair follicle cells or entire follicles in a laboratory setting, which could create an unlimited supply of new hair. [10]
This revolutionary approach is expected to potentially solve the problem of limited donor hair, especially in people experiencing advanced hair loss.
There are two main scientific methods being explored for hair cloning: hair multiplication and hair follicle cloning.
1- Hair multiplication
This method involves extracting dermal papilla cells found at the base of hair follicles that play a crucial role in stimulating hair growth. These cells are carefully collected from the patient’s scalp and multiplied in a laboratory environment. Once a sufficient number of dermal papilla cells have been produced, they are injected back into the scalp. The goal is to stimulate the growth of new hair follicles and generate fresh hair growth. [11]
2- Hair follicle cloning
This method is a more complex process that aims to replicate entire hair follicles in the lab using stem cells. It involves creating fully functional hair follicles that can be implanted into the scalp. This method has the potential to generate an unlimited supply of hair follicles, without the need to rely on donor areas of the scalp, offering an effective solution for those with severe hair loss. [12]
While promising, hair cloning technology is still in its infancy, and further research is needed before it can be considered a mainstream treatment option. Read more about Hair Transplant Cloning.
Conclusion
The idea of getting a hair transplant from another person sounds appealing. However, the reality is that immune rejection and the need for lifelong immunosuppressants make this a non-viable option.
Instead, there are several alternatives to hair transplants, including PRP therapy, hair loss medications, steroid injections, SMP and forehead reduction.
If you’re struggling with hair loss and wondering what treatment might be best for you, you can consult with our hair restoration specialist to find the right solution tailored to your needs.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37430139/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9968362/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3410985/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22138818/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35300222/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34291720/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8752075/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33601981/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15135131/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32314210/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7031632/
