Unshaved Hair Transplantation in Turkey

Many patients prefer to avoid shaving their entire head before a hair transplant. This concern is often due to the visible and sudden change in appearance, which can affect their confidence, work life, or social routine. A non-shave (or partially shaved) hair transplant offers a discreet alternative for suitable candidates, especially those with frontal hair loss.

While the name suggests no shaving at all, it’s important to note that a small area in the donor region must still be shaved to extract grafts. This approach allows patients to maintain their usual hairstyle and appearance after the procedure. The technique is commonly chosen in Turkey, especially by those who want a subtle and less noticeable change.

Who Is a Candidate?

Not every patient is suitable for a non-shaved hair transplant. Several conditions must be met:

1. Candidates usually have mild to moderate hair loss, such as Norwood stage 3.
2. Women experiencing pattern hair loss are generally good candidates.
3. The procedure requires advanced surgical skills and experience. Not all surgeons perform non-shaven transplants due to the technical difficulty.

Advantages of Non-Shaved Hair Transplant

1. Less Noticeable: Existing hair can hide the treated area, making the surgery less visible.
2. Faster Recovery: You can return to daily routines quicker without waiting for shaved hair to grow back.
3. Instant Appearance: The result looks natural from day one because existing hair remains intact.
4. More Comfortable Socially: No drastic change in appearance means less awkwardness in public or professional settings.
5. Best for Targeted Areas: It’s ideal for small, localized hair loss zones, such as the hairline or temples.

Why Shaving Might Still Be Better

In some cases, shaving the entire head offers practical and surgical benefits:

1. It makes graft extraction easier and more efficient.
2. The doctor has a clearer view of both donor and recipient areas.
3. Cleaning and disinfecting the scalp becomes simpler.
4. Prevents new grafts from getting entangled with existing long hair.
5. The healing process and results are easier to track and manage.
6. Washing is less complicated when the hair is short or shaved.