Can a Fully Bald Person Get a Hair Transplant?

If you’re completely bald and wondering whether a hair transplant is still an option—you’re not alone. Many people assume that once the scalp is fully bald, the possibility of restoring hair through transplantation is over.

But that’s not always true. The real question isn’t “Are you bald?”—it’s “Do you have healthy donor hair?”

At HairMD Pune, we evaluate each patient thoroughly to assess transplant potential, even in cases of full baldness.

Yes, in many cases, it is still possible. Hair transplants don’t rely on creating new follicles—they involve relocating existing ones.

If a person still has healthy hair on the back or sides of their scalp (called the “donor area”), surgeons can transplant those follicles to bald regions.

The success of this procedure depends entirely on the quantity and quality of the donor hair.

Even if the top and front of the scalp are completely bald, the occipital and parietal regions may still hold viable follicles.

However, because these regions are limited in surface area, patients who are completely bald often require:

• More conservative hairline design
   
• Strategic follicle distribution
   
• Possibly multiple transplant sessions
   
• Realistic expectations regarding final density

1. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) FUE is commonly used for fully bald cases because it allows surgeons to extract individual follicles from the donor zone with precision. The harvested grafts are then implanted to mimic natural growth patterns.
   
2. Body Hair Transplant (BHT) If the scalp donor area is insufficient, surgeons may extract hair from the beard, chest, or even arms. While body hair differs in texture and growth pattern, it can provide coverage in select areas—especially the crown.
   
3. Combination Methods Advanced baldness often requires a combination of scalp and body grafts. This maximizes graft count and coverage.

It’s important to understand that even with surgery, someone who is fully bald won’t regain the full density of a non-bald scalp. However, skilled planning can deliver a “framed face” effect—restoring the hairline and front third of the scalp for a dramatic improvement in appearance.

What Affects the Outcome?

• Donor hair availability and density
   
• Hair texture (thicker strands provide better coverage)
   
• Scalp laxity and health
   
• Surgeon’s experience and graft placement strategy
   
• Post-op care and patient compliance
  

Who May Not Be a Candidate?
 

• Individuals with diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA), where donor areas are also thinning
   
• Those with autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata or scarring alopecia
   
• People with serious medical conditions or poor wound healing capacity
   

Alternative Options if Transplant Is Not Feasible
 

• Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) for a clean-shaven “buzz cut” look
   
• Medical therapies like minoxidil or PRP to enhance existing fine hair
   
• Cosmetic solutions such as hair systems or wigs

At HairMD, we use advanced trichoscopy and scalp analysis to determine:

• Donor density per cm²
   
• Hair shaft caliber and curl
   
• DHT sensitivity of donor follicles
   
• Possibility of combining FUE and BHT
   
• Long-term transplant sustainability

• Gentle washing to avoid dislodging grafts
   
• Avoiding sun exposure and sweating for the first 2 weeks
   
• Regular follow-up with the clinic
   
• Minoxidil or PRP support to enhance growth

Q: How many grafts are needed for a fully bald head? 

A: It depends on head size, but full coverage can require 5,000–8,000 grafts. Some patients may need multiple sessions.

Q: Can body hair replace scalp hair effectively? 

A: Yes, especially in the crown or back regions. Beard hair is often preferred due to its thickness.

Q: Will the transplanted hair fall out again? 

A: No, transplanted follicles are DHT-resistant. Once regrown, they typically last a lifetime.