Why Hair Falls Out: Understanding Hair Loss

Hair loss (alopecia) affects over 50% of men and 25% of women at some point in their lives. The most common type is androgenetic alopecia — also called male-pattern or female-pattern baldness — caused by a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone.

DHT causes hair follicles in the scalp to shrink progressively over time. The hair growth cycle shortens, and eventually the follicle stops producing hair altogether. The follicles at the back and sides of the scalp (the "donor area") are genetically resistant to DHT — which is why hair transplant works: follicles from the donor area are moved to the bald areas and continue to grow permanently.

• Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness) — the most common cause; genetic and hormonal
• Alopecia areata — autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss
• Telogen effluvium — temporary hair shedding triggered by stress, illness, nutritional deficiency, or hormonal changes (e.g. after childbirth)
• Traction alopecia — hair loss from tight hairstyles (braids, ponytails)
• Scarring alopecia — permanent hair loss from burns, injuries, or skin conditions
• Nutritional deficiencies — iron, zinc, biotin, and protein deficiency
• Thyroid disorders — both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause hair loss
• Medications — chemotherapy, blood thinners, and some antidepressants

FUE vs. DHI vs. FUT: Which Hair Transplant Is Right for You?

There are three main hair transplant techniques. The right choice depends on the extent of hair loss, the quality of the donor area, and the patient's goals and budget. India's top hair transplant surgeons are experienced in all three techniques.

• FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): individual follicular units (1–4 hairs) are extracted from the donor area using a 0.8–1mm punch; no linear scar; most popular technique worldwide
• DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): uses a Choi implanter pen to extract and implant follicles simultaneously; no channel creation needed; allows denser packing and no shaving of the recipient area; slightly more expensive
• FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation / Strip method): a strip of scalp is removed from the donor area and dissected into individual follicular units; leaves a linear scar; allows the largest number of grafts in one session; less popular now but useful for very large sessions
• Sapphire FUE: uses sapphire blades instead of steel for channel creation; smoother channels, faster healing, and more natural-looking results
• Beard/body hair transplant: for patients with insufficient scalp donor hair; beard and chest hair can be used to supplement scalp donor hair

The Hair Transplant Procedure

A hair transplant is performed under local anaesthesia as a day-case procedure — the patient is awake throughout and can watch TV or listen to music. The procedure takes 6–10 hours depending on the number of grafts. Most patients need 2,000–4,000 grafts for a natural result.

India's top hair transplant clinics use experienced technicians for graft extraction and implantation, and surgeons who personally oversee the hairline design and graft placement.

• Consultation: hairline design, graft count estimation, and donor area assessment
• Day of procedure: local anaesthesia to the donor and recipient areas; mild sedation available
• Extraction: follicular units are extracted one by one from the donor area (back of the scalp)
• Graft preparation: extracted grafts are sorted and kept in a chilled preservation solution
• Channel creation: tiny incisions are made in the recipient area at the correct angle and direction
• Implantation: grafts are placed into the channels; hairline design is critical for a natural look
• Post-procedure: the donor area is bandaged; the recipient area is left open

Hair Transplant Results: What to Expect

Hair transplant results take time — patience is essential. The transplanted hairs fall out within 2–4 weeks of the procedure (shock loss) — this is completely normal. New hair growth begins at 3–4 months, and the final result is visible at 12–18 months.

Transplanted hair is permanent — it grows for life because the follicles are genetically resistant to DHT. However, native (non-transplanted) hair may continue to thin over time, and some patients need a second session years later.

• Week 1–2: scabs form and fall off; donor area heals
• Week 2–4: transplanted hairs fall out (shock loss) — normal and expected
• Month 3–4: new hair growth begins; fine, thin hairs initially
• Month 6: 50–60% of final result visible
• Month 12–18: full result; dense, natural-looking hair
• Medications: minoxidil and finasteride recommended to preserve native hair and improve results
• Second session: may be needed 2–5 years later if native hair continues to thin