What are hair grafts?
Hair grafts are those small hair follicles that are taken out from the donor area. This area is typically the sides or the back of the scalp. One graft can contain between 1 - 4 hair follicles. However, this depends on the density and characteristics of your hair. Hair grafts can be extracted through FUE, FUT, and ARTAS hair transplant. It’s important to understand the number of grafts that your scalp needs to attain natural-looking results.
Factors you need to consider for grafts
Hair Loss condition
How severe your hair loss is will impact the number of grafts you will need for your scalp. This is measured with the Norwood Scale. If you fall under the early stages, you will require less grafts than in the higher stages of the scale.
More grafts mean more density
Patients who desire a thicker and fuller look on their scalp will need more grafts on their scalp. On average, you will need 30-40 grafts per square centimeter to achieve a natural appearance.
Area of treatment
Your scalp requires a different number of grafts on different areas. For example, the hairline region requires fewer grafts than the crown region. This is because it is a smaller, more defined area, whereas the crown area is a much bigger surface.
Hair Characteristics
The characteristics of your hair, including the texture, thickness, and color contrast play a big part in determining the number of grafts you need. The thicker the hair, the better coverage it provides. This means less grafts will be needed.
Different stages
of hair loss and their graft requirements
Below are the different stages according the Norwood Scale:
- Stage 1: 0 grafts
- Stage 2: 500 - 1,500 grafts
- Stage 3: 1,500 - 2,500 grafts
- Stage 4: 2,500 - 3,500 grafts
- Stage 5: 3,500 - 4,500 grafts
- Stage 6: 4,500 - 6,000 grafts
- Stage 7: Over 6,000 grafts
Stages 2-3:
This range covers minor hairline recession and thinning that’s on the crown area.
Stages 4-5:
This stage shows moderate hair loss and has extensive balding on the scalp. A large number of grafts is required to restore your natural look.
Stages 6-7:
This range shows severe hair loss around the top and crown of the scalp and requires a higher number of grafts. This stage is primarily for full scalp restoration.
Scheduling a consultation for a tailored hair transplant plan
Not all patient’s hair loss patterns are the same. It is crucial to schedule a consultation to understand how many grafts your scalp needs. A trained specialist will help you identify the pattern of your hair loss, discuss your goals, and create a unique plan that meets your needs and delivers optimal results.
Conclusion
Understanding how many grafts you need to attain natural-looking results is crucial for a successful hair transplant. Some patients may require more grafts than others. It’s important to factor in desired density, hair characteristics, hair loss condition, and connecting with a proper specialist who works with hair restoration to ensure you have a customized plan that will deliver the results you want.