Hair Transplant FAQs

To ensure a smooth and productive consultation, we ask that you complete our brief online intake form prior to your appointment. If you need assistance completing the form, especially for non-English speakers, we recommend having a trusted person help you with translation to ensure accuracy. This helps us better understand your goals and medical history before your visit.

At a free hair consultation with RESTORE hair, patients can expect a personalized and informative experience in their journey toward effective hair restoration. The session begins with a thorough examination of the patient's hair loss condition by experienced professionals. The consultation encompasses a discussion about various hair restoration options, including cutting-edge techniques such as hair transplants.

The knowledgeable team at RESTORE hair addresses individual concerns and goals, providing detailed insights into the available procedures. For those considering a hair transplant, such as the No-Shave Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), the consultation delves into the intricacies of the process. Patients gain a comprehensive understanding of how FUE works, from the extraction of donor hair to the meticulous transplantation process.

During the consultation, the emphasis is not only on addressing current hair loss but also on planning for long-term results. The team discusses potential outcomes, timelines for recovery, and the importance of postoperative care. Patients receive tailored advice on the most suitable approach based on their unique circumstances and expectations.

RESTORE hair prioritizes transparency and patient education, ensuring that individuals leave the consultation with a clear understanding of the chosen hair loss treatment path. The team also addresses any questions or concerns, fostering a sense of confidence and trust.

Beyond the technical aspects, the free consultation at RESTORE hair recognizes the emotional impact of hair loss. The team provides empathetic support, acknowledging the psychological aspects of the journey. Patients leave the consultation armed with knowledge, a personalized plan, and the assurance that they are in capable hands for their hair restoration needs.

Absolutely. You're welcome to bring a friend, family member, or partner to your consultation. Many patients find it helpful to have someone they trust there to listen, ask questions, and support them in the decision-making process. Hair restoration is a personal journey, and we encourage you to involve the people who support you most.

A typical consultation lasts about 30–45 minutes, depending on your needs, questions and goals. We take the time to assess your hair loss, discuss treatment options, and answer any questions you have so you can make an informed, confident decision.

Hair transplants offer lasting results that are natural and virtually undetectable. The procedure involves transplanting individual hair follicles from a donor area to areas with thinning or no hair. These transplanted follicles continue to grow naturally, providing long-lasting and natural-looking results.

Hair transplants are considered long-lasting when patients diligently care for their transplanted hair and use hair loss medications to ensure the grafted hair remains healthy and vital. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplants will remain on your head for as long as they would have lasted in the donor area from where they came from.

FUE is renowned for its effectiveness and minimal scarring, making it a popular choice for those seeking a permanent hair loss treatment. The transplanted hair retains its characteristics and durability, ensuring a lasting solution to restore both confidence and a fuller head of hair.

An FUE hair transplant is generally low on the pain scale. The procedure is minimally invasive, and local anesthesia is used to numb the donor and recipient areas, ensuring minimal discomfort during follicle extraction and transplantation.

If pain is reported by a patient, it is typically minor and well-tolerated, and can be mitigated by administering a little more local anesthesia. It is fair to compare hair transplant pain to your trips to the dentist — you may feel some odd sensations, but feeling genuine pain is very atypical and is rectified quickly with additional anesthesia. Sensations are often described as pressure rather than sharp pain.

Postoperatively, patients may experience mild soreness or swelling, manageable with prescribed pain medication.

We know everyone wants a direct answer to this question — but it's nearly impossible to answer this accurately without seeing and assessing your head first. Hair restoration costs vary widely by city and clinic reputation.

The cost of a hair transplant primarily depends on three factors: 1) your current level of hair loss, 2) your own personal restoration goals, which can range from aggressive to conservative, and 3) the quality, reputation, and experience of the doctor/surgeon. An accurate cost can be assessed for you during your free consultation.

The optimal age for a hair transplant depends on the progression of hair loss and if you have a receding hairline or balding on the crown.

Older men are considered slightly better candidates for transplants than very young ones. This is because it's beneficial for the surgeon to fully visualize and understand your genetic balding pattern, which oftentimes hasn't materialized yet for men in their early or mid 20s. Consulting with specialists helps determine the best timing.

To be completely transparent, we'll need to see your head first before making this determination with any degree of accuracy. The number of grafts needed is dependent on two primary factors: 1) your personal level of hair loss, and 2) whether your restoration goals are more aggressive or conservative.

Not necessarily, although historically, shaving your head has been the norm. In the 2020s, "no shave" hair transplants are becoming more and more popular, and Dr. Harris with RESTORE is one of the global leaders in performing no-shave hair transplants while actively training other doctors on how to perform them.

You'll have more hair! So, in that sense, a hair transplant is noticeable. Otherwise, modern FUE hair transplants of the 2020s leave behind virtually no visible scarring. Think about how many celebrities and athletes have had hair transplants — many! Have you ever noticed a single one with visible scarring? Probably not — because modern techniques truly produce great results with more hair, with little to zero visible scarring.

Throughout their lives, even bald men can continuously grow hair within the "horseshoe" pattern around the back and sides of their head. Those hair follicles are stronger and more resilient than hair elsewhere on the head, and they grow throughout your life. A hair transplant is quite simple — we harvest some of the strong follicles from the back of the head, then relocate them to more desirable areas on the top of your head and along your hairline.

"Hair plugs" were an antiquated form of hair transplant surgery that existed in the 1980s and early 1990s, typically producing very poor results that were also highly noticeable. The surgeon would use a device similar to a hole punch, and "punch out" circular groups of hair from the donor region, then "plug in" those same circular hole punches into the recipient area. The repetitive, perfectly circular nature of the plugs looked awkward and unnatural. This type of surgery no longer exists today.

The best candidates for hair transplants are men who are generally healthy, have a robust supply of remaining donor hair, and a positive attitude about surgery. While there is no age requirement, it's typically better to be slightly further along in your hair loss pattern — men younger than 25 are not typically the best candidates.

Although the original FUT "strip" method continues to exist today, there is generally no good reason for a man to choose the strip method over the more modern FUE method. The risk of linear scarring using the strip method has caused it to fall out of favor, and the vast majority of hair transplants today use the more modern FUE method.

The ARTAS robot style of hair transplant uses computer technology and 3D mapping to analyze and dissect hairs from your donor region. Otherwise, the entire procedure is the same, as hairs are harvested from the back of your head and moved by your surgeon to the front.

It's common for men experiencing hair loss to consider alternative treatment options before ultimately deciding on a hair transplant. Usually, the first step is to begin taking hair loss medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride, which can help slow down the hair loss process.

Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition that causes men to lose their hair. Contrary to popular belief, the gene can come from either side of the family; not just the maternal one.

The average age of hair transplant patients at RESTORE is between 40 and 45, although that is strictly the average — we treat men who are both younger and older.

Yes, a hair transplant will look natural, assuming you utilize a highly reputable doctor and clinic.

Yes — a hair transplant is worth it. In fact, most men tell us it's the best investment they've ever made and wish they had done it sooner. Looking great, feeling confident, and putting forward the best version of yourself will pay off.

Other than (sometimes) saving a bit of money, there really aren't any pros to getting a hair transplant abroad.

There are many potential cons to having work done abroad, including: lower medical standards overseas, a higher risk of overharvesting your donor area, little or no surgeon accountability, no face-to-face pre-op consultations, no follow-ups, extensive travel time and expenses, and the increased stress of considering all of these potential cons.

The Norwood Scale is a widely used classification system for male pattern baldness. It categorizes hair loss stages from I to VII, assessing receding hairlines, temple recession, and crown balding. This visual aid helps professionals diagnose and plan treatments, offering a standardized way to communicate the extent of male pattern baldness.

Yes! The RESTORE No-Shave FUE hair transplant procedure offers a groundbreaking solution, allowing patients to undergo hair restoration without the need to shave their entire head. Individual hair grafts are moved from the back of your head — where you are plentiful — to the balding areas. The No-Shave FUE preserves the natural appearance of the existing hair while delivering the transformative results synonymous with traditional FUE transplants.

Yes, hair restoration can be a realistic option for many working individuals. Costs vary based on the extent of the procedure, but financing plans and flexible payment options are often available to help make treatment more accessible. During your consultation, we'll provide a personalized quote and discuss options that fit your budget.

There's no specific age requirement, but most specialists recommend waiting until at least your mid-20s. This allows for a more accurate assessment of your hair loss pattern and helps create a long-term treatment plan. Each case is unique, so a consultation is the best way to determine if you're an ideal candidate.

Hair transplant procedures are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, particularly when performed by experienced and licensed professionals. Long-term health effects are rare. Most patients experience only temporary side effects such as swelling, redness, or mild discomfort in the donor or recipient areas, which usually resolve within a few days to weeks.

In rare cases, complications such as infection, scarring, or changes in scalp sensation may occur, but these are typically manageable and not long-lasting.

Yes, FUE can be performed without shaving the entire scalp. We offer unshaven or partially shaved FUE techniques for patients who prefer to maintain the appearance of longer hair during recovery. This option is especially popular among individuals who want a discreet treatment with minimal downtime.

In many cases, yes — but it depends on the condition and your overall health. During your consultation, please disclose any medical issues or medications you're currently taking so our physicians can provide safe, personalized guidance. A few examples:

• Diabetes — hair transplants are often safe if well-controlled; your physician may request clearance from your endocrinologist.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., Coumadin) — you may need to temporarily pause medication under medical supervision.
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Lupus) — our medical team will assess your condition's activity and make a recommendation.
• Organ transplants — we will evaluate candidacy after your recovery is complete and your physician provides clearance.

The number of procedures depends on your individual goals, hair loss pattern, and donor hair availability. Many patients achieve excellent results with just one procedure. However, depending on the degree of hair loss or desired density, some patients choose to return for a second session. During your consultation, we'll provide a realistic plan tailored to your needs.

Yes, hair can be successfully transplanted into scarred areas, including scars from previous surgeries, injuries, or previous hair transplants. Our medical team will evaluate the scar tissue to determine the best approach. Often, density is built gradually over one or more sessions to achieve natural-looking coverage.

Your transplanted hair retains the same characteristics as the hair from the donor area. So if your donor hair is straight, the transplanted hair will remain straight. Some patients notice a slight wave initially as the hair grows in, but that typically settles into your normal texture over time.

Yes. You will be awake throughout the procedure, making hair transplants a very safe and easy outpatient procedure. We have a television in the operating room, so you can spend the afternoon watching shows or listening to music. During the surgery, you will be under the effects of local anesthesia, and will not feel any pain. If you opt in for an oral sedative you may fall asleep during portions of the procedure.

The duration of the No-Shave FUE hair transplant at RESTORE can vary based on individual factors, such as the extent of hair loss, the number of grafts, and other personal characteristics. Typically, the procedure takes about 4 to 6 hours, though it can extend longer for larger surgeries.

On the day of your procedure, you'll usually arrive when the office opens to complete some brief pre-op paperwork. Time will be built in for meals, snacks, and breaks for both you and the surgeon. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring a meticulous and efficient process, prioritizing your comfort while achieving optimal results.

With an experienced and skilled physician, overharvesting is extremely unlikely. Some cases can be found on the internet, but these were most likely performed by unskilled surgeons — often overseas — where patients wanted to save money. A skilled surgeon will remove your donor hairs skillfully, in a way that is nearly undetectable.

Yes — a hair transplant does bleed slightly. While under localized anesthesia, your surgeon will make tiny incisions, similar to pinpricks, to harvest your donor follicles in the back of your head, followed by additional "pinpricks" along your hairline to place the follicle. In each case, there is a small amount of blood that will quickly form a tiny scab before healing.

Our procedures are performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the scalp and ensures you remain comfortable throughout the process. Full sedation is typically not necessary. Most patients describe the experience as minimally uncomfortable and are pleasantly surprised by how easy the procedure is.

Recovery time after a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant is relatively short. You will almost certainly want to rest a bit immediately after returning home from the surgery, and possibly for another day or so.

You could theoretically go back to work the next day, and some men do, but most patients opt to take a few days off. The donor and recipient area may have minor redness and swelling that are generally healed within 5-7 days. Patients can usually resume regular activities within a few days but should avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks.

Adherence to post-operative care instructions, including gentle hair washing and avoiding certain activities, is crucial for optimal outcomes.

For the first few days after your surgery, we ask you to take it easy. Please don't work out, don't touch or pick at the follicles, don't expose your head to lots of direct sunshine, don't wear helmets. You want your newly transplanted follicles to exist in an extremely mild environment without any touching, irritation, or unnecessary agitation.

However, you can resume other normal activities such as working, shopping, and driving the next day. You can start to work out on the fourth day following the procedure. After roughly 7 days, you can resume all of life's normal activities.

Growth after hair transplantation varies from patient to patient. Some patients begin seeing new hair growth as early as 3 months, while many others begin seeing new hair growth by 6 months. In rare cases, it can take a little longer.

The initial growth is very exciting, but it is typically not indicative of the full and final results. For some men, it takes 9 to 15 months post-op for the new hair to fully grow in and for the final cosmetic result to be reached. Patience is crucial, as it can take up to 18 months.

Modern FUE hair transplants leave virtually no visible scarring, and are visually superior to the old "strip" (FUT) method. However, any cosmetic surgery that involves penetration of the skin can sometimes leave a minuscule amount of minor scarring behind. In the case of FUE hair transplants, those theoretical scars are the size of tiny pinpricks — and you have the benefit of covering and concealing them with your hair.

Post-op redness in both the donor area and the recipient area varies from person to person. Typically, African Americans and other men with darker/tanner skin will experience the least amount of post-op redness with a faster return to normal. Caucasian men with very pale skin will also heal perfectly fine, but they may experience some lingering redness for slightly longer before returning to normal.

You can shower the day after the procedure, however we do ask that you follow a special protocol for washing your hair as we want the newly transplanted follicles to firmly take root and avoid any trauma that could knock them loose.

Absolutely, and this is extremely common in the days and weeks following your procedure. It's critically important in those first few days post-op that you avoid disturbing and jostling the newly transplanted hairs.

We ask that you not exercise after a hair transplant for three days following the surgery. After three days feel free to return to your normal exercise routine without any worries. The only actions we would like you to avoid for 1 week are wearing a helmet and swimming.

We ask that you take the rest of the day off after your surgery. However, theoretically, you could return to work the next day. A high percentage of men take off at least a few days following their surgery, and/or schedule several consecutive work-from-home days after the surgery.

A very small percentage of men will experience a phenomenon called "shock loss" after their hair transplant procedure. It's an uncommon reaction that describes the temporary loss of hair that is otherwise healthy in your donor and recipient regions. Even in procedures that are executed correctly, shock loss can still occur in some men, although ultimately, the hair will regrow after several months.

Possible side effects include: (1) swelling of the forehead, which eventually disappears on its own after a few days; (2) temporary in-grown hairs, which can appear a few weeks after the surgery but are not permanent; and (3) shock loss — temporary hair loss of otherwise healthy hair in the donor and recipient regions. This happens in approximately 15% of patients, though using minoxidil for several weeks prior to your procedure can reduce the chance of it occurring by 50%.

In the first few days after a hair transplant, we ask that you use a neck roll for support while sleeping and keep your head elevated at 20-30 degrees. This stabilizes your head position and prevents you from rolling over in the middle of the night, protecting your newly transplanted follicles. The head elevation minimizes the risk of forehead swelling.

No — there is no correlation whatsoever between a hair transplant and dandruff. However, dandruff after a hair transplant can occur for other reasons, like beginning to use a new hair loss shampoo or a topical medication like Rogaine.

After three days — go for it. However, we strongly advise you to warn your partner to avoid tugging, pulling, or even running their fingers through your hair for a week after the surgery.

Yes — we can fix a bad hair transplant, assuming there are enough follicles remaining on your head within the donor region to harvest from. Typically, bad transplants fall into three camps: 1) unnatural looking hairline, 2) low density, 3) linear scarring from the old strip method.

A bad hair transplant with an unnatural looking hairline can be fixed through softening or changing its shape. A low density bad hair transplant can be fixed by inserting additional follicles. Linear scarring can be minimized by inserting new follicles directly into the scar itself, or by having SMP (scalp micro-pigmentation) performed in that area.

While medication isn't required for everyone, many patients choose to take FDA-approved treatments like finasteride and minoxidil to help maintain their existing hair and support long-term results. Your doctor can recommend the best approach based on your individual needs and goals.

Transplanted hair is taken from areas of the scalp that are genetically resistant to DHT, the hormone responsible for most hair loss. Once transplanted, the hair is likely to grow long-term and remain stable over time. While it's normal to experience some thinning as part of the natural aging process, the majority of transplanted follicles will continue to grow just like your natural, healthy hair.

To simply accept balding is increasingly becoming more of a personal choice. You can choose to accept your balding, which of course is quite admirable, or you can choose to fight against it with the innovative medications and technology of the 2020s.

If you're bald, and you feel confident about being bald, yes, women like it. The issue with being bald is that, no matter how hard some bald men try, they simply cannot feel fully confident while bald or balding.

The bottom line is that non-surgical options like pills, creams, and shampoos can help slow down hair loss slightly, but 99% of the time they cannot reverse it. Meanwhile, a hair transplant tangibly reverses your hair loss, and restores hair into places where it doesn't currently exist.

If you're a man, the easiest way to make your hair thicker is through defensive therapies like finasteride or minoxidil, or via a hair transplant. More organic methods include the right diet and vitamins.

EverHair is the most aggressive non-surgical treatment plan available for male pattern baldness — it includes finasteride, minoxidil, laser treatment, and PRP treatment, all of which are clinically proven methods. When applied together, all four treatments can produce noticeable results.

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. This therapy uses an enhanced concentration of a patient's own platelets to stimulate and accelerate hair growth in the scalp. Because it's your own platelets, the results can promote more growth than what would occur naturally.

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication for male pattern baldness, and it's the generic name for Rogaine. Minoxidil is considered a defensive therapy, and can help slow down hair loss, but ultimately, it is rare that it restores results to a much more youthful appearance all on its own.

Finasteride is a medication, and it's the generic name for Propecia. Finasteride is one of the most common treatments for male-pattern baldness, and it's FDA-approved to help slow down hair loss.

Rogaine can definitely help slow down your hair loss slightly, and sometimes it can even help regrow a few dozen hairs, but it simply doesn't have the ability to fully reverse hair loss and restore a much younger hairline. Nearly all of the dramatic before and after photos you see for impressive hair regrowth come from hair transplants.

Propecia is known for slowing hair loss and helping to thicken existing hair. Depending on your stage and pattern of loss, a combination of defensive therapies along with a transplant procedure is usually recommended.

Possible Propecia side effects are rare (less than 2% of patients) and can include: decreased sexual appetite, erectile dysfunction, decreased semen, lump and tenderness in the chest, pain in the testicles, and inability to urinate normally. Allergic reactions to the drug itself are extremely rare.

Possible side effects of Rogaine include: itchy scalp, flaking of the scalp, chest pain, heart palpitations, irregular or fast heartbeats, headaches, flushing, and swelling. Allergic reactions are extremely rare.

Scientists estimate that the average head of hair grows at a rate of about half an inch per month. Hair grows 10% faster during the summer months, although this difference isn't particularly noticeable. Although personal genetics play a huge role in how quickly your hair grows, there are several other factors that can influence your rate of growth.

Yes and no. While dandruff itself doesn't cause balding, it can worsen underlying conditions if not treated properly, or if you scratch your scalp too aggressively.

Medications like Finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil (Rogaine) can be effective in slowing hair loss and preserving existing hair, but they don't restore areas where hair is already gone. They can be used alone or in combination with hair restoration surgery, depending on your goals.

Yes, our team had the privilege of working with both Brian Urlacher and Deion Sanders on their hair restoration journeys.

While it is technically possible to transplant body hair using FUE, RESTORE does not perform body-to-scalp hair transplants. Body hair, especially leg hair, differs significantly from scalp hair in texture, thickness, and growth cycle, often leading to less predictable results. RESTORE focuses exclusively on using donor hair from the scalp, which provides the best match for natural-looking and long-lasting outcomes.

• Biotin (Vitamin B7) — supports keratin production.
• Vitamin D — deficiency has been linked to hair thinning.
• Iron — a common cause of hair loss when deficient.
• Zinc — helps with hair tissue growth and repair.
• Vitamin C — supports collagen production and iron absorption.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids — support scalp hydration.
• Saw Palmetto — a natural DHT blocker (for men).
• B-Complex Vitamins — especially B12 and B6.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Yes, we offer beard transplants exclusively at our Denver location. Whether you're looking to fill in patchy areas, restore facial hair due to scarring, or achieve a fuller, more defined beard, our team in Denver customizes each procedure to deliver natural-looking, lasting results.

A hair transplant may fail due to several factors, including poor surgical technique, improper post-operative care, insufficient donor hair quality, or underlying medical conditions. At RESTORE, we pride ourselves on our expertise and track record of successful outcomes.

We have multiple convenient locations across the United States. To find the clinic nearest to you, please visit our locations page or contact our patient care team directly.

At this time, we do not offer the DHI method. At RESTORE, we specialize in FUE — a highly innovative and minimally invasive technique that delivers natural results with less downtime and no linear scarring.

Yes, we're happy to connect you with past RESTORE patients. While before-and-after photos and testimonials are available on our website, we understand that speaking with someone directly can be helpful. Upon request, we can arrange a conversation or share feedback from real patients who've gone through the process with us.

Yes — the skill and experience of your surgeon matter greatly. Hair restoration is both a medical and artistic procedure. At RESTORE, our physicians specialize in hair restoration and work exclusively in this field. Choosing a trusted provider ensures your safety, satisfaction, and long-term success.

If a second procedure is needed, we typically recommend waiting 6 to 12 months between sessions. This allows your scalp to fully heal and the transplanted hair to grow in enough for us to evaluate your results and plan for optimal density.

No. Hair transplants must be done using your own hair. Your body would reject someone else's follicles just like it would reject a mismatched organ. All successful hair restoration procedures use your own DHT-resistant donor hair for permanent, natural results.

No problem — many of our patients travel from out of town for their procedure. We offer virtual consultations and work closely with you to coordinate travel, lodging and recovery. We also offer exclusive travel deals to help make the process even more convenient.