Hair densification is a cosmetic procedure for men and women with noticeable thinning and gaps. Does it suit everyone, which technique is best, and when do results appear? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is hair densification?
Densification — essentially a hair transplant — harvests stable follicles (“grafts”) from a donor area and implants them into thinning and bald areas through fine channels, typically 2,000–4,000 grafts depending on the loss.
Techniques
FUT (strip)
A strip is removed from the back of the head, divided into hundreds of grafts, and implanted; the donor area is closed with fine cosmetic stitches.
FUE (extraction)
Follicles are harvested individually with fine tools and implanted. Advanced variations improve precision and speed, including Sapphire, Micro-FUE and Choi (DHI) pens.
Who is a candidate?
- Those whose loss has stabilised.
- Men with genetic/hormonal loss.
- Good general health, no skin disease such as eczema.
- Willing to stop smoking for the period the doctor specifies.
Preparation
- Tests to identify the cause of the loss.
- A review of general health, history and medications.
- Avoiding blood thinners such as aspirin.
- No smoking or alcohol for two weeks.
- Choosing the technique, anaesthesia, hairline design and graft count.
How it’s done
The area is trimmed, the hairline drawn, follicles harvested by the chosen technique, channels opened by hand or with implanter pens (Sapphire or Choi), the follicles placed, and the scalp dressed.
Recovery
- Wash the hair as instructed and keep the scalp clean.
- Take pain relief and antibiotics on time.
- Eat well, limit salt, and avoid coffee for three days.
- Sleep on your back to limit swelling.
- Moisturise scabs with the prescribed lotion; never pick them.
Results
Results appear gradually: shedding at week three, regrowth from month three, most of the scalp covered by month six, and the final result within one to one-and-a-half years.
Results after 8 months at Sherif Clinic
Cost
Prices range from about USD 3,000–7,500 in the Gulf and the wider region; at Dr. Sherif Hegazy’s clinic in Cairo they range from USD 1,000 to 2,000, depending on graft count and technique.
Have questions about densification? Get in touch.
