A stem cell hair transplant uses your own stem cells to repair a weakened scalp and make it better able to grow new hair — particularly for genetic hair loss where there isn’t enough density for a conventional transplant. It is non-surgical, quick, and increasingly seen as a promising tool in hair restoration, though research is still ongoing.
What is a stem cell hair transplant?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can divide into other cell types and take on their function. In this procedure, stem cells are used to strengthen weak scalp tissue that suffers heavy shedding and help it grow new hair. When placed in the scalp they act like follicles and support new growth.
7 benefits
- Strengthens hair roots and makes them more capable of producing hair.
- Re-energises follicles that have lost their core stem cells.
- Non-surgical — suitable for people who cannot have surgery.
- Repairs scalp cells to increase density and growth.
- Lower cost than many other options.
- Minimal side effects.
- Donor-site tissue heals within a few days.
Who is a candidate?
- Heavy hair shedding.
- People who tried other growth methods without success.
- Those unsuited to a transplant because of a weak donor area.
- No underlying issues such as anaemia or vitamin deficiency.
- No bleeding, clotting or circulation disorders.
- No uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes or heart disease.
Steps
First, stem cells are harvested — via micro-liposuction of a small amount of fat, from the plasma of a blood sample, or from a small sample of hair follicles. They are then multiplied in the lab into hundreds of cells, and finally injected into the scalp in a session of about 30 minutes under local anaesthetic after careful sterilisation.
Recovery
Downtime is no more than a couple of days. If the stem cells were taken by liposuction, follow the usual post-liposuction instructions. Your doctor may prescribe simple pain relief and an ointment after the injection session.
How effective is it?
Most trials show results within the first month after the first session, with growth continuing over about six months. It is important to be realistic: more research is still needed, and some studies report visible results in around 29% of cases by 23 weeks after the last session.
The stem cell session at Dr. Sherif Hegazy’s clinic
Side effects
As with any procedure, minor bleeding, infection or accidental injury are possible but avoidable, and there are no general-health risks from your own stem cells. You may feel slight tingling, mild swelling at the injection site, and minor pain controlled with simple analgesics.
Cost
Globally, stem cell hair procedures range from about USD 3,000 to 10,000. In Egypt the average is around USD 100 per session, and most people need about three sessions depending on the severity of the loss — roughly USD 300 in total.
Have questions about whether stem cell treatment suits you? Message the clinic for guidance.
