An unshaven hair transplant is a modern approach to hair restoration designed for people who want the benefits of transplantation without the obvious “shaved head” look during early healing. It uses the same proven principles as standard follicular unit extraction (FUE), but the surrounding hair is kept long to help camouflage the donor and recipient areas while the scalp recovers.

What an unshaven hair transplant is designed to achieve

Hair transplantation moves healthy, genetically more resistant hair follicles (usually from the back and sides of the scalp) into areas affected by thinning or balding. In an unshaven technique, most of the existing hair length is preserved. Small, carefully planned sections in the donor area may be trimmed or shaved so follicles can be harvested safely and accurately, while longer hair above can help cover these areas.

The goal is not a different type of hair growth, but a different early appearance and a more discreet recovery period for suitable patients.

Who this approach can be a good fit for

An unshaven technique can be a strong option when discretion is important and the transplant plan is compatible with working around existing hair.

It may be suitable if you:

• Want to avoid shaving your scalp for personal, social, or professional reasons
• Have enough length and density to conceal small trimmed areas (often easier when hair is several centimetres long)
• Need a small to moderate number of grafts, such as refining the hairline, filling localised thinning, or closing gaps
• Have a stable pattern of hair loss and a donor area with adequate density

When it may not be the best option

Keeping hair unshaven can limit visibility and access during the procedure. For that reason, it is not ideal for everyone.

It may be less suitable if you:

• Need a large number of grafts in one session due to more advanced hair loss
• Have very short hair, very fine hair, or limited donor density that makes concealment difficult
• Have scalp conditions or inflammatory hair loss where transplantation may be inappropriate (for example, some scarring alopecias)
• Prefer the most time-efficient option, as unshaven procedures typically take longer

If an unshaven approach is not advisable, our medical team will explain why and discuss alternatives, which may include a partially shaved approach or a standard shaved FUE for best accuracy and graft yield.

Assessment and planning before treatment

A detailed consultation is essential because the decision to keep hair unshaven depends on your hair characteristics and the size of the area being treated.

At your appointment, a specialist will typically:

• Review your medical history, medications, allergies, and any previous hair loss treatments
• Examine the scalp and donor area, including hair calibre, density, and the pattern of thinning
• Discuss your goals and what a natural result looks like for your face and age
• Estimate a realistic graft range and whether it can be achieved in one session without shaving
• Plan the hairline and distribution to prioritise natural density where it matters most

You may be advised to pause certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk, and to avoid smoking and alcohol around the time of the procedure, as these can affect healing. Any changes should be made only with medical guidance.

How the procedure is generally carried out

Unshaven hair transplants are most commonly performed using FUE, where follicles are removed individually from the donor area and then implanted into the thinning area.

While exact steps vary, the day usually includes:

Preparation and comfort

The scalp is cleaned, and local anaesthetic is used to numb the donor and recipient areas. Many patients remain awake and comfortable throughout, with breaks as needed.

Donor harvesting with minimal visible trimming

To access follicles safely, small sections of the donor area may be trimmed or shaved in a way that allows surrounding longer hair to fall over and conceal the area. Follicular units are then extracted one by one using fine instruments.

Graft preparation

Harvested follicles are checked and prepared under magnification to protect graft quality and support survival.

Recipient site creation and implantation

Tiny recipient sites are made in the thinning area, with careful attention to angle, direction, and spacing so the result blends with existing hair. Follicles are then placed into these sites.

Because the team is working around longer hair, the procedure can be more time-consuming than a fully shaved transplant. In return, the early post-procedure appearance is often easier to disguise.

Recovery and what to expect over time

Healing after an unshaven transplant is broadly similar to standard FUE, but hair care can feel more delicate because longer hair remains in place.

The first 1 to 2 weeks

• Mild swelling, redness, and tenderness can occur, especially in the first few days.
• Small scabs form around transplanted grafts and typically shed within 7 to 14 days.
• The donor area may feel tight or itchy as it heals.

You will receive clear aftercare instructions, which usually include how to sleep with your head elevated initially, when and how to wash the scalp, and what to avoid while grafts are settling.

Shedding phase (often weeks 2 to 10)

It is common for transplanted hairs to shed after the procedure. This is expected and does not mean the transplant has failed. The follicles remain in place and later produce new growth.

Regrowth and maturation (months 3 to 12)

• New hair growth often begins around 3 to 4 months.
• Visible improvement typically builds from 6 months onward.
• Final texture, thickness, and overall appearance can take 9 to 12 months, sometimes longer depending on individual factors.

Risks, limitations, and important considerations

All hair transplant procedures carry potential risks. These are usually mild and temporary, but it is important to understand them.

Possible risks and side effects include:

• Swelling of the forehead or around the eyes
• Bruising, redness, itching, or discomfort
• Infection (uncommon with appropriate hygiene and aftercare)
• Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) during regrowth
• Temporary numbness or altered sensation in donor or recipient areas
• Shock loss, which is temporary shedding of some existing hairs around the transplant area
• Uneven growth or suboptimal density, sometimes requiring a further session

Specific limitations of unshaven techniques:

• Fewer grafts may be feasible in a single session compared with a fully shaved approach
• The procedure can take longer and may be more technically demanding
• Aftercare can be slightly more complex because longer hair can trap scabs or make cleansing harder

A transplant also does not stop ongoing hair loss in non-transplanted areas. Many patients benefit from a longer-term plan that may include medical therapy where appropriate.

Your consultation journey and ongoing support

From the first consultation through follow-up, care is coordinated through our dedicated hair restoration clinic, with continuity from a specialist team that understands both the medical and aesthetic aspects of hair loss.

You can expect:

• A personalised assessment and an honest discussion of what is achievable
• A treatment plan tailored to your hair loss pattern, donor capacity, and lifestyle needs
• Clear pre-procedure guidance and structured aftercare instructions
• Follow-up to monitor healing and early growth, with advice on managing common concerns such as shedding, redness, or sensitivity

If you are considering an unshaven hair transplant, the most important first step is a specialist assessment. This confirms whether the technique is suitable for your graft requirements and helps ensure the safest approach with the most natural-looking outcome.