Hair loss is a common problem that affects people of all ages and ethnicities. While hair transplant surgery is a popular solution for those who want to restore their hairline, an Afro hair transplant requires a unique set of skills and techniques due to the unique texture and structure of Afro-Caribbean hair.
​
If you have Afro hair then the reasons for your hair loss are usually the same as any other hair type – though we see Traction Alopecia much more regularly in female Afro patients, but Androgenetic Alopecia (Male or Female Pattern Balding) is still by far the most common reason.
Hair loss treatments such as Finasteride, Minoxidil and Pyrilutamide still work equally well for Afro hair, but when it comes to a hair transplant then you do want to seek out a surgeon who is an Afro Specialist and who has several years of experience with this hair type.
One of the biggest challenges in Afro hair transplant is the strong curl of the hair results from the shape of the follicle under the skin. Whereas straight hair has a straight follicle which is relatively simple to extract, the more curly the hair the more curved the follicle is, and Afro hair has a sharply curved 'C' shaped follicle, meaning it is a lot more tricky to extract without causing damage to the follicle itself as a damaged follicle will not regrow, so the maximum number that can be safely extracted in one procedure is usually reduced from 3000 in straight hair to around 2000 grafts due to the extra time and care needed. The surgeon needs to use specialized tools and techniques to extract and implant the hair follicles, as Afro hair is more fragile and prone to damage than other hair types.
The second complication is ensuring that the transplanted hair positioning matches the natural texture and curl pattern of the existing hair. This requires a skilled surgeon who has experience working with Afro-textured hair, but thankfully the hair type usually means a smaller number of grafts can successfully cover a larger area of hair loss.
In the UK, Afro hair transplant procedures are becoming increasingly popular, and here at My-Hair UK we have Afro specialist surgeons at both our London and Manchester clinics who have industry leading expertise in this procedure. It is a highly personalized process, as the surgeon needs to take into account the unique needs and expectations of each patient. The surgeon will assess the patient's hair loss pattern, hair type, and density, and develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs. The procedure can take several hours, depending on the size of the recipient area and the number of hair follicles that need to be transplanted.
It is important for patients to do their research and choose a reputable clinic that specializes in this procedure. While the procedure can be more complex than traditional hair transplant surgery, it can provide excellent results for those who want to restore their hairline and regain their confidence.
​
If you are considering a hair transplant, then start by arranging a free consultation with us at My-Hair UK by clicking the button below for a confidential chat with an expert.