How Does Coarse Donor Hair Impact Hair Transplant Results?

This question, from a member of our Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums, was answered by recommended hair transplant surgeon Dr. Blake Bloxham:

I had my hair transplant consult and the doctor said I have coarse donor hair, possibly 4k grafts in tank, maybe more. I was downbeat, thinking coarse means dry and thin but then I started googling and apparently it means good, rather than bad. Can anyone confirm?

It’s common to see lower donor densities in individuals with “coarse” hairs. This is because coarse hairs usually means larger, heartier follicles. The larger your follicles are, the fewer of them fit in a square centimeter — and we measure density in follicular units per square centimeter of scalp.

As several others have noted, coarse, wiry, hairs are usually great for hair transplants. They provide excellent thick, natural coverage. One of your hairs may be worth 2 or 3 of a “fine” haired gentleman with a higher donor density and number of lifetime grafts.

Sounds like you’re in a good situation.

Dr. Blake Bloxham
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David
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator