How Proper Styling Can Enhance the Look of a Hair Transplant

Dr. Cam Simmons is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.

We transplant hair at about half of the original density in key areas and less than that in others but we try to make transplanted hair look fuller than it really is. Styling is very important to this “illusion of density” and it is nice to have tips for patients to get the most out of their hair transplant. I tell my patients they are free to style their hair how they like but transplanted hair looks fuller when it is long enough to layer like shingles on a roof. Typically, the “dry look” looks fuller than a “wet look” and center-parting lets more overhead light reflect off the top to make the part look wider. In contrast, brushing hair forward, backward or to the side usually makes thin hair look fuller. Taking advantage of thicker natural hair in your chosen hairstyle is always a great way to camouflage balding areas..

The cuticle of the hair shaft looks like scales on a fish. Some products open the cuticle to make the hair shafts wider in order to create volume while others close the cuticle to make the hair smoother and shinier. Different products work better for different people. Transplanted hair can be dry, especially in the first few months, so I often recommend styling creams to coat the hair and make it smoother, heavier, shinier and easier to style. I myself use a “no more frizz” shampoo and conditioner and a simple anti-frizz styling cream applied to wet hair. I then comb my hair and, because I am usually in a hurry, I just let it air dry then comb it or brush it again after it is dry. I have experimented with products of varying cost from cheap to expensive and they all seem to work fine. Each person has their own hair characteristics and chemistry so it is always good to experiment a bit to find what works best for you. Shampoos, conditioners, and ordinary styling products do not promote hair growth nor will they stop hair loss.

I have found that sculpting gels, pomade, and waxes tend to clump the hair together and make it look thinner. This is most apparent when people flip up the front or spike it up as the layering effect is lost. Some surgical hair restoration patients use these products anyway and say they don’t mind a slightly thinner look that is more modern and still looks natural.

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David – aka TakingThePlunge
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