Should I Have A Hair Transplant On My Hairline or Crown First?

I’m a 35-year-old male who has been living with hair loss for the past ten years. I am getting to the point where my hairline has receded, and now my crown is starting to thin. So my question is, should I restore my hairline or crown first?

Whether you should address the hairline or crown first is a common question, and not as subjective as some may think. The hairline always needs to be restored first and foremost. The design and aesthetic appearance of the hairline will determine the overall result. The hair transplant can grow and have optimal density, but if it does not appear natural or refined, it will look worse than being bald- this is why the hairline is crucial.

The Importance of the Hairline

Attractiveness and appearance have been studied scientifically for centuries. Now it is true that attractiveness is subjective. However, facial symmetry has been proven to be appealing across all cultures around the world. The rule of thirds dictates that a well-balanced face can be broken down into thirds. The top third is from your hairline to the top of your eyebrows. The middle third is from the top of your eyebrows to the bottom of your nose. The bottom third is from the bottom of your nose to your chin. If one of these is disproportionate, it will affect your facial symmetry.

Having a well-balanced hairline frames the face and restores facial symmetry. The hairline is vital for the overall cosmetic result. Furthermore, the hairline is the first thing we see when taking pictures, or when we present ourselves to the world. In the age of social media, profile pictures are essential. Some employers may even ask for headshots before scheduling an interview. For these reasons, the hairline is the most vital aspect of hair restoration.

The Crown Is A Black Hole

The crown is a ‘black hole’ for grafts- this is because the vertex takes double the amount of grafts for restoration, as opposed to the hairline. The hair in the vertex lays flat against the scalp in a clockwise or counterclockwise pattern. For this reason, the crown requires a significant amount of grafts to appear full and dense. I like to use a carpet analogy. Imagine a transparent carpet on the floor; if you spread the carpet apart in a clockwise pattern, you will see the floor through the carpet. The hair in the vertex follows the same principle.

Written and published by,

Melvin Lopez- Associate Publisher and Forum Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network and The Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physician