You’ve plunged into online research about hair transplantation and have come to understand that transplanted follicles are taken from what is known as the safe donor area (SDA). But is my donor hair any different from regular hair? If I’m losing my regular hair – on the top and crown areas – won’t my donor hair also shrink and fall out? Well, by a miracle of nature, the hair that grows on the sides of head and by the nape of the neck are practically permanent follicular units, immune to the miniaturizing effects of DHT.

For reasons not totally understood, hair taken from the donor zone is resistant to the degenerative changes related to pattern baldness. Hair follicles taken from the SDA do not miniaturize in response to DHT exposure, unlike the rest of the scalp, the basic reason for this has to do with the sensitivity of androgen protein receptors found on the follicles. The permanent nature of the grafts from the safe donor area is the reason why these hair follicles are used in hair transplant surgery, as they rarely thin or fall out due to age. 

Most Men Will Reach Norwood 6 or 7 (Severe Baldness)

The hair growth and loss cycle of every man will depend on their genetic makeup, most clearly forecasted on the scalp by a person’s late 20’s and early 30’s. It’s very useful to see where you are on the Norwood Scale – a classification system that illustrates progressive hair loss patterns in males – because you’ll know how many hair restoration therapies you’ll need to invest in. Since recession at the temples or near the crown is visible on 20-30% of men by the time they reach their 20s, the risk of continued hair loss (becoming a Norwood 6 or 7) is very likely every year preventative action is not taken.

Transplanting thick and strong donor hair into the receding parts of the scalp will stop the progression of hair loss dead in its tracks (or at least for 20 or 30 years). By opting for a skilled hair transplant you will turn back the clock on your looks. Chances are, if you’re visiting websites devoted to hair transplantation, you are worried about your hair loss or the potential for loss. The sooner you address your situation the greater the odds are that you will keep the hair you have.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.