Can hair donor hair be pulled from the back of my head and placed in an area that isn't bald YET? (Photo)

Question

I would like more density in the circled areas(see photos) because I think it wouldn't be noticeable that I got it done, I'm aware of the native hair continuing to miniaturize, but is it possible to implant donor hair in those areas and have them survive(I am not currently and probably won't take finasteride)

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photo and for explaining your thought process so clearly. You’re asking a very thoughtful and technically sound question—and the short answer is yes, it is possible, but there are important nuances to understand, especially given that you’re not planning to take finasteride.

Can donor hair survive in areas that aren’t fully bald yet?

Yes. Transplanted donor hairs can survive when implanted into areas that are thinning but not completely bald, as long as:

The donor hair is taken from a stable zone (typically the back/sides of the scalp)

The grafts are placed carefully to avoid excessive trauma to existing follicles

The surgeon accounts for ongoing miniaturization

The donor hairs themselves are generally resistant to androgen-related hair loss, so once they take, they tend to be permanent.

The key issue: native hair loss continues

This is the most important part of your situation. In the circled area, what I see is early thinning/miniaturization, not a fully bald patch. That means:

The transplanted hairs may remain

Your native hairs in that same area can continue to thin over time

This can eventually create a patchy or uneven density unless additional procedures are done later

This risk is significantly higher if you are not using finasteride, since finasteride is what slows or stabilizes miniaturization of existing hair.

Why some surgeons are cautious in cases like yours

Without medical therapy:

You may “chase” hair loss with transplants over time

Donor supply can be used up earlier than ideal

The cosmetic benefit may be temporary or less predictable

That said, your reasoning—that adding density early can look more natural and less obvious—is absolutely valid, and some patients do choose this path with full awareness of the trade-offs.

What tends to work best in situations like this

From a medical and aesthetic standpoint:

Very conservative density placement (not aggressive packing)

Strategic blending rather than full correction

Acceptance that future procedures may be needed

Realistic expectations about progression

Bottom line
Yes—donor hair can be implanted into areas that are thinning and not yet bald, and the grafts can survive. The bigger question isn’t whether it’s possible, but whether it’s strategically wise long-term without medical stabilization. Your concern is not naive at all—it’s exactly the right concern to have.

Marco Barusco, MD · Answer

It is generally not a good idea to transplant into areas where hairs are still thick and very close together. The transplant itself can cause hair loss, and you will likely not see much difference. Since you mention that you will not take finasteride, I would recommend using a topical version of it. to try to prevent the thinning of the hair.

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

The short answer is "no". You should not transplant hair into an area where you have hair follicles. The hair loss can be halted and the miniaturizing follicles can be revived. Finasteride will stop accumulation of DHT, but if you don't want to take that, you can use a laser cap to clear the DHT. Then PRP treatments can restore the weak follicles. If you transplant hair to the area where you have weak follicles, the transplanted follicles will hog all the nutrients and kill off the existing follicles and accelerate the reading hair loss.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. In my opinion you do not need and transplant now. I think its a better idea to wait and see if in the future you need a transplant so you'll have an adequate donor area. Best of luck to you.

Dr. T

Dr. T

Wipawan Vathananai, MD · Answer

In my opinion, I would recommend you to try topical minoxidil first. Getting a hair transplant in an area with lots of existing hair would not be worth it. It is better to preserve the donor hair for the future because hair loss is progressive.

Can hair donor hair be pulled from the back of my head and placed in an area that isn't bald YET? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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