Can Hair Transplants Grow Thick Enough for Long Hair?

Question

I've seen some before and after photos of hair transplants, but none of them ever seem to show a successful surgery where the guy grew his hair long.  Like ponytail long.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Most men don't wear ponytails.  Transplanted hairs grow like normal hair.  It can grow as long as you don't cut it.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Yes, long hair is possible after a transplant depending on the type of procedure and donor source. Hair follicles maintain their original nature concerning volume and length even when implanted elsewhere.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The reason you don't see pony tails with transplants is that the density is low and the hair is pulled back with a ponytail. You should look at the Fleming-Mayer Flap. It gives the most density. The hairline must be finished with micro hair transplants to soften the hairline of the flap.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Generally individuals who have had hair transplants have a diffiuse area of hair loss and growing a pony tail would appear incompatible with their overall appearance not to mention the dramatic change in their "look". The length of the hair depends on the donor site characterisics and it is possible to grow hair that long.

Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS · Answer

Hair that has been grafted and transplanted is no different from the other hair present on the scalp. It will and should grow in the same manner and pattern as the rest of the hair follicles present. Hence, a hair transplant does not affect how the hair grows, it only aids in the re-distribution of follicles.
If a patient wishes to grow their hair out to whatever length, be it shoulder, waist, or knees, it will most definitely occur but it takes time for the hair to grow. This is because the hair in general only grows about a centimeter per month. Therefore, to grow hair long enough to put in a ponytail (from a bald head after surgery) it can take up to two years.
This is why most before and after pictures show patients with short groomed hair. Typically, the after pictures are clicked approximately after the one-year mark of completion of the surgery because it takes that long for the follicles to undergo the hair growth cycle and for the permanent results to set in. 
Obviously, if the patient is facing trouble with their growth, other treatments like hair supplements, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and low-level laser therapy can be used to boost the effects.

Eric Rosenberger, MD · Answer

Most hair restoration post procedure photos are taken between 9 and 14 months following hair transplantation. The results will demonstrate increased density in the transplanted region. Hair length is independent of density but completely dependent on the time required to grow hair long enough to be worn at the desired length. Transplanted scalp hair will continue to grow until you decide to cut it. Transplanted beard or body hair will generally provide density, but not grow to the length of scalp hair.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

Yes, transplanted hair can be grown out as long as an individual would like. Most often, post-procedure photos are taken at around 12 months. Therefore, it may not have been enough time to reach ponytail length.

Rashid M. Rashid, PhD, MD · Answer

Yes, the hair after a hair transplant should grow like normal real hair because that is what it is. We are most familiar with Neograft FUE and the Artas robot hair transplant method but we are pretty sure it would also be the case for FUT methods. You should talk to the FUT doc if you want to take this approach.

Sara Wasserbauer, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Transplanted hair grows as long as you want it. The hair grows exactly how it grew when it was on the back of your head. Most post op pictures are taken 12-18mo. on a follow up visit. Thus not allowing enough time to grow a ponytail.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

There are many successful transplants where the hair has volume and can be grown long. All hair will grow dependent on its original characteristics. of the area where it is transplanted from.

Can Hair Transplants Grow Thick Enough for Long Hair?

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