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Body hair transplantation, also known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), is a method of hair restoration that involves taking hair follicles from other parts of the body, including the chest, back, legs, or beard, and transplanting them to the scalp. However, it’s important to note that body hair may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as hair type, texture, and color can affect how well the transplanted hair will blend in with the existing scalp hair. Consultation with a hair restoration specialist is important to determine whether body hair transplantation is the best option for you.
Body hair transplantation is a relatively new and developing technique, and it’s important to do research and find a qualified surgeon who is experienced in this procedure. With the right approach and technique, body hair transplantation can be an effective way to achieve a more natural-looking hairline and increased hair density.
The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique is an ideal option for utilizing body hair as a donor region for hair transplantation. However, it’s important to be aware that there are expectations related to this technique and it’s crucial to have realistic expectations about the outcome.
The Body Hair Transplantation (BHT) procedure involves extracting hair follicles from different body parts, such as the chest, stomach, arms, legs or beard, and transplanting them to the scalp. This technique is mainly used to increase density or “fill in” areas where the hair on the scalp is insufficient to cover baldness.
While considering BHT, it’s important to keep in mind certain factors such as the hair thickness and texture, hair quality, hair per follicles, donor region density and growth rate. These factors will determine how well the transplanted hair will blend in with the existing hair and how natural the final outcome will look.
The main differences between body hair and scalp hair include:
Texture: The texture of scalp hair and body hair is one of the most notable differences between the two. Scalp hair is generally finer, with an average diameter of 0.1mm to 0.3mm. This is due to the fact that scalp hair is exposed to the elements, including sun, wind, and pollution, which can cause damage to the hair and make it more delicate. In contrast, body hair is typically coarser, with an average diameter of 0.3mm to 0.5mm. This is because body hair is not exposed to the same level of environmental factors as scalp hair and therefore does not need to be as delicate.
Growth rate: Another key difference between body hair and scalp hair is their growth rate. Scalp hair typically grows at an average rate of 0.5 inches per month, which is slower than body hair, which grows at an average rate of 0.9 inches per month. This is because the growth cycle of scalp hair is longer, with an anagen phase that can last between 2-7 years, while the growth cycle of body hair is shorter, with an anagen phase that typically lasts between 3-12 months.
Density: The density of hair is another key difference between body hair and scalp hair. Scalp hair is generally more densely packed than body hair. The scalp has an average of 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles per square inch, while other parts of the body have an average of 15,000 to 20,000 hair follicles per square inch. This is because the scalp has a higher number of hair follicles per square inch than other parts of the body, which allows it to produce more hair.
Color: The color of scalp hair and body hair can also vary. Scalp hair can be different shades of brown, black, blonde, red, etc. But body hair is usually darker in color, as it is exposed to less sunlight. The color of hair is determined by the amount and type of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, present in the hair shaft. Scalp hair is exposed to more sunlight than body hair, which causes the melanin to break down and gives the hair a lighter color.
Length: The length of scalp hair and body hair is another key difference. Scalp hair can grow much longer than body hair. Scalp hair can be grown up to several feet long, while body hair typically grows to a much shorter length of around 1 inch to 6 inches. This is because scalp hair has a longer growth cycle, which allows it to grow longer. Additionally, the length of hair is also influenced by genetics, and some individuals may be predisposed to growing longer hair.
Purpose: The purpose of scalp hair and body hair is also different. Scalp hair has a primary purpose of protecting the scalp from sun and cold, whereas body hair has a primary purpose of providing warmth and insulation. Scalp hair is thicker and coarser than body hair and provides a barrier against the elements. Body hair, on the other hand, is thinner and softer and helps to regulate body temperature by trapping heat close to the skin.
Curl pattern: The curl pattern of scalp hair and body hair is also different. Scalp hair can have a variety of curl patterns, from straight to curly, whereas body hair is usually straight. This is because scalp hair is exposed to more environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that can affect its curl pattern. Additionally, the curl pattern of hair is also determined by genetics and can vary among individuals.
The ideal candidate for a body hair transplantation to the head is someone who has a sufficient amount of hair on other parts of their body, such as the chest, arms, or legs, that can be harvested and transplanted to the scalp. They should also have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure and understand that it may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Additionally, the individual should be in good overall health and have healthy hair growth on the scalp.