Can You Change Your Hair Texture with a Hair Transplant?

Hair texture—whether curly, wavy, or straight—is determined by a mix of genetics and biological factors. For those considering a hair transplant, a common question arises: can a hair transplant change your hair texture? While hair transplants can restore hair to thinning or balding areas, they do not fundamentally alter the natural texture of your hair. However, certain factors, such as hair characteristics in the donor area and post-transplant effects, can lead to subtle changes in the appearance of the transplanted hair.

In this article, our dermatologists explain how hair transplants work, whether they can change your hair texture, and how other factors might influence the look and feel of your hair after the procedure.

What is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure designed to restore hair to areas of thinning or baldness. Hair follicles are typically harvested from the back or sides of the scalp (where hair is genetically resistant to thinning) and transplanted to areas experiencing hair loss. There are two primary methods for harvesting and transplanting hair:

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): Involves removing a strip of skin from the donor area, from which hair follicles are extracted and transplanted.
• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Individual hair follicles are harvested directly from the donor area and transplanted to the recipient site.

While hair transplants effectively restore hair in thinning areas, they do not alter the genetic characteristics of the transplanted hair, including its texture.

Can Hair Texture Change After a Hair Transplant?

The short answer is no—hair transplants do not change your hair’s inherent texture. Hair texture is determined by genetics, and transplanted hair will maintain the same characteristics as it had in the donor area. For instance, if the hair taken from the back of your scalp is straight, it will remain straight after it’s transplanted to the front or top of your scalp.

However, some factors may create the appearance of a change in hair texture, even though the genetic structure of the hair remains unchanged:

1. Donor Area Texture

Hair from the donor area (usually the back of the head) may have a slightly different thickness or wave pattern than hair in the thinning areas. For example, if your hair in the donor area is slightly wavy and you’re transplanting it to an area where the hair was straighter, the transplanted hair may appear to have a different texture than your natural hair.

2. Healing Process

Immediately after a hair transplant, the newly transplanted hair may appear coarser or curlier than usual as the scalp heals. This is temporary, and the hair usually returns to its natural texture once the scalp has fully recovered.

3. Curl Pattern Alteration

Some patients notice slight changes in the curl pattern of their hair after a transplant, especially during the early growth stages. This is often due to changes in the scalp’s elasticity or the way the hair follicles settle into the skin. Over time, this effect diminishes as the hair matures and blends with the surrounding hair.

4. Post-Transplant Hair Shedding

In the months following a hair transplant, it’s normal for transplanted hair to shed temporarily before regrowing. As new hair grows, it may initially look finer or coarser than usual, but it will gradually return to its natural texture over time.

What Causes Hair Texture to Change Naturally?

While hair transplants don’t change your hair texture, other factors can cause natural hair texture changes over time, including:

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts, such as those caused by pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid imbalances, can lead to changes in hair texture. For example, some people notice their hair becomes curlier or straighter after pregnancy.
• Aging: As we age, hair tends to become finer and may lose its natural wave or curl. Hair follicles can also shrink over time, leading to changes in hair thickness and texture.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy or hormonal treatments, can cause temporary or permanent changes in hair texture.
• Chemical Treatments: Hair treatments like coloring, perming, or straightening can alter the structure of the hair, leading to a different texture. These changes are typically not genetic and can be reversed or treated with proper care.

How Long Does it Take for Transplanted Hair to Settle?

After a hair transplant, it takes time for the transplanted hair to fully settle into its new location. Here’s a general timeline of what to expect post-transplant:

First 2-3 Weeks

Transplanted hair typically falls out within the first few weeks—a normal part of the process called “shock loss.” Don’t worry; this is temporary, and new hair will begin to grow in its place.

3-4 Months

New hair starts to grow in. Initially, this hair may be finer or have a different texture than your natural hair.

6-12 Months

Hair continues to thicken and mature, gradually returning to its natural texture. By 12 months post-transplant, the transplanted hair should have fully blended with your natural hair in terms of texture and thickness.

Can You Change Your Hair Texture with Other Treatments?

While a hair transplant does not change hair texture, there are non-surgical treatments available to modify the look and feel of your hair. These include:

• Keratin Treatments: These treatments can temporarily smooth hair, making it straighter and shinier.
• Chemical Relaxers: Used to straighten curly or wavy hair. This treatment is semi-permanent and requires maintenance.
• Perming: This technique adds curls or waves to naturally straight hair, creating a new texture that lasts several months.
• Hair Thickening Treatments: Certain hair products, like volumizing shampoos, conditioners, or thickening sprays, can create the appearance of thicker, fuller hair, though they don’t change the actual texture.

Is Hair Transplant the Right Solution for Hair Texture Concerns?

If you’re primarily looking to change your hair texture, a hair transplant may not be the right solution. Hair transplants are designed to address hair thinning and balding, restoring hair density in areas of loss. If your primary concern is altering the texture of your hair, you may want to explore other treatments like keratin treatments or chemical relaxers.