Hair loss can be challenging, especially for patients with limited donor hair on the scalp. In such cases, beard hair transplant emerges as an effective alternative. This article presents a real case of beard to head hair transplant using 1,750 grafts with the DHI technique, performed at EsteQuality Hair Transplant Clinic.
Why Use Beard Hair for Hair Transplant?
Beard hair is increasingly used as an additional donor source for patients with advanced baldness or weak donor areas on the scalp. In this real case, the patient lacked sufficient grafts from the back of the head, making beard to scalp grafting a reliable solution to achieve natural density and coverage.
Differences Between Beard and Scalp Hair
- Thickness & Texture: Beard hairs are generally thicker and more coarse compared to scalp hairs, providing extra volume when transplanted.
- Growth Cycle: Beard hair has a slightly different growth cycle, but once transplanted, it continues to grow naturally like scalp hair.
- Colour & Curl Pattern: Sometimes, beard hair may appear slightly different in curl or shade; careful blending during implantation reduces this risk.
Who is Suitable for Beard to Head Hair Transplant?
Patients who benefit most from beard grafts for hair restoration include:
- Individuals with limited donor density on the scalp
- Those requiring high graft numbers for maximum coverage
- Patients aiming to enhance crown or mid-scalp density rather than frontal hairline
- Men with dense beards and no contraindications for facial graft harvesting
Patient Case: 1,750 Grafts Beard to Head Hair Transplant
At EsteQuality Hair Transplant Clinic, our patient arrived with advanced hair loss and insufficient scalp donor hair. The medical team recommended using beard grafts as a donor source to achieve satisfactory coverage with natural results.
Pre-Operation Beard Condition
Before the procedure, the patient’s beard area showed:
- Thick, dense facial hair, particularly under the chin and along the jawline
- No prior scarring or folliculitis in the donor beard area
- Sufficient density to extract 1,750 grafts without causing visible thinning
The patient underwent a comprehensive dermatological and surgical assessment to ensure beard hair suitability for scalp transplantation.
10 Days After the Operation
- The donor area (beard) showed mild redness and small crusts, typical during healing
- Recipient scalp area displayed initial implanted grafts clearly visible, with slight scabbing
📝 Patient Feedback (Day 10):
“I had minimal pain and swelling. Redness is fading each day. The team explained each step, so I felt confident during recovery.”
✅ Post-op care included:
- Gentle cleansing with clinic-recommended shampoo
- Avoiding shaving the donor area until full healing
- Antibiotic ointments as prescribed
2 Months Post Operation Results
At the 2-month follow-up, results showed:
- Stable graft survival with no significant loss in the transplanted area
- Beard donor area healed completely, with minimal visible thinning
- Early signs of new hair growth emerging on the scalp, indicating good adaptation of beard follicles
🗨️ Patient Comment (2 Months):
“I see the newly implanted hairs growing stronger each week. The beard area looks normal, and no one notices I had grafts extracted from there.”
How is Beard to Head Hair Transplant Performed with DHI Technique?
The Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) technique is particularly effective for beard to scalp transplants, ensuring maximum graft survival and natural-looking density. At EsteQuality Hair Transplant Clinic, the surgical team uses advanced DHI implanters for precise placement of beard hair grafts.
Step by Step DHI Method Explained
- Consultation & Planning
- Detailed assessment of beard donor area and scalp recipient site
- Calculating required graft number (in this case, 1,750 grafts)
- Designing the implantation pattern for natural density
- Local Anaesthesia
- Administered to both beard and scalp areas to ensure painless extraction and implantation
- Extraction of Beard Grafts
- Using micro punch tools (0.6-0.8mm) to minimise scarring
- Harvesting grafts evenly to avoid patchiness in the beard
- Graft Preparation
- Cleaning, sorting, and hydrating extracted grafts under sterile conditions
- Implantation Using DHI Pens
- Direct placement of each graft into the scalp using Choi Implanter Pens
- No need to open recipient channels beforehand, reducing trauma and ensuring precise angle, direction, and depth control
- Post-Operative Care & Instructions
- Guidelines for cleaning, sleeping position, and avoiding trauma to implanted areas
- Scheduled follow-ups for growth assessment
Advantages of DHI for Beard Hair Transplant
✔️ Minimally invasive technique with faster recovery
✔️ No channel opening needed, reducing bleeding and trauma
✔️ High graft survival rate, even for thicker beard follicles
✔️ Ensures natural implantation angles, crucial when blending beard hair with existing scalp hair
✔️ Suitable for dense packing, particularly in crown and mid-scalp zones
💡 Expert Note:
The DHI technique is ideal when working with beard hairs because it prevents follicle damage during placement, ensuring better aesthetic outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is beard hair suitable for frontal hairline?
Beard hair can be used in the frontal hairline only when blended strategically with scalp hair. Its thicker texture provides density but must be mixed carefully for a natural look.
Does beard hair grow naturally on the scalp?
Yes. After transplantation, beard hair continues its natural growth cycle on the scalp. It can be cut, styled, and maintained like normal scalp hair.
How much does beard to head hair transplant cost?
Costs vary based on graft numbers, clinic expertise, and technique used (DHI or FUE). Beard hair transplants generally cost the same or slightly higher due to extraction complexity.
Is beard to head hair transplant permanent?
Yes. Transplanted beard grafts are permanent, resistant to hair loss, and continue growing lifelong unless affected by severe health conditions.
Does beard hair feel different on the scalp?
Beard hair is usually thicker and more coarse, which can add volume to thinning areas. However, it may feel slightly different if used in the frontal zone without blending.
How many grafts can be extracted from the beard?
Typically, 1,000-2,500 grafts can be harvested depending on beard density and facial hair distribution. Your surgeon will assess the safe extraction limit to avoid visible thinning.
Can beard hair be used alone for a full hair transplant?
If scalp donor is severely limited, beard hair can supplement coverage, especially in crown or mid-scalp areas. However, for a natural hairline, scalp donor grafts are still preferred in combination.
Is the beard donor area visible after extraction?
When performed by experienced surgeons with micro punch extraction tools (0.6-0.8mm), the donor area heals with minimal to no visible scarring or thinning.
Is beard to scalp hair transplant painful?
No. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, ensuring a painless experience during both extraction and implantation.
What is the recovery time after beard hair transplant?
- Donor area (beard): Heals within 7-10 days, with redness fading gradually.
- Recipient area (scalp): Initial scabbing clears in 7-10 days, with hair regrowth visible from 2-3 months post-op.
