Frequently Asked Questions

In both women and men, the most common cause of hair loss is Androgenetic Alopecia. Another cause can be a condition such as Chronic Telogen Effluvium (hair is lost gradually). In women over 40, post-menopause can also play a role.

Pregnancy can also be a factor: the increased production of estrogen pushes many follicles into the “growth phase.” After delivery, hormonal balance is restored and follicles enter the “shedding phase,” causing many hairs to fall out around the same time.

The most common cause of hair loss in men is Androgenetic Alopecia, also known as “male pattern baldness.”

Androgenetic alopecia is driven by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects follicles and makes them progressively smaller until they eventually disappear. This process is called “miniaturization.”

Other factors can accelerate hair loss such as stress, scalp bacteria, poor nutrition, hormonal imbalance, injuries, and high fever caused by illnesses (for example, malaria).

Common types of alopecia include:

1. Androgenetic Alopecia
2. Alopecia Areata
3. Traction Alopecia
4. Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia
5. Trichotillomania
6. Congenital Triangular Alopecia
7. Telogen Effluvium
8. Anagen Hair Syndrome

During pregnancy, high estrogen levels push many follicles into the growth (anagen) phase. After childbirth, hormonal balance normalizes and follicles move into the resting/shedding (telogen) phase, leading to noticeable shedding.

No. Shaving does not increase hair thickness or improve hair quality. It may look thicker at first because the hair is cut at the base, but as it grows it will look the same as before.

Thyroid hormone imbalances can affect hair growth.
Androgens (male hormones) play a major role in hair growth patterns in men.

Higher estrogen levels in men can reduce hair growth.

No. Both gray and dark hair can be transplanted and can grow naturally.

Hair is composed of keratin, a fibrous structural protein. Hair also contains natural oils (lipids) and water. These components are arranged in three primary structures: the cuticle (outer layer), the cortex (the inner structure made of protein filament bundles), and the medulla (a spongy core within the cortex).

The hair growth cycle has three stages:

Anagen: The active growth phase, typically lasting about 3 to 5 years.

Catagen: A short transition phase preparing the follicle for rest, usually lasting 1 to 2 weeks.

Telogen: The resting phase, usually lasting 3 to 4 months. At the end, many hairs shed and new hairs begin to grow.

Typical distribution by phase:

• Telogen: 10–15%
• Anagen: 85–90%
• Catagen: <1%

On average, human hair grows about 1/30 mm per day, 1 to 1.5 cm per month, and 10–15 cm per year.

Hair quality and growth rate vary significantly by genetics and ethnicity:

1. African hair tends to grow more slowly and is more fragile than European hair.
2. Asian hair tends to grow faster and has greater elasticity.
3. People of African and European descent are generally more prone to baldness than many Asian populations.

Hair can be as strong as a thin wire. It can break after applying force roughly equivalent to 60 kg, but only after stretching around 70%. A single strand can support about 100 grams of weight.

The average diameter of healthy hair is about 40–120 microns (1 micron = one millionth of a meter).

On average, people shed about 100 to 120 hairs per day.

Hair color depends on follicle pigmentation through two types of melanin:

1. Eumelanin — pigment that creates black or brown hair.
2. Pheomelanin — pigment that can create red tones in hair.

The hair shaft increases about 0.35 mm per day and roughly 1 cm per month.

Over a lifetime, a single follicle can produce hair through many cycles. On average, it can regrow hair up to around twenty times.

Fine “peach fuzz” hair refers to short, thin, lightly pigmented or translucent hairs that can appear from childhood and may be present across the body. Their growth is not affected by hormones. They are usually under 2 mm long, and their follicles are not associated with sebaceous glands.

In 2002, DHI Global Medical Group introduced Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which advanced the field beyond the older strip method (FUT). In 2008, DHI developed the evolution of FUE: Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), improving multiple aspects of the process and outcomes.

In our early years, it could take a doctor around 10 hours to extract 500 follicles and 1,000 hairs—evidence of the dedication that continues today. Our mission is to provide patients with the best available treatment.

Through our patented technology, DHI Academy training, and strict protocols, we have reached the capacity to extract and place around 4,000 hairs in 7 hours and up to 6,000 across a two-day session.

Our sustainable global growth and quality standards are supported by our proprietary instruments and the continuous effort we invest in education and certification.

DHI has trained more than 150 specialist physicians and operates internationally across many countries.

The consultation process includes: (1) a hair-loss test to evaluate hair quality, (2) a mathematical calculation to estimate how many hairs can be extracted and implanted, and (3) a discussion about hairline design and distribution to achieve the most natural result and density possible. This typically takes about 45 minutes.

DHI hair implantation is virtually painless and causes less irritation than a tattoo. It is performed under local anesthesia so the patient can relax, listen to music, watch TV, enjoy a light meal, and even take a nap during the procedure.

You may experience mild redness in the donor area, which typically resolves within about a week. After the procedure, the donor area (where hair is extracted) is bandaged to help prevent infection, and the bandage can usually be removed the next day.

Because the follicle (root) is extracted, that specific hair does not grow back. However, in a small percentage of cases, some hair may regrow if part of the root remains in the scalp.

Precautions before and after the session:

One week before the procedure, patients should stop taking vitamins, aspirin, alcohol, tobacco, or illicit substances. Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, or those taking psychiatric medications require special medical guidance.

After the procedure, avoid heavy exercise such as weightlifting or swimming. Light exercise like walking can usually be resumed after 3 days.

Also avoid exposing the scalp to direct sun for 7 days after the procedure.

Yes. Each DHI session is performed under local anesthesia. Anesthetic is injected in the donor area during extraction and then in the recipient area during implantation.

Patients typically do not feel pain after the local anesthesia is applied. They may feel mild tingling or itchiness.

A short course of medication and anti-inflammatory treatment is typically prescribed for the first few days after DHI hair implantation.

The average healing period is about 3 to 5 days.

Final results are typically visible around 12 months after the procedure, once the transplanted hairs have grown and matured. Growth may be visible from the first month. As with the natural hair cycle, transplanted hairs can shed and regrow around 4 to 5 months after the procedure.

Yes. Medical follow-up treatment is recommended to help preserve existing hair and slow the progression of future hair loss.

No. Most clinics in the region practice FUT or standard FUE. Direct Hair Implantation is an advanced technique that should only be performed by specialists certified by the DHI Hair Restoration Academy.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can be used in early stages of alopecia to slow the shedding process. We also recommend PRP after DHI implantation to stimulate growth of implanted hair and help reduce the shedding of existing hair. It should be preceded by professional assessment and, when indicated, complemented with a consistent plan that may include medications such as minoxidil and/or finasteride if prescribed by a physician.