If you're reading this article, you've probably considered or toyed with the idea of using your beard hair to get additional density to the crown or mid-scalp. In the past, many renowned hair transplant surgeons claimed that beard hair wasn't a viable donor supply for various reasons. However, it was also said that FUE was not a possible harvesting method, which has all changed with better technology and techniques. In this article, we will discuss whether beard hair transplantation (BHT) is viable for transplantation.
What's The Difference Between Scalp Hair and Beard Hair
So to understand whether BHT is viable, you must understand the differences between scalp hair and beard hair. For one, beard hair, on average, has different textures and characteristics. For example, someone with straight scalp hair may have kinky curly beard hair. Using beard hair for the scalp would present a multitude of issues. The hair wouldn't match. The texture difference would be noticeable. Issues that you never want to encounter when you have a hair transplant.
However, someone with straight scalp hair and a relatively straight beard could utilize beard hair as a donor source. Conversely, someone with curly kinky scalp hair would benefit from using their beard hair to match their scalp hair. That said, there are challenges with transplanting beard hair that does not exist with scalp hair. Let's talk about these issues next.
What Are Some Issues That Affect BHT
One issue that should be discussed is yield. While beard hair is the second-best donor source to choose from, it should be noted that it doesn't grow as good as scalp hair. Experts in the field, Dr. Pradeep Sethi and Dr. Arika Bansal have stated that beard hair grows at an 80% yield instead of scalp hair, which is 90-95% if done correctly.
Another issue to consider is the life cycle of beard hair is different than your scalp hair. Beard hair is in the anagen (growth) phase for up to 1.5 years, while scalp hair can be in the anagen phase for several years. So what does this mean? It means that you will go through periods where your hair looks less dense. While some beard hair is in the resting phase, your hair won't look as good. Something you should be aware of before getting a hair transplant.
Conclusion
Yes, beard hair is viable to use on the recipient. When mixed with scalp hair, the texture difference can be almost indistinguishable from scalp hair. The key is finding a surgeon with a lot of experience harvesting from the beard. Some surgeons may offer beard hair transplants (BHT), but few surgeons can produce high-yield procedures. To consult with some hair transplant surgeons who perform BHT or get a quote on the number of grafts required, click HERE.