What Happens to the Back of the Head After Hair Grafts Are Removed for Transplantation
Before making a once in a lifetime decision to undergo hair transplantation, it would be beneficial for patients to first understand the essential basics of the procedure, especially the topic of hair grafts taken from the back of the head.
Permanent hair transplantation involves harvesting high quality donor hair grafts from the back of the head and relocating them to areas affected by hair loss or thinning. If one wonders why the back of the head is chosen, the answer lies in the nature of this area. Hair grafts in this region are naturally strong and less prone to shedding because they are resistant to the effects of DHT hormones, which are a primary cause of hair loss. This area is therefore known as the Safe Zone. Once transplanted, these grafts are able to grow, shed, and regenerate according to the natural hair growth cycle for the rest of the patient’s life. Most importantly, the transplanted hair must always come from the patient’s own scalp and cannot be taken from another person.
A common question that follows is what happens to the Safe Zone at the back of the head after the donor grafts have been removed. Will hair be able to grow back normally in that area?
The answer is that once hair grafts are extracted, new hair will not grow again at those exact points. This is because hair transplantation requires removing both the hair shaft and the hair root together. It is similar to transplanting a tree, which cannot continue to grow without its roots. Once the hair root is implanted into a new area, the hair growth cycle can continue as normal in that new location.
When the Safe Zone no longer contains hair roots, it cannot regenerate new hair or create new follicles. At this point, many people understandably worry that after hair transplantation, the back of the head will appear patchy or show visible extraction marks.
For anyone considering NEAT hair transplantation with Dr.nin, there is no need for concern. Although hair cannot regrow in the extracted areas, Dr.nin has developed refined techniques to ensure that the back of the head continues to look natural. Dr.nin uses a stepwise extraction design, removing grafts in an alternating pattern without shaving the hair. This allows existing hair to naturally conceal the extraction sites. In addition, grafts are harvested in a dispersed manner rather than concentrated in one spot, preventing visible thinning or patchiness.
Another important factor in minimizing visible marks is the use of specialized extraction tools with exceptionally small punch sizes. These tools can be adjusted to match the size of each patient’s hair grafts, ensuring intact graft harvesting while leaving behind extremely small wounds that are barely noticeable. As a result, patients can style their hair freely even after undergoing hair transplantation.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the NEAT technique is that Dr.nin personally performs the entire procedure, graft by graft and hair by hair. This allows precise control over every detail of the transplant, including the direction and angle of each hair to blend seamlessly with existing hair, the depth of implantation, and the appropriate density. All of these elements directly affect the survival of newly transplanted hair and the overall harmony of the final result.
Beyond the procedure itself, Dr.nin also provides continuous follow up care for a full year and recommends supportive treatments to strengthen both new and existing hair, including the following options.
PHB Program
An intensive scalp and hair nourishment program that can be continued after hair transplantation under medical guidance. The treatment supports hair follicle activity, strengthens both hair and scalp, promotes new growth, and helps slow hair shedding. Visible changes can be observed starting from the first session.
Hair Revive Program
A hair and scalp care program suitable for patients who are at least four months post hair transplantation. Using natural extracts and nutrient rich hair supplements, the program nourishes the scalp, strengthens hair, reduces inflammation, lowers the risk of shedding, and encourages faster growth of new hair.
This reflects part of the dedication of Dr.nin, who recognizes and understands the pain points of patients and continues to refine and expand treatment approaches to support comfort, confidence, and the freedom to live everyday life fully after hair transplantation.