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Medically reviewed by Dr. Barış Duman
Short answer: A hair transplant is generally not advised if you do not have a sufficient donor area, if the cause of your hair loss has not yet been identified, or if you have an active problem on your scalp. With chronic conditions that are not under control, the operation may be postponed. Most of these situations are not a definite “no”; the doctor who examines you makes the decision.
Who is not a good candidate for a hair transplant?
If the donor area is not sufficient
A hair transplant uses your own hair. If there are too few follicles on the back and sides of your head, it may not be possible to cover the target area. This limit matters because overharvesting the donor area can cause a lasting problem.
If the cause of the hair loss is not yet known
Not all hair loss is genetic. With iron deficiency, thyroid problems or stress-related shedding, the cause may need treating first. Ferritin, thyroid and vitamin D tests can help at this stage. With temporary conditions such as telogen effluvium, a transplant is often not needed.
If you have an active scalp condition
If there is an infection, marked inflammation or an untreated disease on the scalp, this needs to settle first. Alopecia areata, seborrhoeic dermatitis and scarring alopecia each call for an individual assessment; read more in our article on alopecia areata and candidacy.
If you are under 22
The minimum age at our clinic is 22. At a young age, it is not yet clear how hair loss will progress, so an early transplant could lead to an unexpected look later on. See the best age for a hair transplant for details.
For more on who should wait and why, read who should delay a hair transplant and whether a transplant works for everyone.
Which conditions need a doctor’s approval first?
The conditions below do not always rule out a hair transplant, but they must be assessed before the operation:
| Condition | Specialist approval from |
|---|---|
| Heart attack, stent, bypass, heart valve surgery | Cardiology |
| Heart failure, arrhythmia, pacemaker | Cardiology |
| Uncontrolled high blood pressure | Cardiology / Internal medicine |
| Diabetes (especially uncontrolled or with complications) | Endocrinology / Internal medicine |
| Stroke, brain haemorrhage, epilepsy | Neurology |
| Clotting disorder, haemophilia, severely low platelets | Haematology |
| Blood-thinning medication | The specialist who prescribes it |
| Kidney failure, dialysis, kidney transplant | Nephrology / Transplant team |
| Cirrhosis, advanced liver disease | Gastroenterology |
| Cancer treatment, chemotherapy, active oncological disease | Oncology |
| Organ transplant or immunosuppressive treatment | Relevant specialist / Transplant team |
| Lupus, serious autoimmune disease | Rheumatology |
| Severe asthma, COPD, respiratory failure | Respiratory medicine |
| Active scalp infection, scarring hair loss | Dermatology |
| History of a serious reaction to local anaesthetics | Anaesthesiology / Allergy |
A doctor’s assessment is also needed before the operation in these situations:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Brain surgery and procedures on the blood vessels of the brain
- Major vascular surgery
- Recent major surgery
None of this necessarily means a hair transplant cannot be done. The risks need to be assessed and the condition needs to be under control.
Give us your full medical history and a list of all your medication at the first consultation. Our article on diabetes, blood thinners and high blood pressure has more. Because you may be travelling from abroad, it helps to have this settled before you book flights.
Expectations matter too
A hair transplant does not stop hair loss from progressing, and it is limited by what the donor area can provide. If the density you hope for is not realistic, or if hair-pulling (trichotillomania) or intense worry about your appearance is involved, it may be better to see an appropriate specialist first.
If you are not suitable, are there other options?
Depending on the cause of your hair loss and the current state of your follicles, the options may include medication, hair treatments, autologous stem cell applications, exosome treatments or scalp micropigmentation.
The treatment is decided after your doctor has carried out a detailed analysis of your hair and scalp.
How do we assess suitability at Hairpol?
First we review your photos and health information. Then we assess your donor area and the pattern of your hair loss. If you are suitable for the operation, we prepare a personal plan for the medically appropriate maximum number of grafts that can be safely harvested without harming the donor area, with protecting the donor area as the priority. Our doctor makes the final decision after examining you.
Frequently asked questions
Can people with diabetes have a hair transplant?
It may be possible if your blood sugar is under control and your doctor agrees. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect healing, so the treatment needs adjusting first.
Can I have a hair transplant with high blood pressure?
It may be possible if your blood pressure is stable and under control. Tell us which medication you take at the consultation, and do not stop taking it on your own.
Can hepatitis carriers have a hair transplant?
This is assessed according to the person and the facilities of the clinic. Telling us at the first consultation matters for your safety and for the safety of the healthcare team.
Can someone who is completely bald have a hair transplant?
The deciding factor is not the degree of baldness but the number of grafts in the donor area. If the donor area is sufficient, the coverage is planned around it, but full density should not be expected in any case.
Can women have a hair transplant?
Yes, if the cause and pattern of the hair loss are suitable. With female pattern hair loss, hormone levels and blood values are checked first. See our hair transplantation for women page.
How can I find out if I am suitable?
Send clear photos of the area of hair loss and the back of your head. Our team will carry out a free preliminary assessment. The final decision is made after a doctor’s examination.
Free photo analysis
Is a hair transplant right for you? Send us your photos and we will assess them free of charge.
