The 4-year rule
A practical way to decide is to ask how long ago you lost the hair in that area:
- Recently (within 3 – 5 years), still with some fine hair: follicles are likely dormant. Medical regrowth is the first step.
- More than about 4 years ago, and the scalp looks shiny: follicles are likely gone. They need to be replaced with a transplant.
How FUE transplant works
Hair at the back of the scalp is genetically resistant to balding. In Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), these follicles are removed one at a time and implanted into the thinning area. It's done in a single day under local anaesthesia, with no stitches or strip scar. Mild swelling lasts 3 – 5 days. Transplanted roots start growing at around 3 months, normal growth is visible by 6 – 9 months, and final results appear at about 12 months.
The mistake many people make
A transplant moves hair, but it doesn't stop hair loss. If the surrounding native hair keeps thinning, you may end up with an island of transplanted hair and a look close to where you started. That's why I pair every transplant with regrowth therapy to protect existing hair.
Cost guide
Medical regrowth starts from about ₹25,000 per course. FUE transplant starts from about ₹75,000, depending on the number of grafts. A consultation gives you an exact plan.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Results vary from person to person.