Beard-to-Scalp Donation

Beard-to-Scalp Donation is a surgical technique in which follicular units are harvested from the beard area and transplanted to the scalp to treat hair thinning or balding. Because beard hair tends to be thicker and have a different growth cycle and texture than scalp hair, it can provide a valuable supplemental donor source for patients with insufficient scalp donor reserve or for those requiring additional grafts to achieve desired density; careful assessment of donor hair quality, follicle angle, and potential scarring is part of preoperative planning.

The procedure typically uses follicular unit extraction (FUE) to remove grafts from the beard under local anesthesia, and transplanted follicles are placed on the scalp much like standard hair transplant grafts. Outcomes can increase overall coverage and improve density, but patients should understand possible differences in hair caliber and texture, variable growth direction, temporary numbness or scarring in the donor area, and the need for tailored surgical techniques to blend beard-derived hair with existing scalp hair for a natural appearance.