Donor Area

The donor area is the part of the scalp—most commonly the back and sides of the head—or, in some cases, body regions that provide hair follicles for transplantation. Hair taken from the donor area is usually more resistant to the hormones that cause common hair loss, and factors such as density, follicle size, hair shaft thickness, curl, and scalp laxity influence how many grafts can be safely harvested and the likely cosmetic result.

Before any restoration procedure, clinicians assess the donor area to estimate graft supply, plan extraction patterns that minimise visible scarring, and decide whether alternative sources (for example beard or body hair) are needed when scalp supply is limited. Understanding the limits and characteristics of the donor area is essential for setting realistic expectations about coverage, density, and the choice between techniques such as FUE, FUT, or adjunctive therapies.