Ridging

Ridging describes a raised or indented linear irregularity in the scalp or donor area, often visible as a ridge or groove under the skin or along a scar. It is most commonly noticed after surgical procedures (such as strip/FUT harvesting), from trauma, or as a result of localized inflammatory conditions, and it can change hair direction and the cosmetic appearance of the scalp.

Ridging results from scar tissue formation, tethering of skin to deeper structures, uneven wound healing, or repeated tissue stress, with contributing factors that include surgical technique, wound tension, infection, and individual healing responses. Management depends on severity and cause and may include conservative scar therapies, steroid injections, surgical scar revision, or targeted hair restoration techniques (for example FUE grafting into the ridge) to soften or camouflage the contour abnormality following clinical assessment.