Safe Donor Zone

The Safe Donor Zone refers to the region of the scalp—typically in the mid-occipital and lower parietal areas—where hair follicles are relatively resistant to androgen-driven miniaturization and remain stable over time. Follicles from this area are considered the most reliable source for harvesting in hair restoration because they tend to retain thickness and growth even in individuals with patterned hair loss.

Assessment of the Safe Donor Zone involves evaluating donor hair density, hair caliber, scalp laxity, and stability of hair over time, often aided by clinical examination and trichoscopy. Because the extent and permanence of the donor zone vary between individuals and with disease progression, careful planning and conservative extraction are important to avoid over-harvesting, and alternative or adjunctive treatments may be considered when donor supply is limited.