Hair transplantation involves moving hair follicles from a donor area to the scalp, the recipient area. Follicles on the back and sides of the head are typically resistant to the hormones that cause pattern baldness, making them the primary source for grafts. The question of using hair from other sources, such as the pubic region, arises when this primary donor area is depleted or insufficient. This moves the conversation from standard hair restoration to less conventional methods of body hair transplantation.
Feasibility of Pubic Hair Transplants
It is technically possible to transplant pubic hair to the head, as hair follicles retain their characteristics when moved to a new location. The procedure is typically performed using Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which involves harvesting individual follicular units directly from the donor area using a small punch tool. This minimally invasive technique is suited for body hair transplants because it allows for selective extraction without leaving a linear scar. The extracted pubic hair grafts are then implanted into tiny incisions on the scalp, following the same principles used for scalp-to-scalp transplants. Pubic hair transplantation is not a standard procedure and is only considered under specific circumstances.
Key Differences in Hair Structure
A significant barrier to using pubic hair is the fundamental difference in its structure and growth cycle compared to scalp hair. Scalp hair has a long anagen, or active growth phase, lasting two to eight years, allowing it to grow over a meter in length. In contrast, pubic hair has a much shorter anagen phase, lasting only a few months, which limits its natural growth to a few centimeters before shedding.
This difference means transplanted pubic hair retains its short maximum length, failing to blend seamlessly with long scalp hair. Pubic hair is also generally coarser, thicker, and has a more pronounced curl compared to the straighter hair typically found on the scalp. Furthermore, pubic hair follicles often grow in smaller units, typically containing only one or two hairs, affecting the final density achieved.
Why Pubic Hair is a Last Resort Donor Source
Pubic hair is considered only when traditional and secondary donor sites are completely exhausted, typically in cases of extensive hair loss classified as Norwood 6 or 7 baldness. The primary donor area is the back and sides of the scalp, which provides the best-matching hair quality. When this area is depleted, surgeons turn to secondary body hair transplant (BHT) sites, prioritizing the beard and chest.
Beard hair is usually the preferred secondary source because it is thick and coarse, closely resembling scalp hair in texture and providing good coverage. Pubic hair is reserved for instances where the patient lacks sufficient donor hair even in the beard and chest areas, or if those hairs are unsuitable. The density of hair follicles in the pubic region is lower compared to the scalp, limiting the overall number of grafts that can be safely harvested. Harvesting from the pubic area can also be more sensitive for the patient compared to more conventional sites.
Aesthetic Results and Procedural Limitations
The inherent structural differences in pubic hair translate directly into aesthetic limitations when transplanted to the scalp. Since the hair retains its short growth cycle, it will only grow to a limited length, which can create an unnatural, stubbly appearance if placed in highly visible areas. The coarse texture and curl can also lead to a noticeable mismatch with existing scalp hair, making it difficult to achieve a smooth, uniform result.
Surgeons employ specific strategies to manage these limitations. Pubic hair grafts are rarely used to create the front hairline, where fine texture and natural length are most noticeable. Instead, they are typically used for density fill in the mid-scalp or the crown, especially in non-visible areas, to maximize the effect of available donor hair. This strategic placement minimizes the visual impact of the short length and unique texture, allowing the grafts to serve as a supportive foundation for surrounding, better-matching scalp hairs.