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Are you losing hair and thinking of getting a transplant? Then wait and read, the right age, circumstances, and time to plan a hair transplant. Read details below.

“There’s no universal 'right' age, but most hair restoration specialists recommend waiting until at least your mid-20s or later. Moreover, hair loss patterns often aren’t fully established in younger individuals,” said Dr Malhotra. 

Before consolidating your transplant plans, it is important to consider what state you are on. According to Dr Malhotra, “Hair transplant is more about the stage and stability of hair loss than age alone. If hair loss is progressing rapidly or still changing significantly, it’s usually best to wait.”

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Hair transplant procedure is a typical hair surgery that requires precision and the right conditions. While harvesting and implantation sounds pretty standard in hair transplant, it is more dependent on what the patient’s hair condition is. Some major qualifications, as per Dr Malhotra, include: 

As hair transplant is an elective surgery, meaning it can be scheduled as it doesn’t involve a medical emergency. “Yes, timing matters. As a personal decision, the transplant decision should be rightly timed,” said Dr Malhotra.  

“The right age is subjective, based on a particular patient's level of baldness and if the hairline is still receding (for men) or hair thinning (for women),” advised Dr Malhotra. 

Hair transplantation is a time-sensitive procedure. Hence, the stability of hair indicates that hair loss has plateaued (change in hairline has stopped). Dr Malhotra explained why stability matters:

Like any surgical procedure, mistakes exist in hair transplantation, too. According to Dr Malhotra, some frequent missteps include:

• A limited donor area cannot cover a large bald area without compromising the natural look.
• : Hair growth takes 6–12 months post-procedure.

“Patients are encouraged to take a strategic, well-informed approach to ensure optimal long-term outcomes. For those considering a transplant, a detailed evaluation by a certified hair restoration surgeon is the best first step,” Dr Malhotra added.

Hair loss is a natural process, so it is important to know when hairfall is more than usual. Moreover, according to the UK Biobank study, 58% men reported moderate-to-severe hair loss. So, while hair loss seems standard, it is important to notice the changes and stability of hair to seek timely treatment. To put it in Dr Malhotra’s words, “If hair loss is progressing rapidly or still changing significantly, it’s usually best to wait.”