Knowledge & education

Hairpedia
Ihr Wissen rund um Haarausfall & Haartransplantation

Scientifically grounded, clearly explained. From the causes of hair loss to full recovery after transplantation, all in one place.

What is hair lossDefinition, stats, growth cycle → CausesGenetics, DHT, hormones, stress → TypesAndrogenetic, areata, and more → DiagnosisTrichoscopy, pull test, blood tests → TreatmentFrom minoxidil to transplantation → TransplantationFUE, Sapphire FUE, and DHI compared → RecoveryTimeline & aftercare rules → Before & afterWhat to expect each month → GlossaryTerms explained simply →
What is hair loss Causes Types Diagnosis Treatment Transplantation Recovery Before & after Glossary

What is hair loss?

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, is the partial or complete absence of hair from areas where it normally grows. Losing up to 100 hairs a day is a normal part of the growth cycle.

Image placeholder: diagram Illustration of the hair growth cycle (anagen, catagen, telogen) as a circular diagram
1–1.5 bnpeople worldwide affected by androgenetic alopecia
80% / 50%of men / women show some degree of hair loss by age 70

Hair loss isn't just cosmetic. Research consistently shows higher rates of anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem among those affected, particularly when it starts young.

The hair growth cycle

Every hair moves through three phases. Understanding them explains why hair loss happens and why transplantation works.

85–90%

Anagen

2–7 years · Growth phase

The follicle actively produces a hair shaft, growing roughly 1 to 1.5 cm per month. The longer this phase, the longer the hair can grow.

~1%

Catagen

2–3 weeks · Transition phase

A short transitional period. Hair production stops, the follicle shrinks, and detaches from its blood supply.

10–15%

Telogen

~3 months · Resting phase

The follicle rests for around 3 months. At the end, the hair sheds and a new anagen hair begins growing.

Causes of hair loss

Hair loss rarely has a single cause. Genetics, hormones, stress, and nutrition often act together.

Image placeholder: infographic Infographic with icons for each cause group (genetics, hormones, stress, nutrition, medications)
Most common

Genetics

Genetic predisposition is the primary driver. Around 80% of men with pattern baldness have a father who was also affected. Inheritance can come from either side.

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

The central hormonal driver in both men and women. DHT binds to genetically sensitive follicles and causes them to shrink over time.

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, and PCOS can trigger diffuse thinning or shedding.

Stress

Significant physical or psychological stress can push many follicles into the resting phase at once (telogen effluvium), usually reversible.

Nutrition & deficiencies

Iron, vitamin D, zinc, protein, and biotin are essential for active follicles. Deficiencies impair growth and hair quality.

Medications

Anticoagulants, chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and hormonal contraceptives can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Medical conditions

Alopecia areata, scalp infections, lupus and other autoimmune diseases, and diabetes can all cause hair loss.

Types of hair loss

Not all hair loss is the same. The type determines which treatment makes sense.

Image placeholder: comparison graphic Head-outline illustrations showing the typical shedding pattern for each type
Most common

Androgenetic alopecia

Genetically inherited pattern hair loss. In men, temple recession and crown thinning (Norwood-Hamilton I–VII); in women, diffuse parting widening (Ludwig I–III). Progressive and chronic, does not resolve on its own.

Alopecia areata

An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks follicles, usually causing round patches. In most cases the hair regrows, though it can be unpredictable.

Telogen effluvium

Temporary diffuse shedding 2 to 4 months after childbirth, surgery, severe illness, or major stress. Usually resolves within 6 to 12 months.

Traction alopecia

Hair loss from chronic tension, such as tight braids, extensions, or ponytails. Initially reversible, can become permanent if tension continues.

Scarring alopecia

Follicles are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, causing permanent loss. Transplantation is generally unsuitable while inflammation is active.

Diagnosis & hair analysis

An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of any effective treatment.

Image placeholder: clinic photo Photo of a trichoscopy examination at the Apex clinic

Clinical assessment

History of onset, progression, family history, medications, and diet, followed by a physical exam of pattern and scalp condition.

At Apex Beauty

Trichoscopy & scalp mapping

A dermatoscope magnifies the scalp up to 70x, revealing follicle density, miniaturization, and inflammation. Digital scalp mapping tracks changes precisely over time.

The pull test

A bundle of 40 to 60 hairs is gently pulled. Extracting more than 6 suggests active shedding.

Blood tests

Full blood count, iron and ferritin, thyroid function, hormone levels (testosterone, DHT), vitamin D, zinc, and blood sugar, to rule out underlying causes.

Scalp biopsy

In unclear cases, a small tissue sample under the microscope confirms the type of hair loss and any inflammation.

Treatment options

From topical medication to transplantation, each option differs in mechanism, effort, and quality of evidence.

Image placeholder: product photos Photo series of treatment options: minoxidil bottle, PRP kit, mesotherapy set

Minoxidil

Topical or oral. Extends the anagen phase and improves blood flow. Doesn't block DHT. Visible after 4 to 6 months, only lasts with continued use.

Finasteride

Oral medication, reduces scalp DHT by around 70%. Stops hair loss in around 90% of men, promotes regrowth in around 65%.

Dutasteride

A more potent alternative to finasteride, reduces DHT by around 90%. Used off-label under medical supervision, particularly effective at the crown.

PRP

Platelet-rich plasma from the patient's own blood is injected into the scalp to stimulate follicle activity. Usually a complement, sessions every 3 to 6 months.

Experimental

Exosomes

Stem cell-derived vesicles carrying growth signals, applied via micro-needling or injection. Promising, but long-term data is still limited.

Mesotherapy

Micro-injections of vitamins, minerals, and growth factors to support scalp health. Usually combined with other treatments.

Only permanent option

Hair transplantation

The only treatment that permanently restores hair to bald or thinning areas. Healthy follicles from the DHT-resistant donor zone are relocated.

Hair transplantation

A surgical procedure under local anaesthesia. Healthy, DHT-resistant follicles are taken from the donor area and relocated to thinning areas, where they keep growing for life.

Image placeholder: technique diagram Cross-section illustration comparing FUE, Sapphire FUE, and DHI

Who is a suitable candidate?

✓

Androgenetic alopecia in a stable phase (loss has slowed or stabilised).

✓

Adequate donor density at the back and sides of the scalp.

✓

Realistic expectations: a transplant restores density but cannot replicate the full hair of early youth.

✓

Good general health, no active infections or untreated autoimmune conditions.

The three main techniques

FUE

Follicular units (1 to 4 hairs) are extracted one by one with a micro-punch tool. No linear incision, no visible scar. 5 to 8 hours depending on graft count.

Most used in Istanbul

Sapphire FUE

Channels are opened with sapphire blades instead of steel: smaller, more precise incisions, faster healing, higher density per cm², and lower risk of scabbing.

DHI

Follicles are implanted directly using a Choi Implanter Pen, without opening separate channels first. Precise control over angle and depth, ideal for the hairline.

Sapphire FUE vs. DHI: the comparison

FactorSapphire FUEDHI
Best forLarge areas, high graft countsFrontal hairline, high detail, smaller areas
HealingFast (smaller incisions)Moderate (more tool passes)
PrecisionHighVery high (angle and depth control)
Typical session length5 to 8 hours6 to 10 hours
Relative costModerateHigher
Can be combined?YesYes, DHI for hairline + Sapphire FUE for crown is common

Realistic expectations

i

A transplant relocates existing healthy follicles; it cannot create new ones. The result is limited by the available donor area.

i

Transplanted hair grows for life because it's taken from DHT-resistant zones.

i

Full results are visible at 12 to 18 months, not immediately.

Recovery & aftercare

The recovery period matters as much as the procedure itself. It determines graft survival, healing quality, and the final result.

Image placeholder: photo timeline Patient photos from day 1 to month 18, with consent, showing the healing progression
Day 1 to 7

Initial healing

Small scabs form, redness and mild swelling around the forehead and eyes is common. Sleep with the head elevated, avoid touching the scalp.

Weeks 2 to 4

Shock loss

Up to 90% of transplanted hair shafts shed. This is completely normal; the follicles themselves remain alive beneath the scalp.

Months 2 to 3

The quiet phase

Little visible growth, follicles are resting. First fine hairs may emerge around week 10 to 12.

Months 3 to 6

Visible growth begins

Fine new hairs emerge and gradually thicken. By month 6, around 40 to 60% of the final result is visible.

Months 6 to 9

Density improves

Hair becomes noticeably thicker and darker. Around 80% of grafts have broken through by this point.

Months 12 to 18

Final refinement

The last hairs mature and thicken. Transplanted hair fully blends with native hair.

Key aftercare rules

No direct sun exposure on the scalp for at least 4 weeks.
No swimming (pool, sea, or lake) for at least 4 weeks.
No intense exercise or heavy sweating for 2 to 3 weeks.
No alcohol for the first week; it affects blood circulation.
No smoking: nicotine restricts blood supply and reduces graft survival.
Sleep with the head elevated for the first 3 to 5 nights.
Wash gently per the clinic's instructions; no strong water pressure directly on the grafts.
Don't cut, colour, or style hair aggressively in the first month.
Continue prescribed medications like finasteride or minoxidil as directed.
Attend all follow-up appointments; some clinics offer remote check-ins.

Before & after: what to expect each month

A visual and descriptive month-by-month reference. Real Apex Beauty patient photos will appear here once cleared for use.

Image placeholder: before/after gallery Real Apex patient photos in a split comparison view, with written consent
Day 1 to 7

Grafts settling, blood supply re-establishing

What you see: redness, small scabs, mild swelling

Weeks 2 to 4

Follicles enter telogen, shock loss occurs

What you see: transplanted hair sheds, this is normal

Month 2 to 3

Follicles resting, new cycle preparing

What you see: little visible change, scalp appears calm

Month 3 to 5

New anagen phase begins, first hairs emerge

What you see: fine, light hairs, around 20% progress

Month 5 to 7

Hair shaft thickens, darkens, lengthens

What you see: around 50% of final density

Month 7 to 9

Density, coverage, and texture keep improving

What you see: around 70 to 80% of the final result

Month 10 to 12

Most grafts mature, final result forming

What you see: near-final appearance, natural blending

Month 12 to 18

Last hairs mature, full integration with native hair

What you see: final result, natural and indistinguishable

Medical glossary

All the technical terms used throughout Hairpedia, explained simply.

AlopeciaThe medical term for hair loss, from any cause.
AnagenThe active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting 2 to 7 years.
Androgenetic alopeciaGenetically inherited pattern hair loss influenced by DHT. The most common form in both men and women.
CatagenThe short transitional phase, lasting about 2 to 3 weeks, during which the follicle shrinks and growth stops.
DHIDirect Hair Implantation. A technique using a Choi Implanter Pen to extract and implant follicles in a single step.
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)A potent hormone derived from testosterone, the primary driver of androgenetic alopecia in genetically sensitive individuals.
Donor areaThe part of the scalp, typically the back and sides, from which DHT-resistant follicles are harvested.
ExosomesTiny stem cell-derived vesicles containing growth signals, used experimentally to stimulate follicle regeneration.
5-alpha reductaseThe enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Inhibited by finasteride and dutasteride.
FinasterideAn oral medication that reduces scalp DHT by around 70% by blocking type II 5-alpha reductase.
Follicular unitA natural grouping of 1 to 4 hairs. Transplantation moves whole follicular units.
FUEFollicular Unit Extraction. Individual units are extracted one by one with a micro-punch tool, leaving no linear scar.
FUTAn older strip technique: a strip of scalp is removed and divided into units. Leaves a linear scar.
GraftA follicular unit used in transplantation, typically containing 1 to 4 hairs.
Ludwig scaleA classification system for female pattern hair loss, graded I to III based on central thinning.
MesotherapyMicro-injections of vitamins, minerals, and growth factors to support follicle health.
MiniaturisationThe progressive shrinking of follicles caused by DHT, until the follicle becomes dormant.
MinoxidilA topical or oral medication that extends the anagen phase and improves blood flow. Doesn't block DHT.
Norwood-Hamilton scaleA classification system for male pattern baldness, graded I to VII based on pattern and extent.
PRPPlatelet-Rich Plasma. The patient's own blood is centrifuged and injected into the scalp to stimulate follicle activity.
Recipient areaThe thinning or bald area of the scalp into which grafts are transplanted.
Sapphire FUEAn advanced version of FUE using sapphire blades for smaller, more precise channels and faster healing.
Shock lossTemporary shedding of transplanted hair 2 to 4 weeks after a transplant. The follicles survive; the shafts regrow.
TelogenThe resting phase of the hair cycle, lasting 2 to 3 months. Hair remains in place but doesn't grow.
Telogen effluviumA temporary condition causing diffuse shedding when many follicles simultaneously enter telogen.
TrichoscopyA non-invasive technique using a dermatoscope to assess follicle density, miniaturisation, and scalp condition.
Vertex / CrownThe top-rear area of the scalp, often one of the later areas affected in male pattern baldness.
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