Having thick and beautiful hair is desirable for everyone, and most people are constantly seeking ways to increase hair density and improve the appearance of their hair. One of the best solutions to this issue, which has now become culturally and professionally widespread in Iran, is natural hair transplant surgery. Those who undergo this procedure can enjoy its benefits afterward and solve their problems with hair loss or baldness. A hair transplant is also considered one of the most effective ways to restore self-confidence for individuals who have lost their hair for any reason and are struggling with thinning or baldness.
What Hair Is Used for Transplantation?
Before undergoing any cosmetic or medical procedure such as hair transplantation, most individuals have many questions in mind, often due to concerns about the treatment. One of the most common questions is: From which area are the hairs used in a hair transplant taken? Is the donor area chosen from the patient’s own body, or can hair from other people be used?
In hair transplantation, the donor area (hair bank) always comes from the patient’s own body. Unlike organ transplants, hair follicles cannot be taken from another individual (except identical twins). If donor hair comes from someone else, the body will reject it, and the procedure will fail. Therefore, there is no need to worry about whose hair will be transplanted — it is always your own.
For most men, hair loss and baldness occur at the front hairline and crown, which is commonly known as male pattern baldness. However, the back and sides of the scalp usually retain hair and are much less prone to shedding. Thus, hair follicles are generally harvested from the back of the head and around the ears. In some special cases, hair may also be taken from the arms, chest, or legs for transplantation, but the surgeon always chooses the best donor area for long-lasting and natural results.
What Is a Hair Bank?
The term “bank” suggests a place where something is stored. In the context of hair transplantation, the hair bank refers to the donor area rich in healthy hair follicles that are resistant to hair loss. A suitable hair bank is crucial to ensure successful and natural-looking results.
If the donor area does not provide healthy or sufficient follicles, the outcome of the transplant will not meet the patient’s expectations. For this reason, selecting an appropriate hair bank is one of the most critical steps in hair transplant surgery.
Different Techniques for Using the Hair Bank
Once the donor area is selected, the transplant procedure can be carried out using one of the following methods:
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
- MicroFIT
In the FUE method, the donor’s hair is trimmed, and the surgeon uses specialized tools to extract follicles individually and implant them into the recipient sites.
In the FUT method, the surgeon removes a strip of scalp tissue (usually 10–20 cm, sometimes from ear to ear), which is then divided into thousands of smaller grafts for implantation. The donor area is stitched, and the head is bandaged afterward.
The MicroFIT method involves extracting follicles individually with very fine instruments, without the need to shave or trim the hair. The grafts are transplanted almost immediately, minimizing the risk of damage and increasing the density and success rate of the transplant.
What Features Should the Hair Bank Have for MicroFIT?
A strong donor area is essential for achieving natural and satisfying results. The most important qualities of a good hair bank include:
- Resistance to hair loss: Hair from the sides and back of the scalp is usually resistant to balding.
- Good thickness of individual hair strands: Thick hairs create a fuller look.
- Adequate density of grafts: A sufficient number of follicles is needed to cover balding areas without leaving the donor area noticeably thin.
- Natural color and texture: So that the transplanted hair blends seamlessly with existing hair.
With these qualities, the donor area ensures natural results with a proper hairline and an undetectable transplant.
What If a Patient Does Not Have a Suitable Hair Bank?
Having a dense donor area is one of the main conditions for being a good candidate for hair transplant. However, in some cases, if the scalp donor area is insufficient, follicles may be taken from other parts of the body (such as chest, arms, or legs). These body hairs may differ in thickness, texture, or color compared to scalp hair, which can sometimes lead to noticeable differences after the transplant.
Therefore, body hair is usually used only when the patient wants to increase hair volume in specific areas and does not have enough scalp donor hair.
The selection of the donor site should always be determined by a qualified and experienced surgeon. If not chosen properly, the transplant may fail. Lack of a strong hair bank does not mean hair transplantation is impossible, but it may limit the available techniques and require patience and proper consultation with the doctor.
Advantages of a Suitable Hair Bank in MicroFIT Transplant
Having a healthy donor area provides multiple advantages:
- Freedom to choose from different transplant methods.
- Higher success rate and natural-looking results.
- Lower costs in the long term, since fewer corrective sessions may be needed.
- Creation of a natural hairline and regular hair growth pattern.
A strong hair bank ensures that the transplanted hair blends seamlessly with natural hair and grows permanently, giving the patient a satisfying appearance and confidence.
Conclusion
The hair bank is one of the most critical factors determining the success of a hair transplant, especially in advanced methods such as MicroFIT. A strong donor area with sufficient density, thickness, and resistance to shedding directly influences the naturalness and longevity of the results. Patients without a suitable hair bank are not excluded from transplantation but may face certain limitations in technique and outcome.
By consulting a reputable clinic and an experienced hair transplant specialist, patients can find the best solution tailored to their condition and achieve long-lasting, natural results that enhance their appearance and confidence.
