Hair Transplant for Curly Hair: Techniques, Challenges, and Results

Curly hair has a unique beauty, but when hair loss begins, restoring it requires a different level of expertise. A hair transplant for curly hair must consider the curved follicle shape beneath the skin and the way curls grow and lie. Thanks to advanced methods such as FUE and DHI, natural-looking transplants for curly and Afro-textured hair are now very successful.

Can You Get a Hair Transplant with Curly Hair?

Yes. Candidacy depends on donor density, scalp health, and realistic expectations ¹. Because curly follicles curve under the skin, extraction and implantation angles demand more precision to avoid transection and preserve curl integrity ².

Techniques Used for Curly Hair Transplant

FUE – Follicular Unit Excision

With FUE, follicles are removed one by one with a punch. For curly hair, punch diameter, depth, and alignment with the subdermal curve are critical to keep grafts intact ¹. Pre-op planning and magnification reduce transection rates in coily patterns ².

DHI – Direct Hair Implantation

With DHI-style workflows, grafts are implanted shortly after extraction, minimizing “time out of body”, which favors graft survival and growth ³.

Long Hair FUE

Long-hair FUE lets the surgeon preview curl direction while placing grafts, especially useful for hairline design and temple angles ⁴.

What Makes Curly Hair Transplants Different

• Curved roots make extraction more complex than straight hair ¹.
• Transection risk is higher if angles are not maintained during scoring and coring ².
• Skin thickness and firmness also drive difficulty, not just curl type ².
• Proper curl alignment during implantation is vital for a natural lay and volume.

Curly Hair Transplant Before and After

Well-executed placement keeps the natural curl orientation and avoids “frizzed” lines. Curls can create softer, denser-looking hairlines with fewer grafts compared to straight hair.

Curly Hair Transplant Results and Recovery

Expect temporary shedding in weeks 2–12, visible regrowth from months 4–6, and maturation up to 12 months and beyond ⁵. Curls often deliver greater visual coverage per graft because each coil occupies more space, increasing perceived density. Check out hair transplant recovery timeline by month for detailed information.

African and Afro-Textured Curly Hair Transplants

Tightly coiled follicles are often labeled “most challenging” for FUE, but outcomes are excellent in experienced hands. Evidence shows difficulty is a mix of hair curl and skin characteristics, and not all Afro hair is automatically “high risk” ². Proper tools, angles, and patience markedly reduce graft damage.

How Much Does a Curly Hair Transplant Cost?

Curly hair itself does not increase the price – expertise does. In Turkey, pricing is generally the same as for straight hair procedures, averaging between $2800 and $4500 for a standard session of around 4000 grafts. Clinics usually charge on a per-graft basis, with rates between $0.70 and $1.10 usd per graft. This means a smaller hairline restoration may cost closer to $2000, while extensive coverage can reach $6000 or more. Compared to western countries, where costs range from $10,000 to $15,000, Turkey remains significantly more affordable without compromising on quality.

*The costs provided are average estimates for 4,000 grafts. Get more detailed info at Hair Transplant Cost in Turkey.

FAQ: Common Questions

• Will my curl pattern change after a transplant? Transplanted follicles keep their native curl, caliber, and texture because the follicle genetics travel with the graft.
• Is curly hair more difficult to transplant? Yes, but with correct tools and angles, the risk is well controlled ².
• Can women with curly hair get transplants? Yes. Studies in female pattern hair loss report high satisfaction, especially when larger hair counts are implanted ⁶.