What is Afro Hair Transplant?

Afro hair transplantation is a surgical approach that requires expertise in which hair follicles carefully taken from the donor area are transplanted to the area where baldness or thinning is seen, while preserving the unique morphology of curly and often wavy hair strands. Its most fundamental point that distinguishes it from standard hair transplantation is that the ‘S’ shaped root angles and the puffy, voluminous texture specific to the Afro hair type are not carried out in a laboratory environment but directly in the operation. In this way, the transplanted roots both preserve their spiral exit sequences and reproduce the natural Afro appearance in the finest detail after implantation. Afro hair transplantation is not only an aesthetic procedure; it is defined as a personalized renewal process that rebuilds the patient’s self-confidence.

Afro Hair Transplant

The procedure of afro hair transplant is known to be more complex and challenging compared to a classic hair transplant. Therefore, people who have afro hair type and suffer from hair loss tend to have second thoughts about hair transplant surgery; they can not be sure if hair transplantation works on the afro type of hair. Let us help you to clear your mind off those suspicions! Afro hair transplant is more complicated and differs from regular hair transplantations. It is because of the anatomy of the hair that afro people have. The characteristics of afro hair are coarse, curly, and kinky. The kinkiness and curliness of afro hair are not just only on the surface of the scalp but also underneath the skin! And that requires meticulous work and an experienced surgeon and surgical team.

How afro hair affects going on the surgery: 

Compared to straight hair, the afro hair type is more complex!

Therefore;

  •     It makes the doctor’s work more meticulous.
  •     Locating and extracting the hair roots is more tricky.

An afro hair transplant is more sensitive and takes more time to carry out the surgery.

In the procedure of afro hair transplant, there may not be a high number of grafts. Afro hair transplant may require fewer grafts to be extracted and implanted than Caucasian or Asian hair types, and it is not as dense as regular hair. However, Afro hair can look much more dense thanks to its curly texture!

How is Afro Hair Transplant Done?

The procedure begins with the examination of afro hair follicles taken from the nape and side areas under local anesthesia, one by one, using a microscope. The roots are removed with ultra-thin tools resembling a pipette, protecting the anus, and are kept in a temporary nutrient solution without damaging the root integrity. Then, the channel opening phase, which is based on the natural afro exit angle and hairline form, begins. The tiny channels opened here are prepared at special angles for the placement of the roots without disrupting their spiral structure. Finally, each follicle is carefully placed to achieve the desired density. All stages are carried out with a focus on preserving the genetic durability and textural vitality of afro hair follicles.

Suitable Transplant Methods for Afro Hair

Among the FUE methods specific to Afro hair type, ‘micro-FUE’ and ‘ultra-FUE’ techniques stand out; these are modifications that use special punch tips with a diameter of 0.6–0.8 mm, providing more superficial and controlled graft extraction. In another option, the DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) protocol, channel opening and graft placement procedures are performed in a single step, with Choi implanter pens; this shortens the time the hair follicles remain in the external environment and offers an additional advantage in preserving the curl structure. In addition, with PRP support before and after transplantation, the blood flow and healing process can be accelerated, increasing the adhesion rate of Afro hair follicles.

How Many Grafts Are Required for Afro Hair Transplant?

Since Afro hair type, unlike other hair structures, has dense and deep spirals, the density target and preservation of the curl angles are taken into consideration when determining the number of grafts to be taken from the donor area; generally, 2,000–3,000 grafts are planned for mild-moderate hair thinning, and 3,500–5,000 grafts are planned for advanced baldness. However, every patient is different: after evaluating the head shape, hairline design, possible additional session requirements in the future and donor reserve status, a personalized graft distribution map is created. In this way, both the frontal line fullness and the volume in the crown area are brought to the optimum level.

 

Which Technique is the Best For Afro Hair Transplant?

Men with afro hair usually search about which technique they should go with on the procedure day. There are many options for hair transplant candidates. FUE hair transplant operation is one of these techniques and one of the most popular ones. It applies to all hair types; it can provide permanent and successful remedies for those with hair loss problems! However, it is always better to find what kind of hair you have and analyze it to see what treatment you should have! Remember that each patient has a distinct hair type; no one knows which method is the best before analyzing it!

Let’s see what kind of afro hair you have!

How Long Does Afro Hair Transplant Take?

Session duration varies between 4 and 8 hours depending on the number of grafts and the technique used; a typical session day is planned to transplant 2,500–3,500 grafts, with an average of 6 hours of surgery. While graft collection from the donor area with micro-FUE punches takes 2–3 hours, channel opening and DHI or classical placement steps cover the remaining time. If necessary, over 5,000 graft transfers are possible with split sessions to be completed on a second day, and the comfort of local anesthesia is provided throughout the entire process.

Recovery Process After Afro Hair Transplant

In the first 48 hours after the operation, mild edema, micro dots in the donor area and crusting in the transplant area are natural signs of healing and after cleaning within 7-10 days, there is almost no trace left when viewed from the outside. Following the shock shedding phase, curly textures begin to reappear from the 3rd month onwards; hair strands thicken in the 6-9 month period and the final aesthetic appearance is completed within 12-18 months. In the first week, the head should be kept slightly up, intense sports and trauma to the head area should be avoided, and the area should be cared for with gentle shampoos and recommended lotions. Thanks to this meticulous follow-up, the transplanted afro hair offers both a lively and long-lasting renewal.

How is Afro Hair Type Different From Others?

The hair structure of individuals of African origin contains significantly more curves and spirals compared to straight and slightly wavy hair types. Since these curves change the angle of inclination of the follicle within the skin, the possibility of damage to the grafts increases when using classic FUE or FUT techniques. In addition, Afro hair strands are generally composed of thicker diameter, elastic and moisture-holding fibers; the graft distribution should be planned much more precisely to achieve a natural bulge and density in the transplant area. These differences directly affect the success of the treatment by requiring the use of special implanter tools with the microsurgical skills of an experienced surgeon.

Who Can Have Afro Hair Transplant?

All adult men and women with Afro-origin or curly/spiral hair structure are candidates for evaluation if they have a history of genetic baldness, hair loss or thinning hair. Individuals with sufficient root stock in the donor area, stable general health status, and no bleeding or wound healing problems constitute the ideal candidate profile. In addition, patients who have previously experienced unsuccessful transplants with standard techniques and who cannot achieve a natural look due to graft losses can also benefit from expertise in Afro hair transplantation. Thanks to the preliminary consultation with our expert team, personalized detailed planning is made, all your questions are answered and we manage the process together. Make an appointment today for your special Afro hair transplant program and take a step towards natural and permanent results!

Afro Hair Types

Curly Afro Hair

Curly afro hair type curves underneath the skin as well. It can have significant and bouncy frizz; has an “S” or “Z” shape. This voluminous type of hair is also prone to damage. Therefore, a curly afro type of hair transplant with an immense volume might be a more complicated and demanding treatment.

Wavy Afro Hair

Wavy afro hair is less voluminous compared to a curly afro hair type. It can be styled more quickly, and the hair transplant procedure is managed easier than curly afro hair. It is a type of hair that is easier to deal with than the curly type of afro hair. The planning and surgical approach are more straightforward.

Straight Afro Hair

If you have straight afro hair, your hair is easy to handle! Straight afro hair has no curly or wave pattern. This hair type is difficult to curl. That is why it is more resilient. It is a type of hair that is close structurally to the classic hair types (Asian, caucasian). So the planning and surgical approach are very like the regular hair type.

Kinky (Coilly) Afro Hair

Because the kinky hair has a torsion twist – let’s say permanent twist- it is often very fragile with a high density. Kinky Afro hair that features a tightly coiled curl is more prone to damage. You should not be too worried if you have a kinky afro hair type. Yes, it has a complex texture, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot have a hair transplant operation or get a successful hair transplant! The approach is almost the same, with some technical aspects needed to handle the grafts slightly differently. An experienced team should know these points pretty well.

Recovery Process After Afro Hair Transplant

In the first 48 hours after the operation, mild edema, micro dots in the donor area and crusting in the transplant area are natural signs of healing and after cleaning within 7-10 days, there is almost no trace left when viewed from the outside. Following the shock shedding phase, curly textures begin to reappear from the 3rd month onwards; hair strands thicken in the 6-9 month period and the final aesthetic appearance is completed within 12-18 months. In the first week, the head should be kept slightly up, intense sports and trauma to the head area should be avoided, and the area should be cared for with gentle shampoos and recommended lotions. Thanks to this meticulous follow-up, the transplanted afro hair offers both a lively and long-lasting renewal.

 Does Hair Transplant Work for Afro Hair?

There should not be any thoughts that you are not a good candidate for a hair transplant because you have afro hair. So many men with afro hair have undergone hair transplants and got good results. With the help of its leading technology, experienced surgeons, and surgical teams, Smile Hair Clinic has succeeded in afro hair transplant! No matter how curly, wavy or kinky your hair is, we have and experience and expertise to handle it!

Does FUE Work For Afro Hair?

Afro hair type (curly, wavy, or kinky hair) was a more challenging hair transplant type. Because of the hair’s anatomical variations, we used to have difficulties in extracting them during the hair transplant surgery. Fortunately, all these aspects are left behind. Thanks to advancements in an FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction/Excision), hair transplant for those with afro hair has become more accessible, with better results and higher survival rates.

You can go and click the link to see Smile’s Afro Patient, Mohammad’s Hair Transplant Journey

Frequently asked Questions

Is Afro Hair Transplant Permanent?

In Afro hair transplantation, the transplanted curly follicles are taken from areas that are genetically resistant to shedding in the nape and side areas; therefore, the grafts that hold on after the procedure continue to produce permanent hair for life. After the “shock shedding” phase seen in the first months has passed, the new hair that emerges maintains its normal growth cycle and does not thin out even in the following years. The density achieved within 12–18 months remains stable even in advanced age or hormonal fluctuations; additional sessions can be planned only if desired for extra fullness or treatment of future thinning.

Does Transplanted Curly Hair Look Natural?

The most important factor that determines success in Afro hair transplantation is the placement of follicles in channels that are suitable for the curl direction and angle within the skin; thanks to microchannel opening techniques applied by experienced hands, the transplanted curly hair strand is positioned parallel to the natural growth line one by one and does not lose its spiral structure. With this method, the new hair that appears within 6-12 months offers an organic silhouette that is completely indistinguishable from autologous hair tissue with both textural density and the vivid shadows it creates under light.

Is Afro Hair Transplant Risky? Does It Require Special Care?

Afro hair transplantation is a surgical intervention in sterile conditions, as in all hair transplantation operations; however, it requires extra care during the extraction and placement stages due to its curly structure and deep folds. Placing the grafts taken from the donor area with micro-FUE punches directly into the canal instead of the laboratory, preserving the curl angle, preserves both the root integrity and the natural exit direction. Special tip diameters, Choi implanters and microscope-assisted techniques to be used by an experienced team reduce the risk of infection, trauma or graft loss to less than one percent. When preparatory protocols such as pre-operative blood tests, chronic disease controls and smoking-alcohol regulation are meticulously applied, Afro hair transplantation becomes a safe and uncomplicated procedure.

Afro Hair Transplant Prices 2025

As of 2025, Afro hair transplant sessions with an average of 3,000–4,500 grafts in Türkiye will be priced between 35,000 ₺ – 60,000 ₺. As the number of grafts increases and in DHI combination packages from multi-station DHI or micro-FUE, the cost may increase to 65,000 ₺ – 90,000 ₺. Package fees include local anesthesia, donor collection, channel opening, transplantation, one-month follow-up examinations and medication support. Monthly installment and flex payment options are available; you can make an appointment today, learn about your special payment plan and get your naturally curly hair.

Are There Clinics That Perform Afro Hair Transplantation in Türkiye?

Yes, there are dermatology and hair restoration centers in metropolitan cities, especially in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, that offer afro hair type-specific transplantation services. In these clinics, case portfolios made on curly hair morphology before the operation, special DHI and micro-FUE equipment and patient photographs documenting the success rates with trained surgeon staff are exhibited. When choosing a clinic, JCI accreditation, Turkish Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Association approval and looking at the “before and after” results of previous patients are among the reliability criteria.

Are Curly Hair Roots Damaged When Removed?

In Afro hair transplantation, the micro-FUE punch diameter is reduced to around 0.6–0.8 mm and gently released from around the follicles without damaging their spiral structure. In this way, the root sheath and the attached connective tissue are protected; the risk of damage is significantly reduced compared to classical FUE. The experience of the operator and the exact compatibility of the punch angle with the slope of the hair strand under the skin minimize root trauma. The survival rate of curly grafts obtained with the right technique is equivalent to cases with straight hair.

What is the Graft Retention Rate in Afro Hair?

With the use of an experienced team and special equipment, retention rates are in the 80–90% range. In order to prevent donor loss due to curly hair morphology, ideal density graft collection and optimal channel placement are essential. In clinics that apply pre-procedure PRP support and post-procedure care with full protocols, graft survival rates reach a similar level to cases with straight hair; proper care and patient compliance with recommendations also strengthen retention.

When Should Hair Styling Be Done After Afro Hair Transplant?

Approximately 8-10 weeks after the transplant, the shock loss phase is completed and new thin hair begins to appear. Since the natural form of the curly texture begins to emerge during this period, the most suitable time for haircut, styling and care routine adaptation is 3-4 months later. As the curly spirals thicken and gain a typical afro appearance as the 6th month approaches; from this stage onwards, you can make detailed plans with your hairdresser on hair density, length and shape.