Optimal Age for a Single Hair Transplant?

Dear Dr. Rassman,

Thank you very much for your helpful book and web site. I am a 29 year old male planning to get a hair transplant. You have recommended waiting until the thirties before getting a transplant due to the risk of shock loss before hair loss has slowed.

One question I have is does using Propecia push back the age in which shock loss is still a risk? Since Propecia generally slows the hair loss process I would think that the age in which hair loss stabilizes would be later. Can a hair transplant surgeon figure out whether shock loss is a possibility just by examing your hair?

A second question, if I were interested in getting just one transplant in my life, what would be the optimal age? Or, if I were willing to get two, what would be the best times? Again, is this something that a surgeon needs to address on an individual basis?

Thanks so much for your help!

Propecia will certainly slow down the timeline for your hair loss. Shock loss does not happen following surgery in most men who are taking this drug. There’s no guarantee though, and determining the risk isn’t something that can be done by an exam.

I generally tell patients to wait until at least the age of 25 before considering a hair transplant, but questions about the ideal age reflect where you are in the balding process and if it bothers you. There is no ideal age for a transplant and only your needs should be a consideration. Be sure that you are on Propecia first and for everyone else reading this, if by chance you are under 25 years old, then trying the drug for a year is very important in building a Master Plan for you.