A natural hair transplant can be an excellent option for treating hair loss in the long term. However, not all patients have sufficient healthy hair follicles for a surgical hair restoration. Fortunately, the emergence of Biofibre hair transplants has provided an option to treat even advanced cases of androgenetic alopecia [1].
While banned in 1983 by the FDA for using unsafe materials, modern artificial hair transplants now use medical grade, biocompatible fibres to restore your scalp coverage and hair fullness. Find out how safe, long-lasting and effective these innovative Biofibres are.
The Wimpole Clinic doesn’t offer Biofibre hair transplants. Instead, we specialise in FUE and FUT procedures that use your own follicles to regrow your hair, giving you more natural-looking results.
If you’re interested in learning more about Biofibre hair transplants, you’ll find everything you need to know in this article.
This article will answer all of your questions about the nature, characteristics and safety profile of Biofibre hair transplants. We will walk you through the composition, properties and appearance of these biocompatible synthetic fibres, as well as the surgical mechanics of their implantation. Then, we will share all the important information regarding the risks involved in this procedure, its approximate costs and how long you can expect the results to last. Finally, we will provide you with helpful tips about Biofibre hair transplant aftercare and implant maintenance to keep them looking better for longer.
Key takeaways
Traditional hair transplants involve harvesting healthy hair follicles from the safe donor area on the back of your head and reimplanting them into the thinning transplant area. However, a Biofibre hair transplant involves the implantation of synthetic, biocompatible fibres (hairs) into the scalp [2]. The result is immediate, allowing the individual to have control over their hair loss.
During the 70s and early 80s, artificial hair transplants were a dangerous and controversial process, causing many complications and eventually being banned by the FDA. In 1995, the modern Biofibre synthetic hair was developed in Italy. This opened the door for the safe, medically certified and approved implantation of synthetic hair [3].
Biofibre hair is made of a special, highly bio-compatible medical-grade polyamide (a material similar to nylon, but designed to be safely implanted in the human body). The fibres are sterile, inert (they don’t react with substances in your scalp) and UV-resistant [4]. They are typically 0,08-0,09 mm thick and dyed with approved colouring agents incorporated at a molecular level, to ensure the pigment does not fade or migrate into the body.
Biofibre hair looks virtually indistinguishable from the natural thing, although the fibres are a little thicker. It comes in a range of lengths from 15 cm to 45 cm, 13 colours and 3 textures [1]. The fibres won’t lose their colour or go grey like natural hair. This can be a good thing if you’re completely bald and want a hair transplant. However, most male and female patients retain at least some of their natural hair, so Biofibre hair can look unnatural as your existing hair ages.
One month before getting a Biofibre hair transplant, patients undergo an implant tolerance test. This means they have 100 fibres inserted on a small area of the scalp, which the surgeon inspects weekly for 4 weeks. If no adverse reaction develops, it is safe to get the implants on a larger surface [2]. This ensures that the patient’s immune system can tolerate the synthetic fibres, so they won’t experience rejection on a large area of the scalp.
As you are about to start your procedure, the surgeon will inject your scalp with a local anaesthetic to numb it for the procedure. Then, they will take the fibres and implant them in your transplant area one by one, using hooked needles and an often automatic implanter. A sliding, hooked needle is placed inside the implanter, and the knot at the end of a Biofibre is secured on its tip. The implanter is then rested on the patient’s scalp, in the right position, and the surgeon pushes a button to insert the needle deep into the skin, fibre and all. Then, the needle is retracted, and the fibre remains under the scalp [2][3].
Biofibre hairs must be implanted deep into the scalp to prevent substantial shedding as there’s no follicle to root the hair in place. The reversible knot tied at the “root” end of the fibres keeps them attached to the scalp (the tissue heals around the fibre and the knot remains underneath the scalp, like an anchor). But should they get forcefully pulled out, the knot comes undone, leaving no residue under the skin [1]. It takes around 20-30 days for the hairs to anchor, as the scalp heals around them.
Implanting artificial fibres under the scalp is not exactly like transplanting natural hair follicles. It requires a specific surgical technique, which can be difficult to master, due to the relatively small number of such procedures. Poor execution can lead to a significant increase in complication risks, such as infection or unnatural-looking results. Here are some of the main challenges surgeons face when performing Biofibre hair transplants [2]:
The average Biofibre hair transplant patient gets 1000 artificial fibres implanted per session. And since they are a little thicker than human hair, this creates fullness equivalent to 3000 hairs (roughly, the equivalent of a 1500-graft hair transplant) [1].
However, the number of fibres you can have implanted depends on the extent of your hair loss and your scalp properties. Some patients can have as many as 6,000 – 9,000 Biofibre implants, but this usually happens over the course of several months, to allow the scalp to heal.
That is a complex issue which requires a nuanced approach. According to the latest research, Biofibres can normally be safely implanted in your scalp. While they are still not FDA-approved, they have been approved and certified as a medical device in the European Union since 1996. That is because they are manufactured in accordance with the international standard for quality management systems (QMS) in the medical device industry (ISO 13485:2016) [2], and several studies show they have a good safety profile [1][5].
However, researchers point out that just because the fibres themselves won’t harm your scalp, this doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe to have them implanted. Patients who get Biofibre hair transplants are still at a higher risk of developing inflammation, infection, scarring, allergies or rejection reactions than those who use natural hair. And the less experienced the surgeon is, the higher these complication rates can get [2].
Moreover, the FDA has so far rejected requests to lift the ban on Biofibre hair transplants, citing a poor risk-benefit ratio, insufficient and/or flawed evidence, incomplete preclinical testing and a gap in assessing the long-term effects of these implants [2].
The good news, however, is that according to a 2019 study performed on 1518 Biofibre hair transplant patients, the overall complication rate has decreased from 20.8% (previously recorded in 1994) to 9.27% in 2018 [5]. Studies show that only 2% of these procedures lead to side effects so severe as to require removal [6].
After a Biofibre hair restoration surgery, you can expect some of the same temporary hair transplant side effects as when using natural hair grafts: minor bleeding and bruising, some swelling, as well as itching, pain and tenderness over the first few days post-op. That happens as your transplant area is healing.
However, these artificial fibres also carry an increased risk of more serious adverse reactions than using your own hair grafts.
Research shows that Biofibre hair transplants are safe for most patients. However, complications still occur in about 10% of them and 2% experience such severe reactions that they need to have their implants removed. Here are the main risks that you may be facing [2][6]:
There are several things you can do to help you stay safe and complication-free after a Biofibre hair transplant. Here are some of the most useful:
According to the few existing studies, when properly performed, the procedure has a success rate of around 98%. This is similar to natural hair transplants. However, research has shown that 2% of cases resulted in the extraction of fibres due to infection, inflammation or rejection [6][7].
Moreover, according to the same sources, patient satisfaction with the procedure seems to be quite high (95-98%) [4][5][6][7]. However, it should be kept in mind that these studies are few and based on small samples. Large-scale trials are required to assess an accurate success rate and patient satisfaction scores.
A Biofibre hair transplant can normally last for around 7-8 years. The fibres shed at a rate of approximately 10% -30% per year (around 2-6 fibres per day), depending on your scalp properties and the quality of the maintenance [3][2]. You will also likely need to undergo a yearly implant re-touch due to fibre loss.
While this depends on how well you maintain your implants, it is generally recommended that you get a yearly top-up. This keeps your hair looking healthy, without thinning areas, split ends or uneven fibre lengths.
The way you care for your implants plays an important role in their longevity. Here are some things you can do to prolong their lifespan [8]:
One study with 133 participants [3] showed that most patients who get Biofibre implants are male (95 men to 38 women), most of whom are aged between 30 and 60 (however, a larger sample is needed to draw accurate conclusions about patient demographics).
However, this procedure isn’t suitable for everyone. You may be eligible for a Biofibre hair transplant if you are in one or more of the following categories [1][3][7]:
However, the best way to know for sure if a Biofibre hair transplant is the best option for your hair loss is to book a consultation with an experienced surgeon. They can examine your scalp, get an account of your medical history and expected results and recommend the most suitable treatments.
This procedure is not indicated for patients who are in the following situations [1][4][3]:
A Biofibre hair transplant cost is not significantly different from a traditional hair restoration surgery. Depending on the clinic you choose, the average price per fibre is, according to our research, around £3-4, compared to approximately £3.25 for a natural hair graft. However, high-end clinics can charge upwards of £6.50 per implant.
The main difference, however, between a natural and Biofibre hair restoration surgery is that a natural hair transplant is permanent, while the artificial fibres require periodic maintenance and replacement. Since they are not alive, they do not grow back when they snap or get pulled out, so they will eventually thin out otherwise. This can significantly increase your total hair restoration costs over the years.
Most surgeons will agree that natural hair is undoubtedly superior to Biofibre. That is primarily because your hair follicles are alive and they keep producing hair, while artificial fibres need to be surgically replaced when they break. However, each of these procedures has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here is a comparison so you can determine the best option for you:
Aftercare is very important, regardless of whether you used natural or synthetic fibres. However, there are specific recommendations after a Biofibre hair transplant. Here is how specialists recommend that you care for them [8][2]:
Surgeons generally recommend that patients take antibiotics for the first week after their procedure to reduce the risk of infection. At the same time, patients are advised to spray the area with a Betadine solution (an iodine-based antiseptic used to disinfect the skin) and with saline solution. This reduces the risk of developing an infection.
If the patient experiences pain during the first days post-op, over-the-counter painkillers are normally safe to use. The same thing goes for scalp itching during healing – you can take some anti-allergy medication to take the edge off.
While it is common to be recommended hair growth medication after a natural hair transplant, it won’t work on your artificial implants. What it may help with, however, is to prevent further native hair loss around your transplant area.
It is safe and recommended to start gently washing your Biofibre hair with a Ketoconazole shampoo (for its antifungal properties) starting on the 3rd day after your surgery. Then, use a mild shampoo to wash your hair every day or every 2-3 days, but still use the Ketoconazole variety once a week.
The Biofibre company [8] offers a special shampoo that they recommend (Biocare Comfort), but you can use a regular, gentle formula instead. They also offer a scalp cleaner (DermaClean) and sebum remover (SeboCare) for optimal implant maintenance. However, keeping the scalp clean and protected from dirt and direct sunlight should suffice for good results.
One of the major drawbacks of Biofibre implants is that they don’t offer many styling possibilities. You can only cut them so often before they become too short, so the hairdresser will often trim your natural hair around them. Most hair dyes will damage the fibres, and the colour may not take on them as the rest of your hair. Moreover, chemical treatments (e.g. perming, waving, straightening), as well as heat styling and applying extensions to the Biofibre hair is forbidden. It is already almost impossible to fix heat damaged natural hair, but exposing synthetic fibres to high temperatures can result in their immediate deterioration.
Hair gels, hairsprays or lotions containing harsh chemicals are problematic as well. So it is best to know exactly what style you want from the beginning, as you will likely be wearing it for a long time.
Even combing your hair can be tricky, as you should avoid brushing it. If you want your implants to last, you need to use a wide-toothed comb and start by gently detangling each knot. Then, comb the fibres slowly, from top to bottom, without pulling or applying any undue tension.
Hairstyles that pull on your implants, such as man buns or ponytails can cause hair loss, as your artificial fibres may get pulled out (in natural hair, they can cause traction alopecia). So it is best to keep your hair loose.
While you are free to go back to work as soon as you feel up for it after your procedure, there are still things you should avoid. Here are some of the most important [8]:
If you decide that a Biofibre hair restoration is not for you, there are still other good ways to improve the fullness and appearance of your hair. Here are some good things to try:
Traditional hair restoration surgery uses healthy hair follicles from your own scalp to cover your thinning areas. Many of the patients who get Biofibre implants have insufficient such follicles left on their donor area, so they try what they think is the next best thing. However, getting a natural hair transplant does not only require scalp hair. Some people with a depleted donor area get successful body hair transplants, with grafts obtained from their beard, chest, abdomen or even limbs. Book a free hair transplant consultation to find out if you may be eligible for this kind of procedure.
If your hair loss is not very advanced, it can often be successfully stopped and even reversed with non-surgical hair restoration treatments such as Minoxidil or Finasteride
Minoxidil is effective against several types of alopecia, as it works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. This helps regulate the hair growth cycle and gives the follicles the oxygen and nutrients they need to produce healthy hair. Finasteride works well against male pattern baldness by decreasing the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in your blood. Moreover, using Minoxidil combined with Finasteride can increase the individual effectiveness of each medication.
However, be sure to ask for your trichologist’s recommendation before taking any medication. This is to be sure it has no contraindications for you and doesn’t interfere with preexisting health conditions or treatments.
You can try several science-backed therapies, either stand-alone or alongside hair growth medications, to improve your hair density. Some of the most effective are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair treatment and red light therapy for hair growth.
PRP treatment involves injecting your thinning scalp areas with platelet-rich plasma harvested from a small sample of your own blood. This substance contains substantial amounts of growth factors, which repair your damaged hair follicles and the small blood vessels that supply them.
Red light therapy is a form of low-level laser therapy that uses red/near-infrared light to optimise the activity of your cell mitochondria and improve blood flow to your hair follicles. It is painless and can be comfortably enjoyed at home if you get a laser hair growth cap.
While this is not a treatment per se, scalp micropigmentation is a very effective way to conceal hair loss. It is basically a hair tattoo for men and women who wear their hair very short or want to cover up a visible scar. The technician inserts fine droplets of ink into your scalp in a natural hair growth pattern. This reduces the contrast between the scalp and hair, making bald spots inconspicuous.
However, to avoid scalp micropigmentation regrets, you should know that this procedure can only be used by darker-haired people. Unfortunately, there are presently no suitable pigments for fairer, blond or red hair shades.
If you wonder whether you’re eligible for a natural hair transplant that lasts forever or may have to settle for Biofibre, our experienced surgeons are here for you. Book a free, no-strings-attatched hair transplant consultation at your most convenient clinic location and get a fully-personalised recommendation.
If you are eligible for natural surgical hair restoration, the Wimpole Clinic’s 50-year legacy of hair transplant excellence speaks for itself (see our before-and-after hair transplant gallery for proof). If, however, this is not the right option for you, our surgeons will recommend the best alternative, be it a Biofibre hair transplant or other, more suitable treatments.
Find out even more about Biofibre hair transplants by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions:
The difference between FUE and FUT surgery lies in the way the hair grafts are harvested from the donor area. FUT involves removing an entire strip of skin and cutting it up into grafts, while with FUE, each graft is harvested individually. Since Biofibres are factory-made, not sourced from your scalp, their implantation is neither FUT nor FUE. In fact, while the term “hair transplant” is used colloquially, surgical hair restoration using Biofibres is more adequately called hair implantation.
Yes, if you brush your hair roughly, if you pull at knots instead of patiently untangling them or if the fibres are already worn out by friction, they can snap. Careful maintenance will protect your implants from breaking during routine hair grooming to some extent. However, these fibres will eventually get damaged and break off, requiring a top-up.
No, unfortunately, not every hair transplant clinic offers Biofibre hair transplants. You can search online for those that do or call your preferred clinic to inquire about this service. Once you have found some clinics that perform this type of procedure, be sure to read their patient reviews to help you select the best one.
No, you cannot get a biofibre beard transplant (nor an eyebrow transplant, for that matter). That is because the tissue in your face is thinner and more fragile than your scalp and cannot hold the fibres properly. However, you can get a natural beard transplant instead. You can harvest some hair follicles from your scalp or even your body and reimplant them in your beard area.
It is recommended to let your implants air-dry after washing (you can gently pat them with a towel to remove the excess water beforehand). If you must blow-dry them, use a low-heat setting to avoid deteriorating them. A low-power setting may also be a good idea, since a strong gust of air can increase tangling and friction, which may reduce Biofibre duration.
Wimpole Clinic Services:
Hair Transplants, Beard Transplants & Eyebrow Transplants.
Talk to a specialist
Dr Harpreet Kalra is a hair transplant specialist and GP based in our Newcastle hair transplant clinic. Born in Scandinavia, Dr Kalra qualified as a doctor in Denmark in 2007, and was subsequently trained as a hair transplant surgeon by Dr Kapil Dua in 2012 (President of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery). He is registered with the General Medical Council (7126076).
Dr Kalra is an expert hair transplant surgeon with a comprehensive grasp of advanced hair restoration techniques, including FUE and FUT. With his profound commitment to patient welfare, medical innovation, and professional development, Dr Kalra has restored the confidence of hundreds of patients struggling with hair loss.
In addition to his role as a hair transplant consultant at the Wimpole Clinic, Dr Kalra is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) and a practising GP in the UK. Beyond clinical practice, he is an active participant in medical seminars, conferences and workshops, underscoring his dedication to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes across the UK.
