Hair Fibres after FUE – Can I use them?

If you suffer from male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, a hair transplant is often the most effective way to help you restore your hair. That’s why there’s been a 157% increase in global hair transplant procedures since 2008 [1]. However, for some people, this is just the start of their hair restoration journey. To achieve a fuller, thicker head of hair, many people turn to hair fibres after a hair transplant.

But what are hair fibres — and are they suitable for use after a hair transplant?

What are hair fibres?

Hair fibres are artificial strands of hair that are usually made from keratin. Keratin is the same protein that makes up your real hair. Other types are also made from nylon, cellulose and rayon. These fibres use an electrostatic charge to merge with your real hair, producing a thicker, fuller appearance.

Hair fibres can camouflage bald patches, so they’re popular with people experiencing hair loss. Hair fibres can also be used after a hair transplant to give the appearance of thicker, fuller hair while your follicles take root and begin to grow.

How to use hair fibres

Hair fibres usually have a powdery consistency. Choose the colour that best matches your hair tone. Then shake the fibres out onto your freshly washed and dried hair, particularly in thinning areas. You should do this before you use any styling products. Afterwards, pat or massage your hair gently to blend the fibres into your hair.

Some brands such as Toppik and Nanogen include a spray to help your fibres last longer.

Do hair fibres after hair transplants last?

Hair fibres will work until you next wash your hair, so the effects are short-lived. However, they are safe to use on a daily basis.

Bear in mind that there are many products on the market of varying quality. Purchasing hair fibres and hair thickening spray from specialist clinics makes it more likely that you will receive a more effective product.

Certain brands also claim that their hair fibres are resistant to wind, rain, and sweat. This can be important if you spend a lot of time outdoors or in the gym.

When can I use hair fibres after hair transplant?

You can use hair fibres after a hair transplant regardless of whether you’ve had an FUE or FUT procedure. Both transplant types have an excellent success rate. However, there is an extended recovery period for both types which involves some hair transplant downtime, and impacts how soon you can use hair fibres after a hair transplant.

We recommend that you allow your hair transplant to heal completely and your hair follicles to settle in before using any products, including hair fibres. This usually takes up to 1 month. If you’re not sure when you can start using them, speak to your hair transplant consultant.

Although it can be tempting to use products like hair fibres to conceal your thinning hair post-transplant, it’s wise to resist. These products can impact the success of your hair transplant if used too soon. To save money and disappointment further down the line, it’s important to give your hair transplant the best opportunity to take root.

However, when the initial healing period is over, you’re free to use hair fibres as much as you like while your new hair grows. Because new growth after a hair transplant is a slow process, this is a great way to boost your confidence while you wait.

Are there alternatives to hair fibres?

It can take up to 18 months for you to see the impact of a hair transplant. While your new hairs grow, hair fibres are an excellent temporary measure for covering up bald or patchy hair.

However, if more than 18 months have passed and you haven’t seen the results you were hoping for, you may want a more permanent solution than hair fibres. Some people require 2 or more hair transplants before they achieve the results they’re looking for, so talk to your hair transplant clinic about your results. They may be able to recommend alternative therapies such as medication, vitamin infusion or laser hair techniques to boost and thicken your hair growth.

Should I use hair fibres after hair transplant?

Celebrities including Wayne Rooney and David Beckham are said to use hair fibres to top up their thinning hair. Learn more about Wayne Rooney’s hair journey and David Beckham’s hair transplant.

If you’re considering using hair fibres or any other kind of hair product after a hair transplant, talk to your consultant to find out if this is the best solution for you. Our experienced hair loss consultants are on hand to talk you through all the treatment options available to restore your hair and your confidence.

Sources:

1. ISHRS 2020 Practice Census