Crown and hairline transplant zones follow different density timelines after surgery. The hairline typically shows visible results 2-3 months before the crown due to differences in blood supply, skin thickness, and follicle orientation.
Why the Crown and Hairline Grow at Different Rates
The frontal hairline sits on thinner skin with a rich blood supply close to the surface. Transplanted follicles in this zone receive nutrients quickly and begin producing visible hairs around month 3-4. The crown (vertex) has thicker skin with a deeper dermal layer. Blood supply to the vertex is slightly less direct, which means transplanted grafts take longer to establish themselves.
Several factors contribute to this difference:
Skin thickness: Hairline skin is 2-3mm thick, while crown skin can be 4-5mm. Thinner skin means shorter distances for new blood vessels to reach transplanted follicles.
Blood flow patterns: Arterial supply to the frontal scalp comes from the supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries, which branch densely across the forehead. The crown relies on deeper occipital and temporal artery branches.
Follicle angle: Hairline grafts are placed at acute angles (15-25 degrees), which positions them closer to the skin surface. Crown grafts are placed more vertically (45-60 degrees), sitting deeper in the dermis.
Graft Count Distribution: Crown vs Hairline
The number of grafts allocated to each zone depends on the patient's Norwood stage and goals. Here is a typical distribution for common scenarios:
| Norwood Stage | Total Grafts | Hairline Allocation | Crown Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| N3V | 2,000-2,800 | 1,200-1,600 (60%) | 800-1,200 (40%) |
| N4 | 2,500-3,500 | 1,500-2,000 (55-60%) | 1,000-1,500 (40-45%) |
| N5 | 3,000-4,500 | 1,500-2,200 (50%) | 1,500-2,300 (50%) |
| N6 | 4,000-6,000 | 1,800-2,500 (45%) | 2,200-3,500 (55%) |
At higher Norwood stages, the crown receives a larger share because the bald area is more extensive. For N3V patients, surgeons typically prioritize the hairline since it frames the face and has the highest visual impact.
Month-by-Month Timeline: Hairline Zone
Here is what to expect from hairline grafts at each milestone:
Months 1-2: Transplanted hairs shed (shock loss). The recipient area may look thinner than immediately after surgery. This is normal and affects nearly all patients.
Month 3: Fine vellus hairs begin emerging. They are thin, light-colored, and barely visible. Approximately 10-20% of grafts show early growth signs.
Month 4-5: Hairs begin to thicken and darken. Around 30-40% of hairline grafts are producing visible hair. The hairline starts to show a defined edge.
Month 6: Noticeable density improvement. Roughly 50-60% of hairline grafts are producing mature hair. Most patients feel comfortable without concealing products at this stage.
Months 9-12: Full hairline density. Between 85-95% of surviving grafts are producing mature terminal hairs. The hairline edge looks natural with proper single-unit placement.
Month-by-Month Timeline: Crown Zone
Crown results follow a delayed pattern compared to the hairline:
Months 1-3: Shedding phase, similar to the hairline. The crown may look unchanged or slightly thinner.
Month 4-5: First signs of fine growth. Only 10-15% of crown grafts show visible hairs, compared to 30-40% in the hairline at the same stage.
Month 6-7: Early density improvement. Approximately 25-35% of crown grafts are producing visible hair. The whorl pattern begins to take shape.
Month 9-10: Significant improvement. Around 50-65% of crown grafts are producing mature hair. Coverage becomes noticeable.
Months 12-18: Full crown density. Between 85-95% of surviving grafts are active. The crown whorl and direction pattern are fully established. Some patients do not see final crown results until month 18.
Density Per cm2 Expectations by Zone
Target density varies between the hairline and crown:
| Zone | Target Density (FU/cm2) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline edge | 40-50 | Highest visual scrutiny, single units |
| Hairline body | 30-40 | Behind the edge, multi-unit grafts |
| Crown center | 25-35 | Hair swirls create visual coverage |
| Crown border | 30-40 | Blends transplanted and native hair |
The crown naturally appears denser than it is because hair radiates outward from the whorl, creating overlapping coverage. This means fewer grafts per cm2 can achieve a satisfactory visual result in the crown compared to the hairline.
How Graft Survival Affects Final Density
FUE procedures achieve a 90-95% graft survival rate when performed by experienced surgeons. This means for every 1,000 grafts placed, 900-950 will produce permanent hair. Survival rates apply equally to both hairline and crown zones, but the visual impact of lost grafts differs:
- A 5% graft loss at the hairline edge is more noticeable because the area is viewed up close and at direct angles
- A 5% graft loss in the crown is less noticeable because the hair fans out from the whorl, creating natural coverage overlap
What to Do If Crown Results Lag Behind
If your crown shows minimal growth at 6 months while your hairline looks good, this is within the normal range. Consider these steps:
- Take monthly photos from directly above in consistent lighting
- Compare against the expected timeline above
- Continue any prescribed finasteride or minoxidil to support native and transplanted hair
- Wait until month 12 before evaluating crown density concerns
- Discuss PRP therapy ($500-$2,000 per session) with your surgeon if growth seems unusually slow
Want to understand how your specific Norwood stage and graft count will affect your hairline and crown results? Get a personalized assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to see realistic expectations for your situation.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary based on patient health, surgeon skill, and adherence to post-operative protocols. Consult a board-certified hair restoration surgeon for personalized guidance.