Beard to scalp hair transplant is viable for patients who have exhausted their traditional scalp donor supply, with beard grafts showing a 75% to 85% survival rate on the scalp. Over 60% of men start their hair loss research with basic FAQ questions like this one, so here is what the evidence shows.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
How Beard to Scalp Transplant Works
Beard to scalp transplant uses FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) to harvest individual follicular units from the beard area, typically the submandibular zone beneath the jawline and the cheek area. These grafts are then implanted into thinning or bald areas of the scalp using the same techniques as standard scalp-to-scalp FUE.
The submandibular region is the preferred donor zone because the hair there is thicker, more consistent in caliber, and less visible when harvested. A full beard can yield 2,000 to 3,000 extractable grafts across the cheeks and neck, though not all of these can be safely harvested without creating visible patchiness.
Most surgeons recommend extracting no more than 1,000 to 1,500 grafts from the beard in a single session. This preserves the natural appearance of the beard while providing meaningful supplemental donor hair for the scalp.
Beard Hair vs Scalp Hair: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between beard and scalp hair is important for setting realistic expectations.
| Characteristic | Scalp Donor Hair | Beard Hair |
|---|---|---|
| Hairs per graft | 1 to 4 (avg 2.2) | 1 to 2 (mostly singles) |
| Growth cycle | 2 to 6 years | 1 to 2 years |
| Hair caliber | Medium | Thick/coarse |
| Growth rate | ~1.25 cm/month | ~1 cm/month |
| Graft survival on scalp | 90% to 95% | 75% to 85% |
| Best placement zone | Anywhere on scalp | Crown and mid-scalp |
| Hairline suitability | Excellent | Poor (too coarse) |
Beard hair is thicker in diameter than scalp hair, which means each individual strand covers more surface area. However, beard grafts predominantly contain single hairs rather than multi-hair follicular units. This makes them good for adding density behind the hairline but unsuitable for creating a natural-looking frontal edge.
When Beard to Scalp Is the Right Choice
Beard to scalp transplant makes the most sense in specific clinical situations.
Depleted scalp donor area. Patients at Norwood 6 (4,000 to 6,000 grafts needed) or Norwood 7 (5,500 to 7,500 grafts needed) may not have enough scalp donor hair to achieve full coverage. The traditional donor strip at the back and sides of the head has a safe extraction limit of roughly 45% of available follicles. Beard hair extends the total available donor pool.
Previous transplant patients. Men who have had one or more prior hair transplants may have an over-harvested donor area. Beard grafts provide additional material for touch-up procedures or density enhancement.
Crown density supplementation. The vertex (crown) area is the most forgiving placement zone for beard hair because the hair grows in multiple directions and the slightly different texture blends more naturally than it would at the hairline.
Limitations and Risks
Beard to scalp transplant has meaningful limitations you should consider.
The lower survival rate (75% to 85% versus 90% to 95% for scalp grafts) means you need to plan for some graft loss. If you need 1,000 grafts of effective coverage, your surgeon should implant 1,100 to 1,200 beard grafts to compensate.
Beard hair has a shorter growth cycle (anagen phase of 1 to 2 years versus 2 to 6 years for scalp hair), which means the transplanted beard hair will not grow as long as surrounding scalp hair. This difference is less noticeable in the crown but can be problematic if placed in the frontal zone.
Harvesting from the beard causes temporary redness and pinpoint scars in the donor zone. These typically fade within 2 to 4 weeks, but patients with light skin or sparse beards may have more visible evidence of extraction.
To understand your Norwood stage and whether you have sufficient scalp donor supply before considering beard donor options, see the Norwood scale complete guide. For comprehensive surgical planning, consult our hair transplant planning guide.
Cost Comparison
| Procedure | Grafts | US Cost | Turkey Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard FUE (scalp donor) | 2,500 | $10,000 to $15,000 | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Beard to scalp FUE | 1,000 | $5,000 to $8,000 | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Combined scalp + beard FUE | 3,500 | $15,000 to $22,000 | $3,500 to $7,000 |
Beard to scalp FUE typically costs 10% to 20% more per graft than standard scalp FUE because the extraction is more technically demanding and takes longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a beard to scalp hair transplant viable?
Yes, beard to scalp hair transplant is viable for select patients. Beard hair grafts have a survival rate of 75% to 85% when transplanted to the scalp, compared to 90% to 95% for traditional scalp donor grafts. Beard hair works best as supplemental density in the crown and mid-scalp areas rather than for hairline reconstruction, because beard hair has a different texture and growth cycle than scalp hair.
How does AI hair loss analysis work?
AI hair loss analysis uses computer vision to assess photos of your hairline and classify your Norwood stage. At myhairline.ai, you upload a photo from any phone browser and receive an objective assessment of your hair loss stage, estimated graft requirements, and personalized treatment options within 60 seconds.
Is myhairline.ai accurate for self-assessment?
Yes, myhairline.ai provides clinical-grade Norwood staging from any phone browser. Clinical validation shows AI-based hair loss staging matches dermatologist assessments in over 85% of cases, making it a reliable starting point before consulting a specialist in person.
Not sure how many grafts you need or whether your donor supply is sufficient? Get a free AI hairline analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to estimate your Norwood stage in under 60 seconds.