Can Hair Be Transplanted From Body To Head?

Yes, hair can be transplanted from various parts of the body to the scalp, although it's less common than transplanting hair from the scalp itself. The procedure is known as body hair transplantation (BHT), and it's typically used in cases where there's insufficient donor hair available from the scalp or when the patient desires additional coverage or density.

The most common donor areas for body hair transplantation include:

1. **Beard**: Hair from the beard area is often used for transplantation onto the scalp. Beard hair tends to closely resemble scalp hair in terms of texture and quality, making it a suitable donor source.

2. **Chest**: Hair from the chest can also be transplanted to the scalp, particularly in cases where the patient has a plentiful supply of chest hair.

3. **Back**: In some cases, hair from the back can be harvested for transplantation to the scalp. However, back hair may differ in texture from scalp hair, so it's not always an ideal donor source.

4. **Arms and legs**: In rare instances, hair from the arms or legs may be used for transplantation to the scalp. However, these areas typically have finer hair that may not provide optimal results.

Body hair transplantation requires careful planning and expertise on the part of the surgeon to ensure natural-looking results. The texture, color, and growth patterns of the body hair must be taken into consideration to achieve seamless integration with the existing scalp hair. Additionally, body hair transplantation may result in a slightly different appearance and growth cycle compared to scalp hair, so patients should discuss their expectations and concerns with their surgeon beforehand.

What are the different types of hair on our body?

The human body has various types of hair, each with its own characteristics and functions. Here are the main types of hair found on the human body:

1. **Vellus hair**: Vellus hair is fine, short, and usually colorless or lightly pigmented. It covers most of the body, including areas like the arms, legs, chest, and face. Vellus hair is often referred to as "peach fuzz" and serves primarily to regulate body temperature and provide a slight degree of protection.

2. **Terminal hair**: Terminal hair is thicker, longer, and darker than vellus hair. It is found in specific regions of the body, such as the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, and pubic area. Terminal hair is coarser and more deeply pigmented than vellus hair and serves various functions, including insulation, sensory perception, and sexual attraction.

3. **Scalp hair**: Scalp hair refers specifically to the hair on the scalp. It is typically longer and thicker than other types of body hair, with varying degrees of curliness or straightness. Scalp hair serves both protective and cosmetic purposes, helping to regulate body temperature and providing a significant part of a person's appearance.

4. **Eyebrow and eyelash hair**: Eyebrow and eyelash hair are specialized types of terminal hair that serve protective functions for the eyes. Eyebrow hair helps to prevent sweat, water, and debris from reaching the eyes, while eyelash hair acts as a barrier against foreign particles and helps to protect the eyes from bright light.

5. **Axillary hair**: Axillary hair, commonly known as underarm hair, is found in the armpit area. It typically develops during puberty and serves to reduce friction and irritation in the underarm area.

6. **Pubic hair**: Pubic hair is found in the genital area and develops during puberty as a result of hormonal changes. It helps to protect the genital area and may play a role in sexual attraction and arousal.

What distinguishes body hair from the hair on the head?

Body hair and scalp hair differ in several ways, including their texture, length, growth cycle, and function. Here are some key distinctions between body hair and the hair on the head:

1. **Texture**: Body hair tends to be finer and softer compared to the hair on the head, which is often thicker and coarser. However, there can be variations in texture depending on individual genetics and hormonal factors.

2. **Length**: Scalp hair generally grows longer than body hair. While scalp hair can grow several inches or more in length, body hair typically remains short and may only grow to a certain length before reaching a terminal phase.

3. **Growth cycle**: The growth cycle of scalp hair differs from that of body hair. Scalp hair tends to have a longer anagen (growth) phase, resulting in longer periods of active growth and the potential for longer hair lengths. In contrast, body hair has a shorter anagen phase, leading to shorter hair lengths and a shorter overall growth cycle.

4. **Density**: The density of hair follicles varies between the scalp and the rest of the body. The scalp typically has a higher density of hair follicles, resulting in thicker coverage, while body hair tends to be sparser.

5. **Function**: While both scalp hair and body hair serve protective functions, such as insulation and sensory perception, they may have different primary purposes. For example, scalp hair helps regulate body temperature and protects the scalp from UV radiation, while body hair in areas like the armpits and groin may help reduce friction and trap pheromones.

6. **Pigmentation**: Scalp hair often has more pigment (melanin) than body hair, resulting in darker coloration. However, there can be variations in pigmentation among individuals and ethnic groups.

Overall, while scalp hair and body hair share some similarities, such as being composed of keratin and serving protective functions, they also exhibit distinct characteristics that reflect their different roles and locations on the body.

Hair type

mm/day

Hairs in anagen phase

Cycle length

Head

0,03-0,05

85-90%

2-3 years

Beard

0,25-0,29

55-66%

3-5 months

Armpit

0,24-0,44

40-60%

23-35 months

Chest & back

0,25

50%

4-10 months

Pubic

0,20-0,39

40-60%

22-33 months

Leg

0,13-0,25

50%