Unshaven Hair Transplant in Turkey: Keep Your Hair While Getting More

An unshaven (or no-shave) hair transplant is exactly what it sounds like — a hair transplant performed without shaving your head. The surgeon works around your existing hair, extracting donor grafts from a small, hidden area and implanting them into thinning zones without cutting the surrounding hair. This technique is ideal for: • Professionals who can't take visible time off work • Patients who want to keep the procedure private • Women with long hair who need density improvement • Anyone who doesn't want the 'buzzcut' look during recovery The trade-off is that unshaven procedures take longer (often 2 sessions), cost more, and may yield slightly fewer grafts per session. But for many patients, the discretion is worth it.

In a standard FUE or DHI procedure, the entire donor area is shaved to 1-2mm so the surgeon can clearly see and access each follicle. In an unshaven procedure: 1. A small strip of the donor area is shaved underneath the existing hair — hidden by the hair above it 2. Grafts are extracted from this hidden shaved area 3. The recipient area is NOT shaved — the surgeon works between existing hairs 4. Grafts are implanted using DHI (Choi pen) technique, which is better suited for working around existing hair The DHI technique is preferred for unshaven transplants because the Choi pen can implant grafts between existing hairs without damaging them. Standard FUE requires pre-made channels, which is more difficult in an unshaven recipient area.

Unshaven transplants have some limitations: • Fewer grafts per session: Typically 1,500-2,500 grafts vs 3,000-4,500 for shaven procedures • Longer procedure time: 8-12 hours vs 6-8 hours • Higher cost: 30-50% more than standard procedures • May require 2 sessions for extensive hair loss • Slightly higher risk of transection (damaging existing hairs during implantation) • Not all clinics offer this technique — it requires more skill For patients with Norwood 5-7 hair loss (extensive balding), an unshaven transplant may not be practical. It's best suited for Norwood 2-4 patients who want to add density to thinning areas.

Unshaven hair transplant packages in Turkey range from $3,500-$8,000 CAD. In Canada, the same procedure costs $18,000-$30,000 CAD. The premium over standard procedures is justified by the longer procedure time, specialised technique, and the significant lifestyle benefit of not having to explain a shaved head to colleagues, friends, or family.