The poor old razor industry keeps waiting for the beard trend to be over, but it’s not showing signs of going anywhere yet! Dubbed the ‘Prince Harry Effect,’ beard care product sales increased by 226% last year, and the beard industry is said to be worth £5 million. And naturally, as the popularity of beards increases, more and more men are enquiring into facial hair transplants to create a fuller look. Bobby Norris recently made headlines with his transformation, and Kyle Christie from Geordie Shore has also had the procedure done. Here is what you need to know.
Who decides what my new beard looks like?
You! This is all about you, and you must make sure you are happy with the beard shape. Your specialist will work closely with you to create a natural beard hairline and consider any areas that usually are hair free (such as the small areas under the corner of the lips). To help create this look, you can bring in photos of yourself and other people whose beards you like. The beard will be marked on your face with a pen so you can sign off that you’re happy before the procedure will start.
Where will the hair be transplanted from?
Much like a standard hair transplant, an expert clinic like Vera clinic will take hair follicles from other parts of your body. Donor sites are areas where balding does not commonly occur, such as the back of the head, as this is the hair that most closely resembles the hair around the chin. An expert will extract up to and around 2,000 follicles using a 1mm diameter punch. The extracted follicles are then transferred into the beard area so they can grow naturally. While this is the most common method, it is possible that upon consultation, your specialist will recommend a slightly different technique. Speak to them if you have any concerns.
How long will I need to take off work?
As the procedure is undertaken using only a general anesthetic and is relatively non-invasive, it is possible to return to work the next day. However, it will likely take between 2-5 hours, and you may experience some swelling and tenderness in that area, so you may wish to book a day or two off so you can relax. Any bruising or swelling should pass in a couple of days.
How long before I notice results?
You may notice that after a couple of weeks, your newly transplanted beard hairs appear to be falling out. If this does happen, don’t panic as they will grow back in approximately three to four months. It’s the follicles that were the essential bits to transplant as opposed to those particular hairs.
How much will the procedure cost?
As with many cosmetic procedures, there is not a one size fits all method and price tag. Each process is unique and tailored to your desired look—Book in consultation to get a quote today.