Can You Have a Grey Hair Transplant?

Grey hair can be successfully used in hair transplants. At the Dr Bonaros Hair Transplant Clinic, this procedure is standard among both older patients and younger individuals experiencing premature greying.

Can grey hair be transplanted? Read on about common misconceptions and what’s really possible with grey hair transplant procedures.

Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros

Can You Transplant Grey Hair?

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) has confirmed that the colour of your hair, including grey, doesn’t affect the safety or outcome of a hair transplant.

The Misconception about Grey Hair: Greying doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have healthy hair or that your hair growth has slowed. In fact, white hair has been noted to stay in an active growth phase.

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that white (grey) hair is linked to more active growth genes than black (pigmented) hair. Proteins that build and support hair were higher in white hair follicles, while some growth signals switched up or down.

Grey hair can also be slightly thicker, which can help create a natural-looking density in a transplant. The thicker strands of donor hair can also be easier to harvest from the scalp.

FUE Hair Transplant for Grey Hair

We use the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method for grey hair transplantations. Our FUE hair transplant surgery is led by Dr Bonaros, an expert hair transplant surgeon, from start to finish.

During your in-person or online appointment, we will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for a hair transplant. We will review your medical history, examine your entire scalp condition and discuss your expectations.

The steps of FUE hair transplant surgery:

Preparation: The donor area (usually the back or sides of the head) is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthesia.
Extraction: Individual hair follicles are carefully removed from the donor area using a specialised WAW Duo FUE system.
Transplantation: The extracted follicles are carefully implanted into the recipient sites for natural-looking coverage.

Advantages of the FUE method

Here is why you can expect satisfying results from our technique for grey hair transplants

Minimal scarring: Leaves nearly invisible scars, allowing you to wear your hair short.
Quicker recovery: The procedure is less invasive, so healing is faster
Safe for all hair types: Works effectively for grey or white hair as well as pigmented blond, brown, red or black hair.
Natural results: Individual follicle placement ensures a natural appearance that blends with existing hair.

Causes of Grey Hair

Hair gets its colour from melanin, produced by specialised cells called melanocytes in the hair follicle. Melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) help replace pigment cells. Grey hair occurs when pigment cells stop functioning properly.

Loss or dysfunction of pigment cells: When melanocytes die or produce less melanin.
Ageing stem cells: Over time, some McSCs stop producing new pigment cells, making greying permanent.
Hair growth cycle: Pigment is only made during the growth phase (anagen). Most pigment cells die during the resting phase (catagen).
Supporting cells matter: Epithelial stem cells in the follicle play a crucial role in helping melanocytes function. Any issues here can contribute to early greying.

The root cause of greying hair: Hair greying is mainly caused by pigment cells losing function, combined with age-related changes in stem cells that replenish them.

Premature Greying

Premature greying of hair can happen for several reasons, often linked to lifestyle, genetics and environmental factors.

Prevalence of Grey Hair

A 2012 global survey highlighted how common grey hair is and how it varies among people:

Most people between the ages of 45 and 65 develop some grey hair.
On average, 74% of individuals are affected, with about 25% of hair turning grey.
Men tend to go grey more than women.
The onset and rate of greying can vary depending on the individual’s background. People of Asian and African descent usually show less greying than Caucasians of the same age. Darker complexions or lighter skin tones do not influence when hair may go grey.

Gain expert insights on hair loss and thinning in our free resource library.

Grey Hair Transplantation — FAQs

Can a hair transplant remove grey hair?

No. Transplanted hair comes from your own follicles and keeps its original colour, so a transplant cannot remove grey hair.

Can you dye your hair after a hair transplant?

Yes. Once your scalp has fully healed, it is safe to dye your hair, including transplanted grey hair grafts.

Can new hair grow from transplanted grey follicles?

The quick answer is yes. Transplanted grey follicles produce new hair in the same colour they were extracted in.

The texture and growth cycle remain consistent. Even in those who turn grey early or at a young age, the transplanted follicles continue to grow healthy strands of hair.

Can I select a new location for my hairline during the transplantation procedure?

Yes, during the planning stage, surgeons can design a natural hairline in a new location that complements your facial features and age.

Does grey hair require fewer grafts during a transplant?

Not necessarily. The number of grafts depends on the size of the balding area and the desired density. Some patients may need fewer grafts if their balding area is small, while others require more extensive coverage.

Many patients also find that their hair begins to thin or turn grey early due to genetics or other factors, which can influence the number of grafts ultimately required.

Get in touch with our hair loss clinic for more information about our restoration options for grey hair.

Dr Bonaros: Leading Grey Hair Transplant Clinic

Greying can appear at any age, from a subtle salt-and-pepper to a bold streak of white. That’s why we create a personalised plan for every patient.

At Dr Bonaros Hair Transplant Clinic in Glasgow, we offer a range of hair restoration treatments.

Dr Bonaros is a highly respected hair transplant surgeon with the following affiliations:

Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), the only recognised certification in the field.
Scotland’s only full member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
A full member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS)

Reclaim a fuller head of hair and your self-confidence. Schedule your appointment (face to face or online options available) with Dr Bonaros to explore grey hair transplant options.

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Dr Bonaros Glasgow Hair Transplant Clinic Reviews

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent

Dr Epameinondas Bonaros

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Fabrizio Catinella

I recently went for an in-person appointment with Dr Bonaros. He is very professional, friendly and well informed.

Highly recommended.

Jackie Lambert

Dr Bonaros is an incredibly talent doctor in his field and has provided me with a wonderful hair transplant result. Finding information and pictures for female hair transplants was really hard. Hair is such a defining part of us all that is not realised until you start to lose your hair.
I suffered female pattern balding and hair thinning due to menopause and became very self conscious. I was worried about the treatment (as many on line photos looked so horrific), pain, recovery time, would it work, results etc. I also didn't want to lose more hair over the coming years, but also didn't want to have my head shaved at the back for the transplant.
Dr Bonaros answered all my questions and was such a knowledgeable and calming person that I knew he was the doctor for me and I was in safe hands.
On the day of the transplant, he and his team were amazing and so very kind and took great care of me. The aftercare and regular check ups were great.
I have just celebrated by first hair transplant birthday and the result are fantastic. I have consented for Dr Bonaros to share all of my journey photos with any other women out there contemplating this treatment. I cannot recommend highly enough. My hair is thicker and fuller and I even have a full fringe now.

Peter Walker

Can't thank the Dr and the team enough for such great work on my hair. It's been a year and I'm delighted with the results of my 4000 graft procedure.

The team were kind, professional and patient during the consultation stage. They answered all my questions and made me feel at ease.

During the operation every step was explained and the experience was made as comfortable as possible over the two days of my 4000 graft procedure. It's a morning of extractions from the donor area and an afternoon of inserting them into the recipient area with lunch provided. I brought some in-ear headphones for a podcast to pass the time and it does fly by. Dr Bonaros was present at all times performing the extractions and graft placement. They worked non-stop during this time.

The post operation care package you get home and the follow up emails and appointments to ask questions really made the whole post care process easy at what is a sensitive time.

Fully recovered and seeing the results, it's gave me a lot of confidence and looking back at old photographs I really do not regret having it done, I wish I did it sooner.

Really appreciate what the clinic has done for me. Thank you Dr Bonaros and Team!

graham jardine

Can’t thank dr Bonaros and the team enough,

I found them to be extremely professional, reassuring and kind.

I work an operating theatre environment so I guess I was a bit of a tough customer however I was very impressed with my hair transplant from first consultation to the operation itself.

I’m now 4 months out and have loads of hair growth, my confidence has been renewed massively and my only regret is not having the treatment sooner!

Thanks again

Kind regards

Graham

Response from the owner:Dear Graham,

Thank you for your wonderful review of Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. We're delighted to hear that you found our team professional, reassuring, and kind throughout your experience. It means a lot coming from someone with your background in an operating theatre environment.

We're thrilled that you're already seeing significant hair growth and that your confidence has been renewed. It's always rewarding to know our efforts have had such a positive impact. We appreciate your kind words and for entrusting us with your care.

Kind regards,
Dr Bonaros' Team

Cayden

I had a 2000 graft hair transplant with Dr Bonaros just over a year ago. It was painless, very easy on my part (I just had to lie in different positions and amuse myself) and Dr Bonaros and his team were super informative and happily answered all of my questions both during our initial consult and the procedure itself.

I was seen at 8:50am and we finished up I believe around 4pm, with an hour lunch break (the surgery provided a hot lunch, and were very accommodating with my dietary needs)

Aftercare was very well explained and I was given all the necessary equipment and care instructions for my recovery.

I had no complications during or after the transplant, and healing with a lot easier than I expected. Patience and time are the main factors for the months after your transplant.

I am over the moon with my results, I am so much more confident and my self-esteem has come on in leaps and bounds.

Thank you so much for giving me a new lease on life!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. We're thrilled to hear that you had a painless and smooth procedure with Dr. Bonaros and his team. It's wonderful to know that you felt well-informed and cared for throughout your journey with us.

We're delighted that you're happy with your results and that they have positively impacted your confidence and self-esteem. Thank you for choosing our clinic, and for your kind words. We're here for you if you need any further assistance.

Warm regards,
Dr Bonaros' Team

Brucr Petrie

Just reached the 1 year point of my transplant. I have to say i'm more than delighted with the results.Had a 2 day proceedure which went very smoothly.i was made to feel relaxed and reassured from start to finish.Dr benaros and Kat are so down to earth and totally proffesional. I am so happy to have chosen them and definitely made the right decision.i wouldnt hesitate to reccomend them .if your contemplating taking the plunge,go for it!you wont regret it.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you are more than satisfied with the results of your hair transplant at our Glasgow hair transplant clinic.
At Dr Bonaros' Clinic, we aim to foster a welcoming and professional environment for all our patients, and your kind words genuinely affirm our dedication.

We’re thrilled that you chose us for your hair restoration journey and that you feel you made the right decision. Thank you for your recommendation, and for those contemplating addressing their hair loss, we are here to help you take that step with confidence.

Best regards,
The Team at Dr. Bonaros' Clinic

Theodora Kotorou

I can’t recommend Dr Bonaros enough! After struggling with hair loss for years, I finally found a doctor who provided me with an efficient and cost-effective solution that truly worked. From the first consultation, he took the time to understand my concerns, explain all my options, and tailor a treatment plan that suited my needs.

The results have been incredible, and I feel more confident with my current hair situation. He is professional, welcoming, and always available for any follow-up questions. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable hair loss specialist, look no further than Dr Bonaros.

Would highly recommend to anyone dealing with hair loss. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience at our Glasgow hair transplant and hair treatments clinic. Our aim is to provide efficient and affordable solutions for hair loss, and we’re pleased to know you’ve found a treatment plan that suits you. Your increased confidence is exactly why we do what we do.

Dr. Bonaros and the entire team are dedicated to understanding each patient’s unique needs and making them feel welcome and supported throughout their hair restoration journey. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We're here to help anyone dealing with hair loss, and we appreciate your trust in us!

Best wishes,
The Team at Dr Bonaros' Clinic

carlo celindano

I had a hair transplant over 4 years ago with him and I'm still happy today he truly is amazing 🥳 if you are thinking of getting one please use him 🙏 he does the whole procedure from start to finish. If you do your research it has amazing reviews and the great profile. 3 of my friends have used him as well and they're very happy with the results 😁 please don't choose the cheapest price to get the procedure 🤦 just pay once and get it done properly. You really do get what you pay for with hair transplants. Thank you again for a life changing experience 😁

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you're still happy with your results and that your experience was life-changing. It's fantastic to know that you and your friends have had positive experiences with Dr Bonaros.
At Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive care from start to finish, ensuring that each procedure meets the highest standards of quality and patient satisfaction.

If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you once again for your kind words and support.

Connor T

From the very beginning, the entire experience was fantastic. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and explained every step of the process in great detail

The procedure was surprisingly comfortable, with minimal discomfort during and after the surgery. The recovery went well, and I was provided with clear instructions and a goody bag to take away to aid my recovery.

I highly recommend that everyone consult with Dr. Bonaro and his staff before making a final decision. You won't regret it!

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We’re delighted to hear about your good experience at our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. It’s great that you found the procedure comfortable and our staff informative. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated. If you need further assistance, we’re here to help!

susan taylor

Visited Dr Bonaros regarding hair thinning. Found him to be very professional and had my best interests at heart. No hard sell or trying to sell unneeded products. If anyone needs advice regarding hair loss or hair thinning I cannot recommend this doctor enough.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Bonaros provided professional care with your best interests in mind. At our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on offering honest advice without any pressure. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated!