Unshaven Hair Transplant

An unshaven hair transplant is a discreet treatment option for patients who want to keep their hair restoration treatment private. Hair transplant patients typically need to shave their head, but this procedure is designed to keep your hair restoration journey discreet, with minimal recovery time, and no need to shave your head.

Dr Bonaros provides a no shave hair transplant in Glasgow from his clinic. Dr Bonaros is a GMC-Registered Doctor (GMC No. 7566786), Verified ABHRS Diplomate, and a Full Member of the ISHRS. He personally performs each step of the procedure to ensure it’s done with precision.

Book a consultation or fill in our online assessment form below to find out if you are a good candidate.

Understanding the No Shave Hair Transplant

An unshaven FUE transplant (also called U-FUE) is a discreet treatment option for patients wishing to keep their hair restoration private. Generally, FUE recipients need to shave their hair before surgery, but U-FUE enables patients to keep their hair length during the procedure.

This innovative approach is nearly identical to a standard FUE hair transplant, but with the distinct approach that no shaving is necessary.

With unshaven hair transplants, not a single hair is cut. This is the key difference that sets it apart from other hair transplants, offering greater discretion and post-procedure aesthetics.

The subtlety of the method means most patients can return to their daily routines with minimal evidence of having undergone hair transplant surgery. This addresses a significant concern regarding discretion.

Traditional, fully shaved transplants often involve shaving the entire donor area. The method results in a more apparent post-surgical appearance and a longer wait until your hair is long enough to conceal any signs of the procedure.

Partial shaved hair transplant methods include having the side or back of your head shaved or undergoing line-shaving (where only small lines or a rectangular area is shaved). This is also a good alternative to a standard treatment, as it offers some discretion but still requires a degree of visible hair removal.

Please note: Surgeons can only safely extract a limited number of grafts during an unshaven FUE hair transplantation. This means the procedure is only suitable for patients with mild to moderate hair loss.

How an Unshaven Hair Transplant is Done

Unshaven follicular unit extraction is a meticulous FUE technique that preserves your existing hair, leaving it uncut. It combines advanced technology with careful surgical technique, not that different from the standard procedure.

All procedures at our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow are surgeon led by Dr Bonaros, with fully accredited surgical assistants assisting him.

1. Donor Area Mapping & Assessment

During the consultation, we capture digital images with a Trichoscope to map:

Hair direction, angle and curl
Hair shaft diameter
Number of hairs per graft

This ensures precise punch selection and a personalised extraction plan.

2. Precision Extraction with WAW Duo FUE Technology

Our WAW Duo FUE technology allows for efficient extraction with minimal disruption to surrounding hair, making unshaven FUE even more discreet.

The Hybrid Tornado Punch reduces trauma to the scalp, preserving existing hair and ensuring a smoother healing process. With precise control over depth, rotation and oscillation, the system allows for accurate extraction in denser areas without compromising nearby healthy follicles.

3. Protecting Donor Appearance

Micro-punches (0.6 – 1.0 mm) are used to minimise transection. Grafts are extracted in a random, evenly spaced pattern so the existing longer hair naturally falls back, maintaining coverage.

4. Quality Control

Extracted hair follicles are inspected under high-magnification microscopy to ensure viability.

5. Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)

Also known as the sharp implantation technique, this method involves surgical assistants loading follicles into special implantation pens. Dr Bonaros then makes an implant directly into the unshaved recipient area with precise angle and density control.

This method ensures a discreet, high-quality result, even for patients who prefer not to shave.

Who is a Good Candidate?

You’re likely an excellent candidate for a U-FUE hair transplant if you have:

Stable mild hair loss (not rapidly changing)
Medium or soft scalp skin
Straight or wavy hair
Need for discretion during the recovery period
Realistic goals for hair transplant results
Small to moderate hair restoration needs

Hair & Skin Type

A 2023 medical study of 152 patients found that the best candidates had medium-thickness skin with straight or wavy hair. About 70% of successful patients fell into this “Class I” category, which doctors consider the easiest and safest for the procedure.

What this means for you:

If you have relatively soft or medium-firm scalp skin with straight to wavy hair, you’re likely an excellent candidate
People with very thick, firm scalps had slightly higher complication rates (5.83% graft damage vs. 3.68% in ideal candidates)

Lifestyle & Goals

A U-FUE hair transplant is particularly suitable for people who cannot have visible signs of surgery, for example:

You work in a public-facing job where appearance matters
You can’t take extended time off work
You want to keep your hair transplant private
You prefer wearing your hair short

Hair Loss Pattern

You may be a good candidate if you:

Have a stable pattern of hair loss
Need small to moderate restoration (e.g. hairline, crown)
Have a healthy donor area at the back and sides

Expectations

The best candidates:

Start with realistic goals
Often begin with smaller sessions
Understand that authentic-looking density depends on donor supply and long-term planning

You can find out if you’re eligible for hair transplantation by attending an initial consultation with our surgeon. During this consultation, you will also gain a comprehensive understanding of the unshaven hair transplant process and set realistic expectations for the outcome.

Unshaven FUE Hair Transplant Timeline (0–18 Months)

The recovery process is the same compared to a traditional transplantation. Here is what you can expect following your no-shave hair transplant.

Day of operation: You may feel tightness, swelling or mild discomfort in the donor and recipient area. Redness is normal.
First Few Days: Most patients notice some irritation, soreness and small scabs. You can usually return to light daily activities quickly, but avoid touching or rubbing the affected area.
Days 4-10: Redness and swelling begin to fade. Scabs soften and fall off if you follow the essential aftercare. Your remaining hair helps cover the area.
2-3 weeks: Some transplanted hairs shed, which is a normal phase. You may notice changes, but your original hair will remain intact.
1 month: Healing continues, and most activities can be resumed. Large areas may feel slightly sensitive.
3-4 months: New hairs start to appear. They are fine at first, but this is an encouraging prospect and shows good progress.
5-9 months: More hair grows through, becoming thicker and stronger. Growth is similar to standard FUE, and you can expect the same results over time.
12 months: Most people see strong coverage and improved density. Final density varies depending on the extent of the operation.
12-18 months: Full results settle in. Thickening continues, especially in large areas.

Benefits of a No Shave FUE Hair Transplant

The benefits of U-FUE extend beyond the cosmetic appeal of avoiding a head shave. Unshaven hair transplant surgery offers several benefits over traditional hair transplants. These include the following:

No Shaving Required

Keep your hair as it is — an unshaven hair transplant does not require you to shave, cut, or alter your hair. This ensures a completely discreet procedure so you can maintain your existing hair coverage.

Minimal Downtime

Get back to your work and social life faster, thanks to the expedited healing process inherent in standard FUE procedures. Minimal downtime after surgery makes UFUE procedures ideal for patients in the public eye, as well as those who don’t have time for an extended recovery.

Natural Looking Results

The precision of Follicular Unit Extraction hair transplantation allows for optimal results that seamlessly blend with your natural hair, providing an undetectable solution for mild to moderate hair loss.

Fill out our online assessment form or book a consultation (face to face or online) to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still wondering about your different options? Learn more about UFUE hair transplants — read our answers to common questions below.

Does an unshaven hair transplant impact new hair growth?

No. Undergoing a hair transplant without shaving beforehand should not impact the growth of new hair follicles in the recipient area.

However, patients should take extra care during their recovery period, as a UFUE hair transplant carries certain postoperative risks:

Long hair can obstruct access to the transplant area, making it harder to maintain proper hygiene at the recipient site. This can increase the risk of postoperative infection and potentially impact the final results of your surgery.
Transplanted hair follicles generally take around 10 days to settle into the scalp. If you have longer hair, strands can easily stick to and dislodge donor hair grafts during this initial postoperative period.

How much does an unshaven hair transplant cost?

The cost for the unshaven hair transplant in your Glasgow clinic is £7 per graft. The UFUE hair transplantation is a complex procedure that’s both time-consuming and labour-intensive.

Several factors influence the overall cost of the treatment:

How many grafts are needed: The total number of grafts required will significantly affect the final price. For example, restoring a mild receding hairline typically needs fewer grafts than addressing extensive thinning through the mid-scalp or crown.
Duration of the procedure: This operation takes longer compared to the traditional FUE. In a standard FUE, the donor sites are shaved for easy access to hair follicles. However, the UFUE technique requires surgeons to navigate through existing hair. This meticulous extraction process extends the duration of the fully unshaven procedure, thereby increasing costs.
Expertise and surgical skill: UFUE requires advanced training, refined technique, and a highly experienced team with an accomplished surgeon. The additional surgical precision necessary to safely extract grafts without shaving the entire head increases the level of expertise needed, which is reflected in the price.

Although no-shave FUE may cost more, many patients find the benefits of a discreet and natural-looking hair restoration to be worth the increased expense. Flexible finance options are available to help you manage the cost of your hair transplant comfortably.

Our Hair Transplant Finance Options

Does a hair transplant without shaving still leave scars?

Yes, but the scarring will be virtually undetectable. While scarring is an inevitable part of almost any surgical procedure, the unshaven FUE method is designed to minimise the visibility of these effects for a discreet and effective hair restoration solution.

An unshaven hair transplant is performed using the FUE surgical technique. This advanced technique involves using surgical micro-punches to extract individual hair follicles rather than harvesting an entire donor strip (as with the follicular unit transplantation (FUT) technique).

One of the major advantages of FUE is that it results in minimal visible scarring. Rather than a long linear FUT scar, an FUE procedure typically results in small circular scars where follicular units have been extracted.

A major appeal of an FUE unshaven hair transplant is that the existing hair in the donor area is left unshaven. This helps effectively conceal any small extraction scars, allowing for a more discreet recovery process.

Can I style my hair immediately after getting a no-shave hair transplant?

No. Styling too soon after a transplant can disrupt the healing process and potentially damage your new hair grafts. Rather, post-operative patients should stick to gentle hair care practices following surgery.

Your hair transplant surgeon will explain specific aftercare instructions, including when you can safely resume your existing hair styling routine. Following these guidelines will help ensure optimal healing and the best possible final result.

Aftercare Guide

About the Medical Reviewer

This content was written and medically reviewed by Dr. Epameinondas Bonaros, a hair restoration specialist based in Glasgow.

Dr. Bonaros is a GMC-Registered Doctor (No. 7566786), a Diplomate of the ABHRS, and a Full Member of the ISHRS. Dr. Bonaros personally performs every FUE procedure at his clinic to ensure the highest standards of safety and clinical excellence.

Last medically reviewed: December 2025

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Dr Bonaros Glasgow Hair Transplant Clinic Reviews

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Nick Thomson

Great experience from start to finish. Dr Bonaros is highly skilled and has a great manner, and he and the team made the whole process smooth and comfortable. Highly recommended!

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!