The success of this procedure heavily relies on the quality and availability of donor hair follicles. The most common and preferred donor area for hair transplants is known as the “safe zone,” located at the back and sides of the scalp. However, as technology and techniques advance, the question arises: can hair follicles be harvested from areas outside of the safe zone?
The Safe Zone: The Ideal Donor Area
The safe zone is a region of the scalp that extends from ear to ear, encompassing the back and sides of the head. This area is considered the ideal donor site for hair transplants due to several key factors:
Genetic resistance: Hair follicles in the safe zone are genetically programmed to resist the effects of androgenetic alopecia, the primary cause of male and female pattern baldness. These follicles maintain their growth characteristics even when transplanted to balding areas.
Dense concentration: The safe zone contains a high density of hair follicles, providing an ample supply of donor hair for transplantation.
Similar hair characteristics: The hair in the safe zone typically matches the texture, color, and growth pattern of the hair in the balding areas, ensuring a natural-looking result after transplantation.
