Growing a full, thick beard is a privilege that’s usually reserved for a few select men with the right genes, but many of us aren’t as blessed and grow either patchy beards or no facial hair at all. So, are beard transplants worth it? Here’s what I think.
Whether a beard transplant is worth it for you is determined largely by whether you can afford it. However, there’s no doubt that the Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and Follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedures will give you a full, natural-looking beard that brings many benefits.
There’s no fighting the male desire to grow a big beard and adopt a look of strength and masculinity, so a beard transplant sounds like a great idea for many. But, as someone with a full beard, I can assure you that it’s a double-edged sword. So let’s take a look at what beard transplants are and whether they will be worth it for you.
What Is A Beard Transplant?
A beard transplant is a procedure where a specialized surgeon will take hair from one part of your body and transplant it to your face. Typically this hair will come from the back of your scalp, but sometimes the follicles will be transplanted from other parts of your body like your back.
The procedure itself is a delicate job and entails transplanting an average of 4,000 to 7,000 individual hairs from the harvested area to your face. This is usually achieved through one of two procedures:
- Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is a process where the surgeon will harvest complete follicular units one by one from the donor area to your beard. It is the less painful procedure and, therefore, the most popular.
- Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is an approach where the surgeon will make an incision and transplant a small strip of hair follicles from the back of your scalp and graft it to your face.
The procedure involves harvesting follicles from the donor area to implantation on your face – both of which require a bit of local anesthetic – and a day’s recovery, and you’ll be able to shave normally within ten days of the procedure.
It is typical for your beard hair to fall out after two or three weeks, but don’t worry, it’ll grow back again; that’s just part of the process!
Why You Should Get A Beard Transplant
If you’re a man with a smooth face, and you shave once or twice a month, there’s no doubt that you’re frustrated by the growing popularity of beards among men in the 21st century. Beards are no longer reserved for old men and eccentric academics; you will see them everywhere these days!
But, you’ve been cursed with genes that prevent you from growing anything beyond a patchy mess. So, the reasons for you to get a beard transplant seem obvious…
A Dynamic Style
Firstly, it gives you more control over your style. You may not even particularly want to sport a beard 24/7, but just being able to change things up, examining how men dress and cut their hair and shape their beards, you can take control of how you express yourself to the outside world.
Attraction & Respect
Secondly, there is lots of evidence that many women find men with facial hair more attractive. However, remember that stubble is the most attractive beard style, so if you’re getting a beard transplant, no need to grow it out ZZ Top style just yet… try to maintain a good, crisp 5 o’clock shadow.
Studies also show that men with beards also command more respect from other men, who see them as more masculine and even feel a sense of envy.
Vitamins Don’t Work
You may consider using some vitamins for full, healthy facial hair growth, but if that doesn’t work, you can opt for a beard transplant.
Non-Invasive Procedure
Another good excuse to get a beard transplant is that the recovery time is negligible, and the procedure itself is practically painless. You may feel a small pinch, but the local anesthetic will help to numb any serious pain.
Furthermore, you’ll only need a day at the most to recover from the pain and swelling caused by the procedure. You’ll need to take a day off to do the procedure, but beyond that, you’ll be able to get on with your normal life as if you’d had the beard all along.
So, there are certainly many reasons to get a beard transplant, and they can work wonders for your self-confidence. But, with that said, there are downsides…
Why You Shouldn’t Get A Beard Transplant
The first and most obvious reason not to get a beard transplant is that it is exorbitantly expensive. At a reputable clinic (and you really shouldn’t be going anywhere else), a beard transplant will set you back between $5,000 and $15,000!
Some clinics charge per graft, while others will charge you a flat fee for every session that you have with the surgeon. Each person requires a different number of grafts due to different consistencies and growth patterns.
In addition, you will likely have to pay a consultation fee of around $300 just to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for a beard transplant and what the semantics of the procedure will be.
Furthermore, you’ll have to sacrifice hair from elsewhere. Typically, your surgeon will graft hair from the back of your scalp, and they will be spaced apart so that you won’t look bald, but your hair will certainly look thinner.
Luckily this is the last place where men go bald, so you don’t have to worry too much about it. But it’s certainly something to consider.
Finally, there’s the matter of maintenance, which anyone with a full beard knows all too much about. You have no idea how time-consuming a beard can be if you’re a man who doesn’t grow a beard. Yes, they look wonderful, but at what cost?
What To Expect From A Beard Transplant
A truly exceptional beard requires a lot of attention. Trimming, waxing, washing, brushing… if you don’t take care of your beard, it just looks messy and unattractive. Or, perhaps you opt to go the clean-shaven route.
That lasts for about a day before you have to shave again! No matter the style, you’re adding an extra 10-15 minutes to your morning routine just to keep your new beard in check. Not to mention, a great beard requires great products and beard oils, razors, which will cost you even more money over time!
So, while you may think a beard transplant could be life-changing and there are no doubt many benefits that come from getting one, be aware that it is incredibly expensive, and there are some drawbacks that you need to be aware of. Consult with a professional, ensure you’re a candidate for a beard transplant, make a considered decision, and don’t rush into a decision.
Conclusion
Beard transplants are specialized procedures that have become incredibly effective in recent years. They look great and can work wonders for your self-confidence, giving you more control over your style and earning respect and affection from men and women alike.
However, beard transplants also come with a fair few drawbacks, most notably the exorbitant cost involved. And beyond that, having a beard may not be all that it’s made out to be.
There’s a lot of maintenance involved with growing and maintaining a beard, as well as staying clean-shaven when your facial hair follicles are firing on all cylinders. But ultimately, it comes down to personal choice, and you have to ask yourself which sacrifices you’re willing to make.
Once you’ve finally managed to grow a full, healthy beard, you’ve got to keep it in shape! Read our Complete Guide To Making A Beard Shaping Tool At Home.