Body hair transplant (BHT) is a viable option when scalp donor density falls below the threshold needed for adequate coverage. Tracking both the body donor site and the scalp recipient zone gives you a complete picture of your BHT outcome over time.
What Is Body Hair Transplant?
BHT extracts follicular units from non-scalp areas, most commonly the beard, chest, back, and legs. Surgeons use FUE extraction with small 0.7 to 0.9 mm punches to harvest individual grafts from these sites. The procedure is typically recommended when scalp donor density drops below 40 follicular units per square centimeter, making traditional FUE insufficient for the required graft count.
Common BHT donor sources ranked by quality:
| Donor Site | Hair Thickness | Growth Cycle | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beard | Thick, coarse | Long anagen phase | Crown and mid-scalp density |
| Chest | Medium thickness | Shorter cycle | Filling between scalp grafts |
| Legs | Fine, variable | Short anagen | Soft hairline blending |
| Arms | Fine | Short anagen | Eyebrow restoration |
For context, a standard scalp FUE procedure uses 800 to 7,500 grafts depending on Norwood stage, with graft survival rates of 90 to 95%. BHT graft survival is slightly lower, typically 75 to 85%, making tracking even more important.
Why Dual-Site Tracking Matters
Traditional hair transplant tracking focuses on a single scalp recipient zone. BHT requires monitoring two distinct areas: the body donor site (to ensure it recovers without visible scarring) and the scalp recipient zone (to measure graft survival and density improvement).
Without dual-site tracking, you cannot determine whether poor scalp results stem from low graft survival, insufficient donor harvesting, or body hair characteristics that differ from scalp hair.
Step 1: Document Your Baseline
Before your BHT procedure, establish baseline measurements for both sites.
Body donor site baseline:
- Photograph the planned extraction area (beard, chest, or legs) with a ruler visible in frame
- Record the natural density of the donor area in follicular units per square centimeter
- Note hair thickness and curl pattern, as these characteristics carry over to the scalp
Scalp recipient site baseline:
- Photograph the recipient zone from directly above at a fixed 30 cm distance
- Record current density, noting any existing miniaturized hairs
- Map the planned recipient zone boundaries using your surgeon's markings
Upload both sets of baseline photos to myhairline.ai to generate your starting density readings.
Step 2: Track the Body Donor Site Recovery
The body donor site heals differently from the scalp. Beard donor sites typically show visible redness for 5 to 10 days. Chest and leg sites heal faster but may show temporary hypopigmentation.
Weeks 1 to 2: Photograph the donor site daily to document healing. Look for even scab formation and the absence of infection signs.
Weeks 3 to 4: Redness should fade. Take density readings to establish the post-extraction baseline. A well-harvested beard area should retain at least 60% of its original density to avoid visible thinning.
Months 3 to 6: Remaining body hair in the donor area enters its normal growth cycle. Final donor site density stabilizes. Compare to your pre-procedure baseline to confirm acceptable cosmetic appearance.
Step 3: Monitor Scalp Recipient Growth
Body hair grafts on the scalp follow a predictable timeline, though growth is often slower than with scalp donor grafts.
Weeks 1 to 3: Grafts enter the telogen shedding phase. This is normal. Density readings will drop temporarily.
Months 3 to 4: New growth begins. Body hair grafts may emerge with their original texture (curly beard hair, for example), which can look different from surrounding scalp hair initially.
Months 6 to 9: Significant growth is visible. Take density readings monthly and compare to your pre-procedure scalp baseline. Expect a 25 to 35% density increase in the recipient zone by month 9.
Months 12 to 18: Final results. Body hair transplanted to the scalp often adapts partially to scalp characteristics over time, becoming slightly straighter and finer. Your 12-month density reading is your primary outcome metric.
Step 4: Compare Donor and Recipient Data
The value of dual-site tracking is the ability to correlate donor harvesting with recipient outcomes. Use this framework:
| Metric | Target Range | Concern Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Donor site density retention | 60% or higher of baseline | Below 50% indicates over-harvesting |
| Recipient density at 12 months | 25 to 40 FU/cm2 | Below 20 FU/cm2 suggests low survival |
| Graft survival estimate | 75 to 85% | Below 65% warrants surgeon consultation |
If recipient density falls below expectations while donor harvesting was adequate, the issue likely relates to graft handling, implantation technique, or post-operative care rather than donor quality.
Photography Tips for Body Hair Tracking
Consistent photography is critical for accurate AI density analysis across body sites.
- Lighting: Use the same light source and angle for every session. Natural daylight near a window works best.
- Distance: Maintain a fixed 15 to 20 cm distance from the body donor site. Use your phone's ruler app or a physical guide.
- Framing: Include a reference marker (small adhesive dot or skin-safe pen mark) so the AI can compare the exact same area across sessions.
- Beard sites: Trim surrounding beard hair to 3 mm before photographing the extraction zone for clearer density readings.
- Chest/leg sites: Shave the area 48 hours before photographing so emerging hair is uniformly visible.
When to Consult Your Surgeon
Your tracking data serves as objective evidence for follow-up consultations. Contact your surgeon if:
- Body donor site density drops below 50% of baseline at 3 months
- Scalp recipient density shows no improvement by month 6
- You observe patchy growth patterns suggesting uneven graft placement
- The body hair texture on your scalp does not blend with surrounding hair by month 12
Start Tracking Your BHT Results
Body hair transplant outcomes depend on factors that standard tracking misses. Dual-site monitoring with myhairline.ai captures the complete picture, from donor site recovery to scalp recipient density, giving you the data you need for informed follow-up decisions.
Upload your first set of body donor and scalp recipient photos at myhairline.ai/analyze to establish your baseline today.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Body hair transplant suitability varies by individual. Consult a board-certified hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.