Q: If my hair is just starting to thin, when should l have my first hair transplant?

A: It is best to wait until at least 25 before considering hair restoration surgery, although there are exceptions. The most important thing is to wait until you have hair loss that is a cosmetic problem. A hair transplant is a treatment for hair loss – it should not be used as a prevention – that is why medications that treat hair loss are available.

Some hair loss in the temples is normal for a person in their mid- to late 20s as this represents the progression to a normal mature adult hairline. The hair loss needs to be significant before you should contemplate surgery.

This issue is detailed in the publication Follicular Transplantation: Patient Evaluation and Surgical Planning.