In short
- Fully unshaven (donor + recipient): rare, complex, premium price.
- Unshaven donor only: common; hairline area shaved.
- Partial-shave (strip within long hair): compromise option.
- Discuss exactly what will and won't be shaved in writing.
Every clinic advertises 'unshaven' transplants; every clinic means something different. This guide breaks down what's actually possible.
The three real options
- Long-hair FUE (fully unshaven): both donor and recipient untouched. Suits female cases and small hairline work.
- Unshaven donor, shaved recipient: most common 'unshaven' package. Donor invisible; recipient shaved area covered by existing long hair once it grows over.
- Strip-shave within long hair: 1–2cm strip of donor shaved; surrounding long hair drapes over. Fastest option.
Cost premiums
Fully unshaven: +30–50% vs standard. Unshaven donor only: +10–20%. Strip-shave: +5–10%. Ask for a written breakdown.
Ask these before booking
- What exactly gets shaved on the day?
- How large is the shaved zone?
- Will existing hair cover it that evening?
- What is the graft-yield impact of unshaven technique?
Frequently asked
Common questions
Can I hide it from my family?+
With fully unshaven yes; with partial-shave, sometimes.
Do results suffer?+
With a top surgeon, no. With mid-tier, slight yield reduction possible.
Which London clinics offer full unshaven?+
About 4–5 do it well; ask for 12-month case portfolios.
Keep reading
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