Artificial Hair Transplant: How It Works & Potential Risks

Most hair transplants simply move hair from one part of the scalp that isn’t affected by hair loss to donor areas with baldness or thinning. Called a natural hair transplant, this is a more common type of transplant. But in some cases, a synthetic hair transplant — sometimes called an artificial hair transplant or even a fake hair transplant — is also an option, though primarily outside of the US.

But how does a synthetic hair transplant work? Are there risks? What’s the typical synthetic hair transplant cost? And how exactly do artificial hair transplants differ from natural hair transplants?

We’ll answer these questions, explaining what you need to know about this type of hair implantation.

Hair transplant surgery is a way to restore the look of a full head of hair for those who deal with hair loss, most often as a result of androgenetic alopecia, a type of hair loss also called androgenic alopecia but more commonly known as male or female pattern baldness.

In a natural hair transplant, individual hair follicles from a part of your scalp that isn’t affected by male pattern baldness (called the "donor site") are harvested and then transplanted onto the affected part, offering immediate results. But harvesting natural hair isn’t necessarily the only method for hair transplants. For decades, attempts have been made to use artificial hair — also referred to as artificial hair fibers or synthetic hair fibers — to treat baldness. 

However, the use of these artificial hair fibers was banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1980s due to unsafe application and subpar results that often led to severe infection, injury, and other issues.

In the 1990s, the European Union allowed synthetic hair transplants as a legitimate treatment under ethical medical protocols to ensure safety, along with the use of biocompatible fibers, or “bio fibers.” This biocompatible artificial hair is made with a polyamide fiber that, due to advances in biomedical technology, resulted in human hair-like fibers that mimicked natural-looking hair and produced fewer reactions. One of the latest advancements in synthetic hair fibers is Automatic Biofibre® from Italy.

Synthetic hair implants — also referred to as bio-fiber hair transplants — work differently than natural hair transplants.

To be a candidate for a natural hair transplant, you need enough healthy hair on your scalp that can be transplanted to the bald area that needs hair and the ability to grow hair on the thinning area of your scalp. A bio-fiber hair transplant, on the other hand, could be good for those who don’t qualify for a natural hair transplant due to insufficient hair or the inability to grow hair on the thinning section of the scalp.

Prior to the transplant, surgeons perform a “tolerance test” using an automatic hair implant device designed with a special hooked needle to place the synthetic hair fibers deep enough under the skin and tie a unique reversible knot to keep the fiber in place. The test patch is observed weekly for a period of four weeks to check for any reactions on the scalp and to make sure the synthetic fibers don’t fall out. 

When you undergo a synthetic hair transplant procedure, the process involves the application of local anesthesia on the scalp beforehand. From there, 600 artificial hair fibers per hour can be placed on an anesthetized scalp, with the average procedure setting around 1,000 fibers. Synthetic fibers are available in various colors, lengths, shapes, and hair densities.

Post-procedure care includes the use of a special shampoo for three days and antibiotics for one week after the transplant. Activities that increase sweating should be avoided for the first three weeks. A healthcare provider may provide more details on aftercare for the surgical site.

Studies on the safety of synthetic hair transplants have been conducted and presented to the scientific community since the 2000s.

One 2018 study looked at 194 patients with androgenetic alopecia who underwent synthetic hair transplants to test the safety and effectiveness of Automatic Biofibre® implants. After two years, almost 98 percent of the patients were happy with the results, and side effects were reported in less than 10 percent of patients.

An earlier study from 2015 — which examined 133 patients who had synthetic hair implants — also reported very satisfactory results, with 90 percent having no difficulties after the surgery.

When synthetic hair transplants first became popular back in the 1970s, there were many risks and adverse effects.  

Some of these risks included:

• Infections

• Cysts

• Allergic reactions

• Possible carcinogenicity

• Scarring alopecia

• Need for frequent fiber replacement

Many of these risks were due to the nonmedical performance of the implants and the use of fibers that weren’t compatible with the scalp.

In 1983, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration banned the use of fibers in hair transplants, citing  “non-biocompatibility,” meaning the synthetic hair was not compatible with living tissue. They also took issue with the way artificial hair transplants were being positioned, citing the following in their decision to ban:

• Spreading of deceptive information on the efficacy of result

• Inadequate information on risks deriving from implant

• Lack of demonstrated benefit for public health

Currently, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) agrees with the FDA’s ban on the use of synthetic hairs. 

Although the studies mentioned above reported few side effects, it’s worth noting that each had a relatively small sample size. Ultimately, more studies and research need to be conducted to thoroughly evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this type of transplant.

Hair transplants are expensive. Estimates for artificial hair transplants range widely and are usually not given in U.S. dollars since the procedure is not approved in the United States. Typically, they are typically priced by the fiber (some estimates put the price around £3-4 per synthetic fiber, which is about $3.85 to $5.15). You will generally need at least 1000 fibers.

For context, the average total cost of a hair transplant in the United States is about $13.610, according to 2021 findings. However, this would be a natural hair transplant rather than a fake hair transplant, due to the FDA ban.

While a synthetic hair transplant is one option for treating hair loss, less invasive methods that have proven successful are also available.

For starters, minoxidil and finasteride are two medications that are approved by the FDA to treat hair loss in men and that have been proven effective. These hair loss treatments can slow hair loss and increase hair density, according to the Journal of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Minoxidil is usually applied topically, though it can be taken orally. Finasteride, meanwhile, can either be taken orally or used as a topical treatment if you don’t want to take a pill every day. 

The two are also commonly used together, as research shows they’re more effective together than either used on its own. Our topical finasteride and minoxidil spray is an easy way to use the two hair loss treatments together.

Dealing with hair loss is frustrating, and when you feel like you’re out of options or want a quick fix,  you may think about a synthetic hair transplant. Artificial hair implants, such as a Biofibre hair transplant, can potentially improve the aesthetic effects of male pattern baldness. But there are important considerations with this type of hair transplant:

• Synthetic hair fibers have been banned by the FDA since the 1980s. However, artificial hair implantation is allowed in Europe, mainly using artificial hair produced by an Italian company.

• Not many side effects or risks are known about this process, but that is largely due to a lack of research.

• Some smaller studies have reported that synthetic hair transplants have succeeded, with patients satisfied with their results.

Getting a hair transplant — whether synthetic or natural — is a big decision. It’s important to understand the effects, costs, and limitations of any medical procedure before you proceed. 

To learn more, check out our hair transplant recovery timeline or our guide to FUE vs FUT hair transplants. 

To learn about more possibilities for addressing hair loss and thinning, you also can also consult a healthcare professional about your hair loss treatment options.