Not everyone wants to walk into work with a buzzed scalp and bandages. In cities like Atlanta and New York, where image matters and schedules are tight, more patients are asking one thing before booking a hair transplant:
“Can I do this without shaving my head?”
At Forhair, the answer is often yes – if you’re a candidate for C2G. This is the no-shave variation of the CIT® technique, designed specifically for people who want results without the downtime – or the questions.
Let’s break down how C2G no-shave FUE works, how it compares to traditional FUE, and what kind of recovery and results you can expect.
✅ Key Takeaways
- No-shave transplant ≠ faster growth – it reduces visibility during recovery, not the biological timeline.
- C2G is Forhair’s proprietary no-shave method, based on the CIT® technique for precise, low-trauma graft extraction.
- Most patients can return to work the next day, with signs often concealed by day 4 (patient-dependent).
- Ideal for 1,500–3,000 graft sessions where discretion is a priority; larger sessions may require staging.
- Recovery timelines are similar to shaved FUE, but social downtime is dramatically reduced.
What “No-Shave” Really Means (C2G/CIT® Explained)
No-shave FUE (often called long-hair FUE) is a technique where the donor area isn’t buzzed down to the skin. Instead, the surgeon extracts grafts by carefully trimming small zones or individual follicles within longer hair, allowing the surrounding hair to conceal the donor sites immediately after surgery.
C2G is Forhair’s proprietary, no-shave execution of CIT®, a refined version of Follicular Unit Extraction. It uses a specialized punch and manual control to reduce trauma, increase graft survival, and preserve donor density.
Because it avoids shaving and allows for surgical concealment, C2G takes longer per graft than standard FUE and requires highly trained technicians.
| But remember: No-shave ≠ faster growth; Choosing a no-shave approach doesn’t change the biology of hair regrowth. What it does is reduce the visual signs during early recovery. The healing process and growth timeline are the same as traditional FUE, but with less social downtime, better concealment, and often a smoother return to daily life. |
Recovery & Downtime: Day-by-Day Timeline
One of the main benefits of C2G is reduced social downtime.
Many patients report being back to work the next day, and depending on your hair length and individual healing, signs are often concealed by day 4.
Below is a breakdown of what you can expect:
| Milestone | C2G (No-Shave) | Traditional Shave FUE |
| Return to office | 1 day (hair covers signs) | 5–7 days (visible donor shave) |
| Signs mostly concealed | ~Day 4 | ~Day 10–14 |
| Scabs typically off | Day 7–10 | Day 10–14 |
| Grafts considered secure | Day 7–10 | Day 7–10 |
| Light/moderate exercise | After Day 5 | After Day 5 |
| Contact sports | After Day 14 | After Day 14 |
| First visible regrowth | Month 3–4 | Month 3–4 |
| Maturation window | Months 9–12+ | Months 9–12+ |
Who Qualifies (and Who Doesn’t)
C2G isn’t for everyone… but it’s ideal for patients who value discretion and are open to a smaller, staged session for a seamless experience.
| Scenario | Recommended? | Notes |
| Needs discretion | ✅ Yes | Ideal for professionals/public-facing patients |
| Long enough hair to cover the donor zone | ✅ Yes | Hair should be at least 1–1.5 inches in the donor zone |
| 1,500–3,000 graft plan | ✅ Yes | Typical size for a no-shave session |
| Very large “mega” case | ⚠️ Possibly | May require multiple staged sessions or partial shaving |
| Curly/coily hair | ⚠️ Specialist only | Requires a specific punch size and advanced handling techniques |
| Beard/chest donor use | ⚠️ Case-by-case | Possible but technically more demanding in no-shave settings |
| Budget/time sensitivity | ❌ No | C2G often costs more per graft due to time and team labor |
So, who does qualify?
If you have at least an inch of hair in the donor area, a moderate graft goal (around 1,500 to 3,000), and want to avoid drawing attention during recovery, you’re likely a strong candidate for C2G. The best way to know for sure is through a tailored consultation, especially if you have unique hair characteristics or larger coverage goals.
| 🎥 Want to see how C2G actually works? Watch our video: C2G – No Shave Hair Transplant Explained Get a behind-the-scenes look at ForHair’s no-shave technique, how it preserves your look during recovery, and what to expect from start to finish. |
Real-Patient C2G Outcomes
One of the most compelling reasons patients choose ForHair is the depth of data and labeled case studies available. Something not all clinics share. Below are summaries from real procedures using C2G:
Case 1: 1,879 Grafts – Norwood 3V
Procedure: CIT (No-Shave C2G)
Additional Treatments: Topical finasteride, ACell, PRF
This patient had 1,879 grafts placed along the frontal zone and hairline, aiming to soften recession and restore facial framing. Despite the crown not being directly transplanted, topical finasteride led to visible thickening there. To support healing and boost yield, Dr. Cole used a custom regenerative cocktail with ACell and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) tailored to the patient’s biology.
Case 2: 2,004 Grafts – Norwood 3
Procedure: CIT (No-Shave C2G)
Additional Treatments: None
This first-time patient received 2,004 grafts to rebuild volume in both the frontal hairline and crown. The procedure was performed by Dr. Cole using C2G. At the 8-month mark, results showed strong growth and coverage, especially at the hairline. More photos are planned at the 12-month review, but the patient already reports a huge boost in confidence.
Case 3: 3,194 Grafts – Norwood 4V
Procedure: CIT (No-Shave C2G)
Additional Treatments: ACell + CRP (Cole’s advanced PRP variant)
This was a larger no-shave session to restore the mid-scalp and frontal region, with 3,194 grafts carefully placed for uniform coverage. The crown wasn’t directly transplanted, yet showed surprising improvement thanks to the ACell and CRP combo, which supports follicular regeneration even in non-transplanted zones.
Each of these cases reflects the benefits of no-shave execution, especially for patients wanting to avoid visible downtime. Keep in mind, C2G session size is typically capped at around 3,000 grafts, and recovery varies by patient, but these examples show what’s possible with the right plan and tools.
👉 Want to see more results? Explore the full before & after gallery.
Costs, Session Size & Expectations
While C2G offers a more discreet recovery, it’s also more labor-intensive. Each graft requires delicate isolation within long hair, increasing both procedure time and team size.
That’s why C2G is best suited for small to moderate sessions, typically 1,500 to 3,000 grafts. Larger “mega sessions” are sometimes possible, but they may require staging over multiple procedures to maintain quality and discretion.
- Typical session size: ~1,500–3,000 grafts
- Mega sessions: Often not recommended without staging
- Cost: Generally higher per graft due to time and technician input
📌 Note: Forhair does not quote pricing online. The exact cost depends on your plan, density goals, and hair characteristics.
Curious if C2G is right for you?
Book a free consultation with the ForHair team to find out
Atlanta & NYC: Why Demand Is There
Two of Forhair’s busiest locations – Atlanta and New York City – are seeing lively interest in C2G procedures. Here’s why:
📈 Professional Pressure
In both cities, many patients are in highly visible careers – law, finance, tech, entertainment, medicine – where taking extended time off or showing up with a buzzed head and scabs isn’t ideal. Even in more casual work environments, a sudden change in appearance can raise questions.
C2G gives patients the freedom to maintain their appearance while quietly investing in long-term change. For many, the ability to return to work the next day without anyone noticing is not just a convenience. It’s non-negotiable.
🚇 Commute-Friendly Access
Forhair’s clinics are centrally located in Atlanta and NYC, making it easy for patients to get in and out quickly, even on a lunch break or between meetings.
- In Atlanta, the Buckhead location is ideal for patients across Midtown, Sandy Springs, and the northern suburbs.
- In New York, the Midtown Manhattan office serves clients from all five boroughs and even neighboring states like New Jersey and Connecticut.
This makes follow-up appointments, CRP treatments, or staged sessions easy to manage, without disrupting daily routines.
🕶️ Urban Anonymity
One unexpected advantage of city life? It’s easier to blend in. In dense urban areas, no one looks twice, especially if there’s no visible evidence of surgery.
No-shave FUE is perfect for patients who prefer to keep their procedure private, whether for professional reasons or personal comfort.
Forhair’s C2G patients often report that even close friends and coworkers never noticed anything had been done. Just that they “look better” a few months later.
👉 Explore Atlanta hair transplant & New York hair transplant services
FAQs
Can I really go to work the next day without shaving my head?
Yes, many patients return to work the very next day. The donor zone remains mostly concealed under longer hair, especially if styled intentionally.
When are grafts secure after no-shave FUE?
Typically, between day 7 and day 10, grafts are considered biologically anchored. Until then, avoid rubbing or excessive movement.
Will people notice? What about redness or scabs?
In the first few days, minor redness or pinpoint scabbing may be visible if examined closely, but it’s generally hidden under longer hair. By day 4, most signs are concealed.
How many grafts can I do with no-shave?
1,500–3,000 grafts is the typical range for a single C2G session. Larger needs may require multiple sessions or alternate planning.
When can I work out, swim, or wear a hat?
- Light workouts: Day 5
- Hats: After day 7 (loose-fitting only)
- Swimming/contact sports: After day 14
A good guideline to follow? Always adhere to your specific post-op instructions. We’re here to take care of you throughout the whole treatment, bringing on board exceptional expertise and a personalized game plan, all so you can go back to normal living as soon as possible.
Is no-shave FUE more expensive, and why?
Yes. C2G often costs more per graft due to its time-intensive nature, need for specialized tools, and extra technician support. It’s a trade-off for privacy and reduced downtime.
Your Next Step: Book a Private Consultation
If you’re looking for a discreet, next-day return to life after your transplant, C2G might be your best option. With clinics in Atlanta and NYC, ForHair’s team of CIT® specialists can help assess your candidacy and map out a custom plan.
🔗 Book a consultation
🔗 Learn more about the C2G no-shave FUE technique
🔗 Browse our before & after gallery
