Body-hair FUE now plays a vital role in addressing complex hair restoration challenges—particularly in patients with limited scalp donor reserves or prior transplants that require correction.
Over the past ten years, I’ve seen body hair evolve from a last-resort option to a viable graft source when applied selectively. When paired with regenerative techniques, its potential becomes far more predictable.
Among these adjuncts, ACell has shown consistent promise in enhancing graft take, supporting early growth, and refining overall yield in demanding cases. What follows is a summary of the most recent clinical findings, along with practical considerations for practitioners and patients alike.
Key Takeaways
- Beard hair continues to outperform chest and torso hair in both yield and growth speed, with rates approaching 0.4 mm per day compared to 0.2 to 0.35 mm for other body sites.
- The introduction of UGraft Zeus technology has further improved consistency by reducing transection rates, making body-hair harvesting more reliable and repeatable.
- When ACell is combined with PRP or CRP, we routinely observe 70% to 80% thickening in both transplanted and native hair.
- In particular, our CRP + ACell approach has demonstrated early activity in 99% of grafts by 4.5 months, well ahead of what’s typically seen with conventional methods.
Why Use Body Hair in FUE?
Scalp hair is still the preferred donor source in transplantation, but it isn’t always enough, particularly in cases involving advanced hair loss or the need for corrective work. In these situations, body hair offers a useful secondary option when scalp supply falls short.
Donor-Area Limits & Indications
As any experienced hair surgeon will attest, there are cases where scalp donor simply isn’t enough. I see this often in Norwood VI–VII patients or those with scarring from prior procedures.
In these situations, body hair—especially from the beard—offers a secondary donor source that, when managed correctly, can restore coverage and frame the face more naturally.
Beard vs Torso Hair Characteristics
Body hair differs markedly from scalp hair in both texture and growth dynamics.
Beard hair (particularly from the jawline and neck) is typically the most reliable secondary source. It’s coarser, denser, and benefits from a longer anagen (growth) phase.
In contrast, torso hair from the chest or abdomen is finer and has a shorter growth cycle, which can limit its usefulness in some cases.
| Factor | Scalp Hair | Beard Hair | Chest/Body Hair |
| Anagen Phase | ~85% | ~70%, up to 1 year duration | ~30% |
| Growth Rate | ~0.4 mm/day | ~0.4 mm/day (similar to scalp) | ~0.2–0.3 mm/day (slower, even after transplant) |
| Hair Caliber | Medium thickness | Thick, often curly (adds volume) | Thin, usually straight (less visual density) |
| Texture Retention | N/A | Retains coarse texture | May become finer on the scalp |
| Recipient Site Impact | N/A | Minimal change in curl/thickness | Slight growth improvement; no transformation |
| Aesthetic Consideration | Blends naturally | May look unnatural if not blended carefully | Less suitable for high-density restoration |
In my experience, torso hair is best used for low-density coverage or blending, especially when paired with regenerative support. One important point I’ve consistently seen over time: body hair retains the characteristics of its original location. Beard hair that’s curly will remain curly, even when transplanted to the crown. As a result, careful attention must be given to texture matching during planning.
Latest Clinical Evidence on Body-Hair FUE (2023-2025)
Body-hair transplantation has matured from experimental to evidence-backed practice in the last few years.
A landmark multicenter study (published in Dermatologic Surgery, 2023) analyzed outcomes of beard and body FUE using a new “skin-responsive” FUE device (UGraft Zeus) across four clinics.
This study by Umar et al. compiled data from 82 patients (May 2022–Feb 2023) who needed extensive grafts beyond the scalp donor.
Key findings from this 2023 study include:
- Improved Graft Survival and Low Transection Rates:
Historically, body-hair FUE was limited by high transection rates—often 10% to 20% for beard hair and up to 30% for torso hair—due to the variable nature of body follicles. The introduction of the UGraft Zeus system has significantly improved these outcomes. Average transection rates now fall below 7%, with beard hair around 4.8% and other body sites averaging 5.6%. These gains are largely due to the device’s ability to adapt punch settings in real time to skin resistance, allowing for more precise and controlled harvesting.
- High Patient Satisfaction:
The study also showed strong patient satisfaction. At six months post-procedure, roughly 79% rated their results as “Very Happy,” while the remaining 21% described their outcome as “Satisfactory.” No patients reported dissatisfaction, suggesting that with improved tools and techniques, body-hair grafts can deliver both meaningful coverage and a positive aesthetic experience.
- Increased Surgeon Acceptance and Usage:
Body-hair FUE has long been underutilized due to its technical demands and time-consuming nature. However, the study highlights a clear shift in surgeon attitudes—from initial reluctance to full adoption—when using the new device. This shift points to how improved technology is streamlining the process, making body-hair harvesting more efficient and consistent, and opening the door for its wider use in advanced restoration cases.
- Growth and Yield Data Insights:
Although long-term outcomes can vary, certain yield patterns have become clear over time. Beard hair typically shows higher survival—ranging from 80% to 95%—with faster early growth and minimal shedding. Chest hair, on the other hand, tends to have lower survival rates, often between 60% and 75%, and may take longer to fully grow in, with more noticeable early shedding. When performed properly, beard FUE can produce results on par with scalp grafts, while chest or torso hair tends to deliver more variable yields, typically in the 50% to 70% range.
- Combined Approach (“Combo Grafting”):
More surgeons are now using a combination grafting strategy, especially in patients with advanced hair loss. This method blends scalp and beard hair to establish density and durability, while incorporating finer chest or back hair to soften transitions and expand coverage in lower-density zones. By carefully mixing donor sources, it’s possible to improve both the appearance of fullness and the overall aesthetic balance.
ACell & Regenerative Adjuncts
Mechanism of ACell ECM
ACell has reshaped how we approach graft support, particularly in scarred or poorly vascularized recipient areas. Its ECM composition promotes cellular signaling, new blood vessel formation, and regenerative healing at the implantation site.
In my protocol, ACell serves both as a scaffold and a stimulus:
- Wound healing and donor regeneration – e.g., applying ACell to FUE extraction sites or strip scars to improve healing and possibly reduce scarring.
- Graft survival and yield enhancement – e.g., soaking grafts in ACell or injecting ACell into the recipient area to encourage better follicle acceptance and growth.
ACell + PRP / CRP Success Rates
The synergy between ACell and growth factor concentrates like PRP or CRP cannot be overstated. I routinely combine the two, especially in high-risk cases. In both published literature and my own practice, I’ve observed:
- Marked reduction in graft shock loss
- Noticeable thickening in the surrounding native hair
- Faster onset of visible growth, often 2–3 months ahead of baseline expectations
Over the past decade, anecdotal successes led to more formal observations. Cumulative clinical observations indicate ~70–80% of patients experience visible improvement in hair thickness and density within 3–6 months of ACell+PRP treatment.
A well-cited clinical study by Cervelli et al. (PMCID: PMC4032742) evaluated the efficacy of Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma (AA-PRP) injections for patients with pattern hair loss.
Key clinical outcomes included:
- In treated areas, hair count increased by an average of 18.0 hairs, while the control side saw a reduction of 2.0 hairs (P < 0.0001).
- Hair density rose by 27.7 hairs per square centimeter in the PRP-treated regions, compared to a slight decline of 3.0 hairs/cm² on the placebo side (P < 0.0001).
- Terminal hair density also showed a notable improvement, with a gain of 27.0 hairs/cm² (P = 0.0003), while vellus hair counts remained stable.3
ForHair CRP + ACell Protocol & 100% Graft Activity at 4.5 Months
Beyond improving graft survival, the combination of ACell and PRP appears to shorten the hair growth timeline. One commonly observed benefit is earlier visible growth, often referred to as “graft popping”, compared to standard healing patterns.
For instance, ForHair Clinic’s CRP protocol (Cytokine-Rich Plasma, a more concentrated form of PRP) shows that when combined with ACell, grafts can reach approximately 99% visible growth by 4.5 months, compared to the typical 12-month timeline seen in standard transplants.4
In short, patients begin to see their results much earlier. If this outcome holds consistently, it represents a major boost in patient satisfaction, reaching near-complete growth by 4 to 5 months, instead of the typical 50% at six months and full results at around one year.
This outcome is made possible by applying high-concentration, sonicated PRP (CRP) in combination with ACell, delivering a concentrated surge of growth factors to the graft sites immediately after surgery.
Although independent research remains limited, this observation supports the biological premise that concentrated growth factors may shorten the dormancy phase of transplanted follicles. In some cases, grafts may bypass the typical shedding phase and continue growing without interruption.
Case Study: Dr Cole’s 2011 vs 2025 Approach
As one of the early adopters of ACell in hair restoration, I’ve seen firsthand how advances in technique and supportive therapies have transformed outcomes in body-hair transplantation. To illustrate this progress, let’s revisit a case from 2011 and compare it with my current approach in 2025.:
2011 – Pilot test on scar tissue
Back in 2011, I conducted a small test on a patient with scarring from prior strip surgery. I placed 50 beard hair grafts into one section of the scar, pre-treated with ACell, and 6 chest hair grafts into another section without ACell.
The outcome at six months was striking:
- 46 out of 50 beard grafts grew in the ACell-treated area—a 92% yield. In contrast, none of the chest hairs survived in the untreated scar.
This early case offered clear proof that ACell could enhance graft survival and highlighted the relative strength of beard hair in challenging environments.
At the time, conventional wisdom held that body hair grafts could achieve survival rates of around 60% under ideal conditions. This early result suggested otherwise, pointing to the possibility that, with proper technique and support, significantly higher yields could be achieved even from body donor sources.
2025 – Mature protocols and outcomes
Today, my approach to body-hair FUE has evolved well beyond that early 2011 trial, though it still draws on the lessons learned from it. Regenerative support is now standard in every case—ACell combined with CRP is routinely used to enhance healing and improve graft survival. As a result, beard hair yields frequently reach 80% to 90% or more, approaching the consistency we typically see with scalp donor grafts.
Patients often notice early signs of coverage, which can be psychologically encouraging. This early growth may reflect a higher activation rate of transplanted grafts, with fewer remaining dormant beyond the six-month mark.
Candidate Selection & Expectations
I counsel patients extensively on what makes a good BHT candidate. It’s not just about having chest hair—it’s about having the right kind of hair, on the right skin type, with the right expectations.
- Fitzpatrick Types I–IV heal more predictably, with lower PIH risk.
- Beard density above 40 FU/cm² yields usable graft numbers.
- Coarse, straight, or mildly wavy hair tends to blend best.
- Patients must understand that torso hair stays short, even on the scalp—it will not behave like occipital donor.
Graft-Pop Schedule (Estimated)
| Graft Type | Visible Growth Start | 50% Growth | Full Growth |
| Beard | 3–4 months | ~5 months | ~9–12 months |
| Chest/Torso | 5–6 months | ~7 months | ~12–18 months |
| With CRP + ACell | 2.5–3.5 months | ~4 months | ~6–9 months |
These are general estimations that can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Risks, Limitations & Red-Flag Clinics
Even in the right hands, body-hair FUE has constraints:
- Torso grafts yield lower and more variable results.
- Beard overharvesting can create patchiness if not done with restraint.
- Texture mismatch can be hard to conceal in frontal zones.
But in the wrong hands, the risks multiply. I’ve treated patients from unlicensed clinics who were overharvested, misinformed, or sold unrealistic outcomes. Clinics offering 5,000+ grafts from the chest alone should raise immediate concerns. Always verify physician credentials and look for published work or photographic evidence of body-hair transplant cases.
FAQs
How fast does body hair grow after FUE?
Beard hair grows ~0.4 mm/day; torso hair ~0.2–0.35 mm/day. Full results range from 9–18 months depending on zone and protocol.
Is beard hair better than scalp hair?
It’s not a replacement, but it’s the next best thing. Beard hair is coarser and shorter but offers a potentially excellent yield in experienced hands.
What does ACell do for transplanted grafts?
ACell promotes faster blood vessel formation, minimizes scarring, and enhances early graft integration—benefits that are especially important when working with body hair.
Is ACell + CRP worth the added cost?
In my experience, absolutely—especially for fragile or non-scalp grafts. The ROI in yield and timing is tangible.
What are the risks of body-hair transplants?
Challenges like inconsistent growth, donor-site thinning, and texture mismatch remain part of body-hair FUE. While these issues can’t be fully avoided, careful planning and case selection can significantly reduce their impact.
Beard hair grows ~0.4 mm/day; torso hair ~0.2–0.35 mm/day. Full results range from 9–18 months depending on zone and protocol.
It’s not a replacement, but it’s the next best thing. Beard hair is coarser and shorter but offers a potentially excellent yield in experienced hands.
ACell promotes faster blood vessel formation, minimizes scarring, and enhances early graft integration—benefits that are especially important when working with body hair.
In my experience, absolutely—especially for fragile or non-scalp grafts. The ROI in yield and timing is tangible.
Challenges like inconsistent growth, donor-site thinning, and texture mismatch remain part of body-hair FUE. While these issues can’t be fully avoided, careful planning and case selection can significantly reduce their impact.
Next Steps
Body-hair FUE has evolved from a niche procedure into a reliable solution for complex restoration challenges. Thanks to advances in technology, regenerative therapies, and clinical expertise, we can now provide meaningful coverage to patients who, ten years ago, had few surgical options.
For anyone exploring body hair as a donor source or facing repair cases, continued research and consultation are strongly advised.
Your hair deserves expertise.
Let’s talk about how the right protocol can turn a marginal case into a meaningful outcome.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice tailored to any individual. Determining suitability for surgical intervention requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed medical professional. Outcomes may vary from patient to patient. This approach is not approved by the FDA as a cure for hair loss.
References:
- Umar S, Khanna R, Maldonado JC, Chouhan K, Gonzales A. Beard and Body Hair Transplantation by Follicular Unit Excision Using a Skin-Responsive Device: A Multicenter Study. Dermatol Surg. 2024 Mar 1;50(3):306-308. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004061. Epub 2023 Dec 20. PMID: 38127669; PMCID: PMC10904000.
- “CRP + Acell Treatments | Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) | Forhair.” ForHair Hair Transplant Clinic, 12 June 2025, www.forhair.com/crp-acell-treatments/. Accessed 30 June 2025.
- Cervelli V, Garcovich S, Bielli A, Cervelli G, Curcio BC, Scioli MG, Orlandi A, Gentile P. The effect of autologous activated platelet rich plasma (AA-PRP) injection on pattern hair loss: clinical and histomorphometric evaluation. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:760709. doi: 10.1155/2014/760709. Epub 2014 May 6. PMID: 24883322; PMCID: PMC4032742.
- “Faster Hair Growth with CRP Therapy | ForHair Blog.” ForHair Hair Transplant Clinic, 15 Nov. 2022, www.forhair.com/thicker-faster-growing-hair-crp-therapy/. Accessed 27 June 2025.
- “Body Hair Transplant (BHT): Alternative Option for CIT® | Forhair.” ForHair Hair Transplant Clinic, 14 Dec. 2024, www.forhair.com/body-hair-transplant-bht/. Accessed 30 June 2025.
