Getting away without a full head shave for my FUE ?

[hopeful]

I am planning to get an FUE procedure.
The one thing I am really struggling with is having to shave the whole of my head. Yes I know it will hopefully all be worth it in the end BUT if I can avoid this then that would be great.
For many years I have had a decent cover up (comb over) Shaving the back and sides would be fine as it grows really quick and I sometimes do get it really short in these areas. It’s the centre at the front which I would like to keep - this area does need thickening up a little and I’m aware the chosen Dr would prefer to shave it off however what are folks opinion on not shaving it ? Would a Dr still be able to work with it ?
As anybody else on here had a similar situation where they have opted to not fully shave so as they can cover up the procedure ASAP whilst it grows in ? Feedback appreciated.

 

[Bigmac]

Looking at your pictures I think you’d be ok not having the recipient area shaved. Most of the grafts are going to be placed either side of your forelock. I don’t think you should lower the hairline either, keep it where it is.

 

[hopeful]

Looking at your pictures I think you’d be ok not having the recipient area shaved. Most of the grafts are going to be placed either side of your forelock. I don’t think you should lower the hairline either, keep it where it is.

Thanks for the reply BM - it would be so much easier for me if I could go ahead with not having it all shaved off . In fact that’s probably the difference in me getting a procedure and holding off !
I won’t be lowering the hairline. It does need thickening up a little in the centre . Can the grafts be put in around the long hair ?
I suppose I could get shock loss in that area too ? Is there anything I could do before the procedure to help strengthen this hair and help to possibly avoid shock loss ?

 

[Bigmac]

Placing between the grafts is done quite often. Shock loss does not happen all the time. Finasteride usually helps to prevent it. If not on Finasteride, it is mainly miniaturised hairs that are at risk.

 

[hopeful]

Placing between the grafts is done quite often. Shock loss does not happen all the time. Finasteride usually helps to prevent it. If not on Finasteride, it is mainly miniaturised hairs that are at risk.

I do have some thinning in this area .
I am not on Finisterade at the moment. Is there anything else I could try to strengthen these hairs to help minimise the chance of shock loss ? Thanks

 

[Bigmac]

Minoxidil either oral or topical. Ask the doctors who you are in contact with to get their advice too.

 

[John Cole MD]

Shaving the recipient area was very uncommon prior to FUE. Hence, you don't need to shave it. You also don't need to shave the donor area. You should have your hair a little longer in the donor area for this. About 3 inches is perfect (7.6 cm roughly). Too long in the donor area is more difficult to work with, but also possible. The bare gulfs in your front are easy to work in. Grafting into where you have hair takes a little longer. If you do a complete non-shaven, stay away from docs, who use the punch to cut the hair. They always damage more follicles when you use the punch to cut the hair.