Hair transplantation: a clinical overview for nurses

Hair transplantation has evolved from a procedure once associated with unnatural, doll-like results into a refined discipline that combines surgical technique with considered aesthetic judgement. This article provides a clinical overview for nurses working in dermatology, aesthetics, or trichology settings. It covers the classification of hair loss in men and women, the key technical principles of hairline and crown restoration, the differential diagnosis of female alopecia, and the surgical techniques most relevant to practice. Particular attention is given to the distinction between transplantable and non-transplantable conditions, a distinction that is essential for appropriate patient triage. The article also addresses hair transplantation beyond the scalp, post-operative medical maintenance, and the role of genetic testing in long-term management planning.