Curved follicles
The follicle beneath the skin can curve, so a straight extraction path may damage it. Extraction is adapted to your curl pattern, sometimes after a few test extractions.
From the United States · Şişli, Istanbul
African American Hair Transplant in Istanbul
An African American hair transplant needs two kinds of planning: medical planning for afro-textured hair, whose follicles can curve beneath the skin, and practical planning for a trip from the United States. Your case is assessed online before you travel, and follow-up continues remotely after you return home.
At a glance for US patients
- Hair types
- Afro, coily, curly
- Technique
- DHI
- Assessment
- Online, before you fly
- Language
- English
- Time difference
- 7 to 8 hours ahead of US Eastern
- Follow-up
- 12 months, remotely
Your hair
What matters medically for afro-textured hair
Hairline and temples
The hairline is designed around your features and age, with softer curves and defined temple points rather than a rigid straight line.
Scarring history
Please tell us about any personal or family history of keloids or raised scars. It is part of deciding whether and how to treat.
Planning from the US
Your trip, step by step
Photos and online assessment
Send clear photos of your front, top, crown and donor area. A doctor reviews them before anything is booked.
Written plan and quote
You receive the planned technique, the areas to restore and a written quote, so you can decide at home without pressure.
Flights and arrival
Istanbul is reached by direct flights from several major US cities. Arriving the day before your consultation gives you time to rest after the long flight.
Consultation and procedure
Your doctor examines your donor area and curl pattern, finalises the hairline with you, and the procedure follows the agreed plan.
Check-up before you fly home
Before you leave, the team checks the grafts, does the first wash and gives you written aftercare. Your doctor confirms when it is safe to fly.
Follow-up at home
You send progress photos at agreed points and we review them for 12 months.
Practical
Travel checklist
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Entry to Turkey | US citizens can currently make short tourist visits without a visa. Rules can change, so check official sources such as travel.state.gov before booking. |
| Passport | Check that your passport is valid well beyond your return date. |
| Time difference | Istanbul is 7 to 8 hours ahead of the US East Coast, depending on daylight saving time in the US. |
| Medications | Tell the doctor about every medication and supplement you take. Some may need to be paused before the procedure, but only on medical advice. |
| Flying home | Your doctor confirms when it is safe to fly and how to protect the grafts during the journey. |
Back home
Hair care after you return
New grafts need time to settle, and pressure, friction or tension can disturb them. Your written aftercare gives the timing for your case. These are the questions our patients ask most:
- Durags, wave caps and hats: wait until your doctor confirms that light, loose headwear is safe.
- Wigs and units: adhesives and tight bands should stay away from the grafted area until healing is confirmed.
- Braids, locs, weaves and extensions: tension on the hairline is avoided while transplanted hair grows, and later kept gentle to protect the result.
- Relaxers, dyes and chemical treatments: these wait until your doctor confirms the scalp has fully healed.
- Barber visits: clippers over the donor area are fine once it has healed. Avoid sharp edge-ups on the new hairline until your doctor approves.
Clinical note
If you notice increasing pain, swelling, warmth or discharge after you return home, contact a local doctor straight away and send us photos so our team can review them.
Explore
Related pages
FAQ
African American hair transplant: common questions
Do I need a visa to travel from the United States to Turkey?
At the time of writing, US citizens can visit Turkey for short tourist stays without a visa. Entry rules can change, so please check the current requirements with official sources such as travel.state.gov before you book.
Can my case be assessed before I travel?
Yes. You send photos of your front, top, crown and donor area. A doctor reviews them and you receive a written plan and quote before you book any flights.
How many days should I plan to stay in Istanbul?
Your stay is planned around your consultation, procedure day and check-up with the first wash. Your written plan confirms the exact days for your case.
When can I wear a durag, wave cap or wig again?
Anything that presses or rubs on new grafts should wait until your doctor confirms it is safe. You receive written aftercare with the timing for your case.
When can I get braids, locs or extensions again?
Tension on transplanted hair should be avoided while the grafts settle and grow. Your doctor explains when and how to restyle without putting stress on the hairline.
How does follow-up work once I am back home?
You send progress photos at agreed points and our team reviews them. Follow-up continues for 12 months after your procedure.
Will the result look natural on afro-textured hair?
Transplanted hair generally keeps the texture of the donor follicle it came from. A natural look also depends on hairline design, angle, direction and density, which are planned individually.
Start with a free online assessment
Send us a few photos from home. You receive a written plan and quote before you book any travel.
This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person.