In a hair transplant, hair is taken from donor sites and placed in the affected area. Hair is usually taken from the side and the back of the head, which is usually not affected by male-pattern baldness. The extracted hair is usually called a graft. Grafts include not only the hair follicles, but the surrounding tissue and skin. The hair is then placed into small slits created by the doctor in the balding areas of the scalp.

Hair transplants are done in the doctors office and take several sessions to complete. The doctor will usually apply a local anesthetic, though at times a general anesthetic is required. The number of sessions depends primarily on the extent of the hair loss. The doctor may also increase the number of session for medical or cosmetic reasons. The patient usually does not require bandaging after the procedure and can go straight home. For about one to two weeks after the hair transplant, one will have special care of ones hair. This includes avoiding strong rubbing or scratching of the scalp, since it may dislodge the grafts. One should also avoid. It might be necessary to take pain relievers after the surgery.