As I sit in my CHU, aka containerized housing unit, everyday in the lovely country of Iraq I pay special and close attention to my hair since I have not much else to do at nights but read and finish up work, which I get enough during the regular working hours. I suppose the only reason I pay such close attention is one of two reasons;
First, since losing my hair at a young age I have always noticed it and it has bothered me enough that I can easily say that not a day goes by that I do not have at least a brief thought about it. Secondly, and the reason for writing, is I have recently had my second surgery about three months ago at NHI and I am at the phase of not much results noticeable yet but I remain faithful as this is not the first time and I tell myself not to judge anything this early everyday. I have noticed some of donors have started to grow but I am not concerned so much on the results of the second surgery as I am being patient about it.
My main concern is the first transplant, or more specifically, the texture of the hairs from the first transplant. I noticed early on in the first surgery that many of the hairs have a wiry, crinkled like textured that is near impossible to manage and very noticeable different from the natives hairs around it. I have read plenty on the internet, to include on this blog, about transplanted hair texture change and most say it is a temporary change caused by reasons not fully understood during the healing process of the transplanted follicle. I have stuck it out with the fact that it is only temporary but now well over a year into the first surgery I am starting to wonder if this texture change is really temporary or just how the hair is now. Or maybe I once again am not being patient enough and must still wait it out. I do want add that this is not just a few hairs, it is notable portion of the transplanted hairs. Is this a reality I must accept or should I continue to stick it out see what is in store?
Changes in hair character to curly and occasionally (rarely) to kinky does occur. I tell those that are affected that they should wait to see how it grows in after one hair cycle (about 3 years) has passed. Patience is a virtue, waiting is the hardest part, etc, etc. I know it is easier said than done while waiting for your transplanted hairs to grow, but try to focus anywhere other than your hair.
When you are in Los Angeles again, please get to me personally and I will go into your hair examination myself. Best of luck to you in Iraq.
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Jon was only transplanted in the frontal hairline area extending back about 2-3 inches, not elsewhere. He was told that a second procedure would likely be necessary and that he should follow the