Some of the most commonly asked questions to Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — involve the colour of transplanted hair, what to do when Minoxidil is not working, and whether a hair transplant can fix an excessively oily scalp. Here are his direct answers.
Will transplanted hair be black or white?
“If they are black, your transplanted hair will remain black, but if they are white or grey, you will get the same colour,” explained Dr. John Watts. Donor hair is taken from the back of the scalp. Even transplanted black hair can eventually turn grey or white as part of the natural ageing process.
Can you use hair dye before or after a hair transplant?
Hair dye can be used before the transplant. However, Dr. Watts issues a clear caution about frequent dyeing after the procedure. “If you use hair dye too often, the roots of the hair can get damaged and you may witness hair fall and hair thinning. The quality of the hair also comes down and the frequency of hair fall may increase,” he warned.
What if Minoxidil is not working after five months?
“If you are not getting benefits after using Minoxidil, it means it is not working for you or your hair fall is linked to some other problem. At this stage, it is better to stop Minoxidil and try to find out the exact cause of your hair fall first by consulting a dermatologist,” Dr. Watts advised. He also warned against self-escalating to Minoxidil 5 mg tablets without clear medical guidance.
Does a hair transplant fix an excessively oily scalp?
No. Excessive scalp oiliness is a separate dermatological condition that a hair transplant does not address. “Shampoos will not work in this situation. For your hair fall, it is necessary to diagnose the cause first and the hair transplant is not the solution for this,” he explained. Dr. Watts’ recommendation: consult a dermatologist about Ketoconazole or Retinoid-based treatment.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Instant Appointment Slot Booking
Frequently asked questions
Will I get black hair after a hair transplant if I have white hair?
No. Transplanted hair takes on the colour of the donor hair. If your donor hair at the back of the scalp is white or grey, the transplanted hair will also be white or grey.
Minoxidil is not working after 5 months — should I try oral Minoxidil tablets?
Dr. Watts advises against it. If topical Minoxidil is not working after 5 months, stop it and consult a dermatologist to find the real cause of hair fall before trying oral Minoxidil.
Can a hair transplant solve an oily scalp problem?
No. A hair transplant does not treat seborrhoea. Dr. Watts recommends consulting a dermatologist about Ketoconazole or Retinoid treatment for an oily scalp.
