Should You Shave Before Beard Restoration?

At Nashville Hair Doctor, we understand that a man’s journey to a fuller beard or restored hairline is deeply personal. If you’re considering a restorative procedure, you’ll inevitably have questions about the process and how to prepare properly. One common question we hear is: “Should I shave before my beard restoration?” Our expert hair and beard restoration consultant, Shauna, says you shouldn’t shave your face before a beard transplant. Let’s look deeper into how our follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedures work and how they can help achieve natural-looking results with minimal scarring.

Understanding FUE Hair Transplantation

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a modern hair restoration technique where individual hair follicles are harvested from a donor area—typically the back of the head—and transplanted to areas with hair loss or thinning hair. This method is well-known for its precision and the natural appearance it can provide. Unlike traditional strip harvesting, FUE doesn’t leave a linear scar, making it a preferred choice for many seeking hair or beard restoration.

At Nashville Hair Doctor, our technicians are experts in the FUE technique. Here’s what one patient had to say:

“The entire experience was great from my initial info request through post-op follow-up. Shauna was great and super responsive to all my (many) initial questions. Keeli was also a great help and very responsive to all of the pre-op and post-op medical ‘stuff.’ Jessica, my technician who performed the procedure, was phenomenal. She calmed my nerves from the very beginning (even pre-calming meds, lol), explained what was going to happen in detail, what was happening, and what had happened. She was very patient and informative consistently throughout, which could be difficult during what was an all-day procedure. All of my questions were quickly answered, I got scheduled quickly around my complex schedule, and the pre- and post-op instructions were very clear. I also appreciated the check-in emails, texts, and calls. I did my research, went with y’all, and am glad I did. Now the wait for the long-term results, which I expect to be great. Great experience. Would highly recommend. Feel free to reach out.”

Kevin, Nashville Hair Doctor patient (February 2025)

Should You Shave Before Beard Restoration?

The decision to shave before a beard transplant largely depends on the specific approach recommended by our specialists. While some might think it’s OK, we typically advise clients seeking beard restoration to leave at least some stubble so that our team can see how the hair naturally fills in the face and where thin or bare areas lie. If a client is clean-shaven, identifying the best candidate areas for transplantation can take longer and is less precise.

Once our team and the client thoroughly discuss and mark the areas to be filled, shaving down the hair to a shorter length for the actual procedure is useful. However, this is not strictly necessary. “Once we’ve discussed thoroughly and marked the areas, we can run the clippers over your beard to get it shorter and easier to manage for the procedure,” says Shauna. 

The donor area, however, does need to be shaved, as it allows our experts to precisely extract the hair follicles. It typically heals and grows back within a week. 

At Nashville Hair Doctor, we tailor our approach to each individual’s needs, ensuring comfort and optimal results. Once you’ve submitted your free quote request, we’ll be in touch within one business day to offer our initial assessment of donor hair, a restoration plan and proposed graft count, and the all-inclusive cost.

Shampoos to Help Prepare for a Successful Beard Transplant

Just like our skin and the hair on our heads, our beard hair grows best when it receives proper care and nutrients. We recommend washing your beard hair with a non-toxic shampoo. Look on the label to ensure that it does not contain any sulfates, silicone, or parabens. If you have any specific concerns about preparing for a beard transplant, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff to have all your questions answered.

What to Expect: Scarring and Overall Appearance

A common concern for many men considering hair restoration is the potential for scarring. With follicular unit extraction (FUE), the risk of noticeable scarring is minimal. The tiny punctures made during the follicle extraction process heal quickly, and the resulting scabs typically fall off within 7-10 days. . This means you will be able to confidently shave your hair short without worrying about visible scars.

After the procedure, it is normal to experience some redness and minor swelling in the treated areas. These symptoms typically subside within a few days. As the transplanted follicles settle in, you will notice gradual hair growth, leading to a fuller, natural-looking beard.

The Reliability of FUE Hair Restoration

FUE hair restoration is a proven and reliable method for restoring hairlines and achieving fuller beards. Its minimally invasive nature and natural-looking results make it a preferred choice for many individuals. When you want the best beard transplant Nashville offers, look no further.

Why Choose Nashville Hair Doctor for Your Beard Transplant?

Selecting the right clinic for your facial hair transplant is an important step in achieving your desired beard outcome. Here’s why Nashville Hair Doctor has so many satisfied clients:

• Expertise and Experience: Our team is led by highly skilled specialists with years of experience in performing FUE hair and beard transplants. Their expertise ensures that each procedure is executed with precision and care.
• Personalized Care: We understand that every man’s hair restoration journey is unique. Our personalized approach ensures that we tailor each procedure to your specific needs and goals.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to perform beard transplant surgery, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care in a comfortable environment.
• Transparent Pricing: We believe in transparency, especially when it comes to beard transplant costs. Our all-inclusive pricing ensures that you’re fully informed and won’t incur any hidden fees or surcharges.

Embrace Your New Beard

Embarking on a beard restoration journey is a significant decision, and Nashville Hair Doctor is here to help. Our FUE hair transplantation offers natural-looking results with minimal scarring, whether for a beard transplant or to reverse hair loss.Take a look at our before and after photos to see our transformations. Contact Nashville Hair Doctor today for a free quote and start your journey to renewed confidence.