Telogen hair Vs Anagen: Which is easier to remove? Again returning to the hair cycle chart again:
Why Telogen Hair Are not Ideal for BHT extraction
As previously stated in another post [on the hair loss forum called hairsite.com by Dr Umar], removing telogen hair intact is a problem given current FUE techniques. A truly intact telogen FUE / BHT graft should consist of the structures within the box here:
The Importance of Hair Cycles and Body Hair Extraction
It can be seen from the diagram above why it is more likely to get anagen hair intact than it is a truly telogen hair. The situation is rendered trickier if one strives to maintain the original configuration of the degenerated area. Torsion forces from rotary forces of FUE punches, shearing forces from pulling/tugging by techs/docs and compression forces from puncturing devices would all contribute to the transection of the already fragile/ friable degeneration zone that lies between the telogen bulb and the bulge region. It should be noted that grafts in earlier stage of anagen do not count.
As will be explained later, depending on the stage of anagen and telogen, some grafts may be extracted complete, but for true telogen hair which are very fragile to begin with, transections by shearing forces will be higher with a higher chance of leaving behind vital cells that are essential for the healthy regeneration of the hair follicle.
Again, as explained earlier, if “telogen” hair is selected merely based on how they look, with “experience” as a guide, many hair that are in the initial stages of anagen would be passed off as “telogen” hair. You will find a lot of hair that have just formed bulbs being mistaken for telogen because they have transparent bulbs etc. these hairs will of course come out as easily as other anagen hair.
Please direct all enquiries to S. Umar, MD. 510 North Prospect Avenue, Suite 209, Redondo Beach, California drumar@dermhairclinic.com tel 1-800-499-DRUCLINIC
For further clarification, direct questions to Dr Umar here
Further Reading
Anagen hair Selection and Body Hair Transplantation
A Study of Anagen Hair Selection in Body Hair Transplantation