Dark Clinics, Real Risks: The Hidden Dangers of Illegal Hair Transplants in South Africa
Infections, scarring, and even death are lurking behind slick ads
In a tiny back room, with outdated instruments and no doctor in sight, a “hair transplant” begins. Weeks later, patients arrive at legitimate clinics with infections that won’t heal, patchy or missing hair, and permanent scarring – some even with necrotic tissue. This isn’t just happening abroad in countries like Turkey and Pakistan; South Africa has its own growing underground hair transplant industry: the so-called “dark clinics”.
These clinics operate everywhere. In mobile setups, or purely online. Many are run by unlicensed practitioners who are far from registered doctors. Many staff aren’t even legally allowed to work in the country. Regulation is patchy. Enforcement is almost impossible given that they operate for a few weeks and then disappear. And the people who pay the price? Everyday men and women desperate to fix hair loss but who are unable to afford quality and safety.
“Most people have no idea what they’re walking into when visiting one of these clinics,” says Dr Kashmal Kalan, Medical Director at Alvi Armani South Africa. “We see patients quite often who come to us after unsatisfactory or botched procedures. And yes, some cases are life-threatening. These clinics operate with no oversight, no hygiene protocols, and zero accountability.”
The harm isn’t just cosmetic. Rogue clinics routinely cut corners. Non-medical staff perform invasive procedures. Sterile instruments? Often non-existent. Infection control? Minimal. Follow-up care? None. Patients are sometimes rushed into procedures without proper consent, unaware of realistic outcomes or potential complications. What starts as a “cheap deal” can quickly spiral into months of medical interventions, emotional trauma, revision surgeries, and financial strain.
Dr Kalan explains the lure: “These clinics play on insecurity, urgency, and the desire for fast results. Social media and online payments make it easy for unqualified operators to reach people. Most patients don’t ask the hard questions. They only learn the truth when it’s too late. One patient described it as the worst mistake of his life – a promise of transformation that turned into months of pain, scarring, and regret.”
Hard truths: Red flags to watch out for
A legitimate clinic is open, accountable, and transparent. Dark clinics thrive on secrecy, pressure tactics, and the promise of cheap shortcuts. Patients must ask:
- Is the surgeon fully qualified, licensed, and registered in South Africa?
- Do they have a valid Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) license? Are they legally allowed to practice in South Africa?
- Which technique will be used and why?
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) – what’s suitable for your hair type and hair-loss pattern?
- How many grafts will I need, and what can I realistically expect?
- Outcomes depend on donor area, hair quality, and pattern of hair loss.
- What are the risks, and how are they managed?
- Infection control, emergency protocols, and complication plans must be clear.
- What aftercare is in place?
- Who monitors healing? How frequent are follow-ups? Can you contact someone if there’s a problem?
- Can I see genuine before-and-after photos?
- Photos must be comparable, real, and relevant to your hair type.
- Is the clinic accredited and registered with the relevant health authority?
- The facility must be sterile, clean, and transparent.
Regulators such as the HPCSA and The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) try to police illegal clinics, but dark clinics operate under the radar – changing locations, staff, and online presence frequently, creating a perfect storm of vulnerability.
The only safe route: choose a qualified, certified, and accountable practitioner. Look for transparency, credentials, consultations, and thorough aftercare. Ask questions.
Dr Kalan warns: “Do your homework. Don’t chase the cheapest option. Cheap shortcuts in cosmetic procedures are rarely worth it. Your hair can be restored safely, but the damage from a dark clinic? That can scar you for life.”
