As another Feller relatively recent (going on 2 1/2 months) patient, I understand his reasoning for shaving patients. Basically, the hairs that are there get in the way -- by shaving he has a clean slate (plus, he can see what has already been done and what hairs are still growing with the use of an magnifier). Think about it, not only he when he makes the incisions, but his assistants, every time they place a hair, they would have to move to the side existing hair while they are also concerned with holding onto (in their hands) your new grafts and placing it in the proper direction for it to grow correctly). It would take much longer to have to contend with whatever hair is growing on your head. Plus, frankly, I had to have more shots over the long day as the anesthesia started to wear off. It was no problem in that the doctor would be notified and give me more shots. But I don't like shots. I hate more shots! But if there was existing hair that was not shaven there, this procedure would take even longer and result in the need for more anesthesa (and more shots! I grew my hair longer prior to the operation so I could at least have a combover during the post-op and waiting period. If other doctors don't require you to shave, that's fine - but I have a feeling it would require longer time (again, for the need to move existing hairs out of the way with many of the grafts), plus more shots as the anesthesia wears off. With a start time of 7:45 and ending at about 4:00 and with around 3,200 grafts, that was a long enough day for me.