Abstract: An automated system for implanting hair in a scalp base includes a hollow needle, a linkage arrangement for holding and moving the needle along an arc-like path between a first and second position, and apparatus for holding and positioning a bundle of hair in the path traversed by the needle so that the needle contacts the bundle hair ends to receive into the hollow at least one hair as the needle is moved from the first position to the second position. A shoe element is disposed at the second position for supporting the scalp base so that as the needle is moved to the second position, the needle penetrates the scalp base placed on the shoe element to thereby implant a hair carried by the needle. Also included is a projector for projecting a narrow beam of light to the shoe element to mark a spot through which the needle will pass.