Hair Transplant Cost: Average Prices

Calculating the Cost of Hair Transplants

The impact of hair loss is huge. As many as two-thirds of men are affected by male pattern baldness (MPB) by the age of 35, while that number increases to 85% by the age of 50. For many men, this can be difficult, both emotionally and psychologically.

Luckily, there are now many effective treatments out there for MPB, the progressive condition that causes most hair loss in men. One option that’s growing in popularity is hair transplant surgery. This involves removing hair follicles from a healthy part of your head to another affected by hair loss. 

Hair transplantation is incredibly effective. But too many men are put off by misconceptions about the price tag. 

So, how much does a hair transplant cost? It might not be as much as you think.

How Do Hair Transplants Work?

A hair transplant is a surgical operation in which hair follicles are taken from a donor area and reinserted into a part of the scalp where hair growth has stopped. 

Thanks to new technologies and widespread expertise, these are much more effective than they once were. These days, they rely on two main procedures: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).

• FUT: Follicular unit transplantation involves removing small sections of your scalp where follicles are still growing well, usually from the back of the head. Each hair graft is then cut into smaller pieces and each piece is then reinserted into your hairline, crown, or other affected area.
  
• FUE: Follicular unit extraction (or excision) is a newer technique that instead removes individual hair follicles and transplants them one by one to a new area. An FUE hair transplant is a more precise procedure (and a more expensive one), but it has the benefit of keeping scarring to a minimum.

These procedures often take between four and eight hours to complete – and can even be done over a series of days, depending on your specific needs. Of course, the longer the hair transplant procedure takes, the more likely it is to cost a little more.

How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?

The cost of a hair transplant will differ from provider to provider and from patient to patient. However, average hair transplant costs range between £3,000 and £5,000. ‘Average’ is a big word though, and costs can reach as low as £1,000 and as high as £30,000.

Here are some things you can expect to affect the price:

• The procedure you opt for – FUT or FUE. FUE procedures take longer and require greater precision from the surgeon.
  
• Your specific needs. Every man is different – and every hairline is different too. Following the type of surgery you want, your personal needs and the number of hair grafts you require will be among the biggest factors to affect the price. If you’re in the later stages of the Norwood scale, for example, or if yours is a particularly complex case, the procedure might require more attention.
  
• Your local market. Prices differ from place to place. For example, there are options for hair transplant clinics in Turkey that you might find more affordable. Remember, though, you will have to budget for the travel too.
  
• The quality of the doctor. In the UK, it’s important to use a hair transplant surgeon who’s registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery, and/or the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons. These are likely to be more expensive than doctors who are not registered, but it’s vital that you’re treated by accredited specialists. 
  
• Continued support. Male pattern hair loss is a progressive condition. And it’s likely that it will continue to progress even after a hair transplant. As such, in most cases, you’ll be offered medicinal treatments designed to prevent further hair loss, support regrowth, and ensure the transplanted hair grows healthily. Unfortunately, this aftercare doesn’t come for free.

Note: Hair transplants are not cheap. But you receive the results you pay for. If the price looks too good to be true, it’s likely that it is. Given that you’ll be sporting your new hair, it’s best for you if you are happy with the results. Steering clear of the very cheapest option is likely a good idea.

Finasteride and Minoxidil: Other Solutions to Hair Loss

Hair transplants are not the only solution for male pattern hair loss. If you’re unsure about going under the knife, medicinal options can help tackle balding. There are two that are most popular:

• Finasteride. Perhaps the best-known treatment for male hair loss, Finasteride (or Propecia) is a drug that tackles the cause of MPB at its root, by lowering the level of  the hormone (DHT or dihydrotestosterone) at the hair follicle level. Studies have consistently found it boosts hair regrowth in over 80% of men.
  
• Minoxidil. Alternatively, Minoxidil (or Regaine) is a topical solution that can support hair regrowth in men with MPB. It works by encouraging blood flow to the affected area. This way, it helps bring the necessary nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, talk to us. With so many different options out there, things can be hard to navigate. You don’t need to do it alone.

Key Takeaways

How much do hair transplants cost? On average, you’ll be looking at between £3,000 and £5,000. However, hair transplant pricing is usually tailored to your needs. And the type of procedure you choose, where you do it, and the quality and care of your doctor will all contribute to the price. 

Ultimately, we get that finding the hair loss treatment can be tough. It’s a decision that takes time, care, and the right information. We can help guide you through the whole process.