Hair transplantation is an effective solution for anyone experiencing baldness in any form. One of the most common types of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, otherwise known as male pattern baldness (though it can also affect women).
According to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), androgenetic alopecia affects around 50% of men over the age of 50 and 50% of women over 65.
But other conditions can lead to hair loss, such as:
- physical and/or emotional stress
- medications
- hairstyles pulling tightly on the scalp
- scalp infections
- autoimmune disorders
- genetics (family history of hair loss)
Whatever the cause, hair loss can be traumatic for men and women at any age. Fortunately, hair transplants can restore growth in one or more areas of the scalp, with natural results.
But if you’re considering a treatment, one of your biggest concerns will be the cost.
How much can you expect to pay in 2021? And what will you get for your money?
How much does hair transplantation cost?
Hair transplant prices are based on multiple factors:
- the number of grafts/hairs required for effective growth
- the method used (FUT, FUE)
- the clinic’s location
Let’s take a closer look at each:
Grafts/hairs
The severity of your loss will determine the number of grafts required to achieve your goals.
A hair transplant surgeon will extract grafts from donor areas on the back and/or sides of the head. They will implant these into parts of the scalp affected by hair loss, such as the crown. And the more extreme your hair loss, the more grafts you will require.
For example, if you have developed a mature hairline, restoring growth in such a small area will involve a shorter, simpler, and more affordable procedure than if your hairline had receded further along the scalp.
On average, a hair transplant involving 1000 grafts (2000 hairs) in the UK would cost around £3000. This would be suitable for hair loss in the Norwood 2 or 3 range, according to the Norwood Scale.
But if your hair loss was considered to be at the Norwood 4 stage, at least 2000 – 3000 grafts would be required. This would cost between £6000 and £9000 in the UK, on average.
And for those reaching the Norwood 6 or 7 stages, 5000 or more grafts may be necessary to restore your hair. This could cost around £15,000 — or more.
FUT or FUE
Two main types of hair transplant are available in 2021: FUT and FUE. Both use your own hair follicles to ensure future growth blends seamlessly with existing hair for natural results.
FUT (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a more invasive method than FUE. A surgeon will cut a strip of skin from the back of the head, and hair follicles will be removed from the strip.
These will be prepared for implantation into incisions in the target area(s). The incision at the back of the head will be closed, but will leave a visible scar. This can affect your styling choices in the future, as the scar will be noticeable with shorter haircuts.
A FUE hair transplant is quite different. A surgeon will extract between one, two, or three hair follicles from the back and sides of the head in a staggered pattern (to avoid thinning patches).
A fine needle will be used to safely extract follicles, before they’re placed in a special solution to clean them. Finally, the surgeon will carefully insert the follicles into the target areas to emulate your natural hair growth.
The most advanced form of FUE is the FUE2 Safe System. This incorporates an innovative micro punch device designed to extract and implant follicles with great precision. Between 95 – 100% of transplanted hairs will grow back.
Clinic location
Certain hair clinics in the UK charge substantially more than others, based on their location and reputation.
Those located in London (especially Harley Street) may demand higher prices than clinics in Manchester or Liverpool.
You could find visiting a hair clinic in Europe more affordable. But it’s crucial that you research your options carefully, and explore testimonials written by previous patients. Make sure that you feel comfortable undergoing your procedure outside the UK before you commit.
Reputable clinics in Hungary, for example, offer quality services for highly competitive rates for a good reason: their living expenses are lower than the UK, which equates to lower salaries.
A hair transplant involving 3000 grafts can be as affordable as £3890 — significantly lower than the average £9000+ in the UK.
Clinics outside Europe, though, may not be held to the same strict hygiene and ethical regulations. Again, do your research to make a fully informed decision.
A successful hair transplantation will restore hair growth in problem areas, with natural, lasting results. But finding a cost, and a package, that works for you is crucial for maximum value.
Take all the time you need to research clinics and procedures within your budget.
Check testimonials and book a consultation to understand what your preferred hair surgeons can do for you.