Hair transplant

A hair transplant is a procedure to move hair to an area that is thin or bald.

It is not available on the NHS because its cosmetic surgery.

Having a hair transplant is a big decision. Find out as much as you can, so you know what to expect.

How much a hair transplant costs

A hair transplant in the UK can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £30,000, depending on the extent of hair loss, the type of procedure you have, and the quality of the clinic and its team.

Who can have a hair transplant

A hair transplant is suitable for people with permanent baldness, the type that runs in families.

It is not usually suitable for people with other types of hair loss, such as the type that causes bald patches (alopecia areata).

What to think about before you have a hair transplant

If you are thinking about having a hair transplant in England, check the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

All independent clinics and hospitals that provide cosmetic surgery in England must be registered with the CQC.

Be careful when searching the internet for clinics that do hair transplants. Some pay to advertise their services on search listings.

Choosing who will do your hair transplant

Its important to find a surgeon who is qualified and experienced in carrying out this type of surgery.

All doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and have a licence to practise.

Check the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) website to see if the surgeon is a full or affiliate hair transplant member.

Ask your surgeon:

• about their qualifications and experience
• how many hair transplants they have performed
• how many hair transplants they've performed where there have been complications
• what type of hair transplant they would recommend for you and why
• what sort of follow-up you should expect if things go wrong
• what their patient satisfaction rates are

What a hair transplant involves

A hair transplant is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, which means you will be awake but will not feel any pain.