Methods Used: FUE, FUT
Cost: £3,000 – £7,000
Women's Hair Transplant Surgery - All You Need to Know
Did you know that up to 50% of women will suffer with hair loss at some point in their lives? As such many women may look for hair restoration treatments, but are unaware they are also eligible for a hair transplant surgery. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about female hair transplants, from procedure, and cost, to aftercare as well!
What Is Female Hair Transplant Surgery?
A female hair transplant procedure is a surgical option to help fight the effects of hair loss and thinning hair. The FUE hair transplant procedure looks to take individual hair follicles from the back and sides of a woman’s head and implant them into the affected area (recipient site).
Most female hair transplants we offer look to tackle the female pattern hair loss that occurs in the mid-parting line. For more information on this, please see our article on the Ludwig Scale.
Although predominantly used to treat female pattern hair loss, hair transplants can also be offered to women who would like a hairline hair transplant, an eyebrow transplant, or a hair transplant for scar repair.
Unlike other hair loss treatments, hair transplants are the only method that is able to restore hair growth in areas where hair has previously been unable to grow. Whilst a female hair transplant is not a cure, it is a fantastic long-term solution for those suffering with pattern baldness.
How Do Hair Transplants Work?
Before your surgery, your surgeon will give you a small amount local anaesthetic. This will help numb any pain during the procedure.
At the beginning of the procedure, the lead surgeon extract follicular units from the donor area in natural groups of 1-4 (this is called a hair graft). These grafts, or follicular units, are circled by a tiny 1mm punch enabling an accurate and precise incision to be made.
The follicular unit is then grasped gently and pulled away from the loose connective tissue that surrounds the unit under the skin. This process is then repeated numerous times until the correct number of donor grafts have been extracted.
Once the hair grafts have been extracted and checked, the donor hairs are then implanted into the recipient area (usually the mid-parting in women) one by one. This process is then repeated over and over again as desired.
As patients are left with tiny 0.8mm – 1mm scars from follicle extraction, as opposed to other hair surgery treatments which make larger incisions, the FUE recovery time is usually between 7-10 days.
What Hair Transplants Do We Offer?
At Harley Street Hair Transplant Clinics, we are experts in performing the FUE hair transplant procedures. This surgical method is perfect for treating female hair loss as it is suitable for a range of different hair restoration scenarios.
Mid-Parting Restoration
The main aim of this hair transplant treatment is to treat hair thinning symptoms on the mid-parting line of the scalp. As women with female pattern baldness tend to suffer with thinning across the mid-parting, this hair transplant procedure looks to implant new donor hairs into this area, ensuring the area will look full and thick 12 months after the procedure.
Hairline Restoration
More popular hair transplants with women are the hairline restorations. In rare cases, women may begin to see their hairline recede or be born with a naturally high hairline. As this can sometimes affect a person’s mental health, an FUE hair transplant procedure can be performed to lower the hairline and promote new hair growth.
Eyebrow Transplant
Another popular method of hair transplantation is the eyebrow transplant. This is where donor hairs are taken from the back and sides of the head and implanted into the eyebrow areas to appear thicker and fuller.
Female Hair Transplant Cost
The cost of female hair transplants are dependent upon the size of the area of hair loss and roughly how many grafts are required for surgery. Harley Street Hair Transplant Clinics works on a “cost-per-area” basis, meaning your price quote will factor the area of hair loss as well as an estimated number of grafts.
Most hair transplants we provide cost between £3,000 and £7,000. This is the cost of a one-stage, one day procedure (anything up to 3,000 grafts). For more information, visit our hair transplant cost page!
How Long Does Transplanted Hair Live For?
After your transplant, results typically last between 10-15 years, depending on the aftercare precautions taken. During your free video consultation, one of our consultants will be more than happy to talk through your aftercare programme.
Although post-treatment medications like finasteride and dutasteride are not recommended for women, there are other treatments we can recommend. A PRP hair treatment or Minoxidil for hair loss is ideal for women after a FUE hair transplant.
Why Get a Female Hair Transplant?
Most women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives. Balding and thinning can often cause women to feel self-conscious about their image. One of the main reasons why women opt for hair transplantation is to feel comfortable with their image and restore confidence in their appearance.
Why Do Women Lose Hair and How Does This Affect Your Chances of Getting a Hair Transplant?
Across the UK, it is estimated that 8 million women are currently suffering with hair loss symptoms. What is perhaps even more alarming is that 40% of women have stated hair loss as a major component in marital problems, and 63% believe it affects their career as well (British Medical Journal, 2005).
The cause of women’s hair loss varies much more than men. Whilst more than 95% of men suffering with hair loss have a condition called male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia), female hair loss is much more complex.
Around 40% of all female hair loss cases can be explained by hereditary pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). This leaves 60% of women suffering with hair loss symptoms from extraneous causes. These may include, but are not limited to stress related hair loss, chemotherapy treatments, menopausal symptoms, and harsh styling methods (curling & heat products).
In most cases, a hair transplant can only be offered out to patients who are suffering with a case of permanent hair loss, such as androgenic alopecia. This is where the hair follicles on the head shed and do not grow back.
If you suffer with female pattern baldness or would like a hair transplant in an area where there are no hair follicles (e.g. hairline lowering surgery), then you are likely to be eligible for a FUE hair transplant.
Alternatively, if you suffer with a temporary form of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, then you will likely not be eligible for surgery. This is because your hair is likely to grow back naturally, negating the need for a transplant. In these cases, we may recommend a non surgical alternative such as a PRP hair treatment.
How Is Female Hair Loss Different To Male Hair Loss?
Female pattern hair loss manifests itself in a much different way to male pattern hair loss. Whilst men typical begin suffering with a receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown, women tend to lose hair from the mid-parting.
As part of a gradual process, thinning hair on the mid-parting will become more noticeable over the years, eventually requiring a hair transplant procedure to cover these sign up. It is not uncommon for some female patients to see their hairline recede backwards with age as well.
Whilst the aim of a male hair transplant to treat pattern baldness is to restore the hairline and fill in receding patches, then aim of most female hair transplants is to bolster and thicken the hair on the top of the head.
Results and Aftercare
Following your hair transplantation procedure, you will have access to our hair transplant aftercare program and expert guidance, whenever you need it.
It is important to keep the scalp hydrated during the first few days following the procedure in order to protect against infection and minimise scabbing. We provide full instructions for aftercare and are on hand to answer any concerns following your procedure.
It can take 2 to 3 months for the new follicles to take and naturally grow new hair, so regrowth may be uneven at first, but rest assure, you will soon benefit from thicker looking hair. Although every patient’s recovery time and results may differ, most patients see full natural hair growth around 10 months following their procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, hair transplant can be successful in females. Hair transplant procedures have evolved significantly over the years, and they are no longer limited to male patients. Female pattern hair loss is a common condition that can lead to thinning hair and baldness in women. In such cases, hair transplant can be an effective solution to restore hair density and improve the appearance of the scalp.
An female hair transplant can cost between £3,000 and £7,000+. This is dependent upon the severity of the baldness as the procedure’s cost is directly related to the number of follicles extracted and implanted.
Whilst there may be a small bit of shedding soon after your procedure, you should not suffer hair loss (in the same area) after your new hair transplant, however it can take around 6 months for the new hair to start to grow and thicken.
During a female hair transplant procedure, local anaesthetic is injected in order to number the area(s). You might feel a slight prick and some discomfort during the initial administration of the local anaesthetic. However, once it takes effect, you should not experience any pain throughout the rest of the hair transplant procedure.
In the days following the hair transplant procedure, it is normal to experience some soreness in the treated areas. However, this discomfort is typically temporary. We also provide you with an aftercare pack that contains antibiotics and pain killers to help alleviate any discomfort and ensure you feel more comfortable during the recovery period. Rest assured that the discomfort is manageable, and you will be well taken care of to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
The duration of the treatment is determined by the size of the area of hair loss to be treated.
Typically, most female hair transplant procedures last between 6 to 9 hours. However, in larger cases, the procedure might be spread over 2 days to ensure optimal results. Conversely, in smaller cases, the treatment duration will be shorter.
During your consultation, you can discuss this with one of our doctors as they will be able to give you a more accurate time frame.
After your free initial consultation, your FUE hair transplant will be performed by one of our certified hair transplant doctors. All of our procedures are performed by doctors, with a little help from our specialist team of technicians, ensuring you receive high quality care and treatment.
Patient Gallery - Hair Transplant Results
Patient Testimonials
Aside from achieving fantastic results, we believe that keeping in touch with our patients before, during and after their hair transplantation procedure is paramount – it helps to keep our patients feeling calm and in control. We’re always on hand to provide guidance, support and aftercare advice. Time and again, our patients tell us that this is what sets us apart from other clinics.
You can read our great reviews of FUE hair transplants over on Google and TrustPilot
Kieran Dancy19/01/2024"My experience with Harley Street Clinic was exceptional. I was very apprehensive about getting my FUE procedure done, as one would expect. However, Sara reassured me and was very supportive pre and post-procedure. I am so pleased with the result thus far. The new hairline suits my face, and I cannot wait to see the full results. I must thank everyone at the Harley Street Clinic for their support, guidance, and care."I had an outstanding experience with the Harley Street Clinic. Initially, I had some apprehensions about getting my Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure done, as I was unsure about how it would turn out. However, Sara, who assisted me throughout the procedure, was very supportive and helped calm my nerves. She provided me with thorough pre and post-procedure guidance, which was extremely helpful. I am delighted with the results I have seen so far. The new hairline suits my face perfectly, and I cannot wait to see the full results in the coming months. The team at the Harley Street Clinic was very supportive, and I felt like I was in good hands throughout the entire process. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone at the clinic for their support, guidance, and care. The experience was very positive, and I would highly recommend the Harley Street Clinic to anyone looking to undergo a similar procedure.
David Price09/01/2024Thank you to the doctor and team. I was well looked after on the day of surgery and I’m really looking forward to the results. Initial anaesthetic injection was the only bit that I didn’t like but other than that, all good. Would recommend. David
ashley sheppard07/09/2023Lovely surgeon and assistants who made me feel at ease. No pain whatsoever. Would recommend.
Ross Thorndyke31/07/2023Great surgeon, quick responses. Even drafted a Locum in to cover the original surgeon being on holiday. Very impressed with the set up and the results are very good so far.
GrayBx17/04/2023To start, their care and procedures are absolutely incredible, if I was to base the review solely on the Dr and nurses I had for my procedure it would be an easy 5 stars. However I am rating only 4 stars, which I would consider slightly generous. I am trans, although very early transition when I had the procedure, and within the consultation I feel I was overlooked of what I wanted. After being asked what I was looking for from the procedure, I said I was trans, and wanted a natural looking feminine hairline (as well as obviously fixing my natural hairline), to which my consultant claimed that a masculine hairline would be easier to look natural. Going along with this, I thought any hairline transplant is better than nothing, and that he was the professional so I should take his advice and bite my tongue. In fairness, I was not wearing make up and was in jeans and a hoodie for the consultation, so maybe what I said just went over his head or maybe he didn’t take me seriously. In hindsight, I wish I didn’t closet myself at the first sign of push back from what I perceived as a medical professional, even talking to my doctor near the end of the procedure I felt comfortable enough to come out to him after what I had initially perceived to be a transphobic clinic (I promise you it’s not), and wish he was the one to do the consultation in the first place. He even said something along the lines of “I’ve done a masculine hairline on you, I wish you had have said something sooner”, and I didn’t want to cause any trouble for my consultant, so I didn’t say anything. All in all, the procedure went perfectly, and has healed really well. Cannot speak any higher of my doctors and nurses (although I have forgotten their names), and although not entirely happy with the hairline I received, it was done perfectly and is 100x better than my natural hairline. To all my trans girlies out there, please make it really clear what you want, look as fem as possible for the consultation, and if they push back at all - don’t let them walk all over you.
Ricardo David14/12/2022Loved the team!
Emma Walker27/09/2022I originally took a lot of time researching a hair transplant company within the UK and came across these guys. I have to say that the whole experience has been so smooth from start to finish. Kevin has been nothing but helpful and it was encouraging to know that he only wanted the best for the client. The reason for my hair transplant was traction alopecia and even though I am only 5 days post op I can already see the potential hairline I will have in a few months time. Everything including booking, payment, forms etc was all so easy and straightforward to do with the help of Kevin. The day of the surgery I had my mum come with me and she was able to come into the room to start with before the actual surgery to help choose my hairline and Dr Kalra explained everything not only to me but to my mum also. Then it was onto the actual surgery part of the day and I have to say that while the local anaesthetic injections were pretty painful, the rest of the day was completely relaxing. Dr Kalra and the other staff (sorry I can’t remember their names) totally put me at ease. Everything was explained and if I needed anything all I had to do was ask. Post op I had a lot of bleeding in the donor area which I was worried about but Dr Kalra put my mind at ease straight away. If I had any questions or worries then Dr Kalra and Kevin were always on hand to help. 5 days post op I still have a fair amount of swelling and bruising but it is improving every day and I can’t wait to see results. I’ve booked a PRP session with Dr Kalra for 5 weeks time so I will post another update once that has been done. Thank you to everyone but special thanks to Kevin and Dr Kalra!
Jack Booth10/09/2022The whole experience was very straight forward and professional and the staff were very friendly. I felt I was in safe hands with Dr Kalra and the others who did the surgery and the aftercare process was explained very clearly to me afterwards.
