How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?

Hair loss can happen for a variety of reasons. While some are happy to live with hair loss, others are not. Hair transplant surgery can provide a natural-looking solution for those who desire it. More than 2 million people worldwide underwent hair restoration procedures in 2021, with more than 600,000 opting for surgical hair transplants.¹

Let's dive into the different types of hair transplant procedures and what they cost.

What Is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that relocates healthy hair to areas where hair is missing.² It can be used to treat permanent hair loss caused by:³

• Aging
• Medical conditions, such as alopecia
• Radiation, surgery and other medical procedures and treatments
• Injuries, such as burns and scarring

Hair transplants can be performed on anyone, regardless of gender. You may be a candidate for a hair transplant if you have healthy hair growth on other areas of your head, which can be used as donor hair.²

Your donor hair can be used to restore hair not just to the scalp, but also to the face — including eyelashes, eyebrows and mustaches — as well as other parts of the body.²

Types of Hair Transplants

There are two different methods available for removing hair for transplanting:⁴

1. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)
2. Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

1. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)

These procedures are also sometimes referred to as “strip" because they involve removing a strip of skin with hair follicles from the healthy donor area of your scalp. The hair follicles are then carefully removed from the strip of skin and implanted into the desired area.⁴

2. Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

This method uses a tiny round punch instrument to remove individual hair follicles from the healthy donor area of your scalp without removing a strip of skin.⁴

Hair Transplant Cost

The cost of a hair transplant in the United States ranges between $4,637 and $12,513.⁵

The wide price range of hair transplants is due to the extraction technique (FUE is generally more costly than FUT), as well as the varying number of grafts needed to achieve the desired result.⁵ For some perspective, 800 to 1,500 grafts are typically recommended to fill in a receding hairline, with an extra 150 per side if you're also doing the temporal points.⁶

The technology used can also vary depending on the surgeon, with some opting to harvest hair using robotic surgical machines and performing grafting through either robotic or traditional methods.⁷

Other factors that can impact the cost of hair transplant include:⁵

• Anesthesia fees
• Geographical location
• Medication or supplies for your recovery period, if any
• Pre- and post-op appointments
• Your surgeon's experience and fee

Hair transplant cost by type

Below is the average national cost* of a hair transplant for FUT and FUE:⁵

Average price of a hair transplant in the U.S.

The average national cost* of follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) by all states/districts is listed in the table below:⁵

Does Insurance Cover Hair Transplants?

Hair transplant surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, which is not typically covered by insurance.⁷ There are some exceptions, such as when secondary alopecia is caused by burns or scarring.⁷ It is advisable to consult with your insurance provider to determine coverage options.

How a Hair Transplant Works

Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist experienced in performing hair transplants is an important first step to ensuring a safe procedure and the best results.

Here’s an idea of what to expect throughout the process.

Consultation

A consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss the results you’re hoping for and learn about the costs of a hair transplant at the facility. During this appointment, the doctor will determine if you’re a candidate for a hair transplant. This may involve:⁸

• Examining your scalp to see if you’re able to grow hair and that you have enough healthy hair to transplant to the thinning or bald area
• A blood test to check for underlying issues that may be contributing to your hair loss
• A scalp biopsy to determine the type of alopecia (hair loss) you have

Preparation

Your doctor will provide specific instructions to follow before your procedure. These typically include:⁹

• Discontinuing or pausing certain medications and supplements
• Not smoking for a week or more beforehand
• Knowing when to stop eating and drinking
• Arranging a ride home after the procedure

Procedure

Here is a general breakdown of how hair transplant surgery works:¹⁰

• You are given local anesthesia and a sedative so you’re relaxed and comfortable. If your case is complex, general anesthesia may be used instead so you are asleep through the procedure.⁹
• The hair being harvested is trimmed to make the grafts easier to remove.
• The grafts are removed using either a punch instrument or a scalpel, depending on the type of hair transplant you’re having.
• The donor site holes or strips are stitched closed and concealed with any surrounding hair.
• A technician preps the removed hairs.⁸
• The grafts are then implanted approximately one-eighth of an inch apart on the scalp to help maintain healthy circulation.
• The scalp is cleansed and covered with gauze. You may also have a pressure bandage placed to wear for a day or two.

The spaces between the implanted grafts will be filled in with additional grafts during later sessions.¹⁰

Possible Side Effects of Hair Transplant Surgery

Complications from hair transplants are rare thanks to the scalp’s rich blood supply, which promotes quick wound healing and a low infection rate. Any of the following side effects are usually temporary and/or treatable:¹¹

• Bleeding
• Folliculitis
• Ingrown hairs
• Need for touch-up procedures¹²
• Numbness
• Shedding
• Swelling
• Unnatural-looking results¹²

Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon is key. Reputable clinics, like Bosley, specialize in effective hair restoration solutions to help you get the best results, safely.

Recovering After a Hair Transplant

Discomfort after a hair transplant is to be expected and may include pain, throbbing and tightness, which can be managed with prescription pain medication provided by your surgeon. Some swelling, bruising and drainage are also possible.¹²

Bandages, if used, can usually be removed a day after surgery, and you may be able to gently wash your hair two days after your hair transplant. Stitches are typically removed after 10 days.¹²

The timing of your return to your normal activities and work will depend on the complexity of your procedure. You may be advised to avoid sexual activity for at least 10 days and to avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for at least three weeks.¹²

Don’t be alarmed if you notice some of your new hair falling out. This is normal and usually temporary and typically happens within six weeks after a hair transplant. New hair should begin to grow back approximately five or six weeks after falling out, at a rate of around a half-inch per month.¹²

You should see the full results of your hair transplant six to 12 months after surgery.⁸

How to Ensure a Successful Recovery

Healing smoothly from a hair transplant requires some special care and attention to detail. Here are some tips:¹³

• Instead of applying shampoo directly to hair, mix a drop in a cup of warm water and pour the mixture over your head, then use the cup to rinse. This method is gentler on your grafts than a shower head.
• Wait three days to wear a loose hat and five days for a tighter hat, unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon.
• Sleep with your head elevated for the first week to help prevent swelling.
• Avoid scratching your scalp and apply a bit of conditioner if the skin around the grafts is feeling tight or dry.
• Be extra careful with your scalp when getting dressed or getting in and out of cars.
• Avoid getting direct sunlight (or tanning bed light) on your scalp for the first two weeks.
• Don’t smoke and avoid alcohol, which can impede healing and increase the risk of bleeding.
• Keep up with any post-procedure therapies prescribed, like minoxidil, finasteride or light therapy, to enhance your results.¹¹

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Transplants

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about hair transplant surgery.

Financing a Hair Transplant With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for hair transplants and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.