Gender reaffirming care is a key part of treatment for gender dysphoria and can help transgender people feel more comfortable in their body and overall identity. One key part of gender affirming care is a transgender hair transplant, a hair restoration procedure tailored to specifically support gender transition goals, whether female-to-male or male-to-female. For example, it can alter the hairline to make it look more feminine or masculine by adding more volume to particular areas.
The technique we use here at Harley Street Hair Clinic is the FUE (follicular unit extraction) hair transplant, which transplants individual hair follicles for the most natural-looking results that are permanent. We have a team of experts who provide personalised, confidential care, tailoring the treatment to suit each and every patient’s unique goals. With us, you’ll be in the safe hands of experts who have delivered exceptional results many times before.
How Transgender Hair Transplants Work
Here at Harley Street Hair Clinic, we create a tailored treatment plan based on every patient’s unique needs and hair pattern.
Female-to-Male (FTM)
A female-to-male hair transplant addresses male pattern baldness caused by DHT and hormonal changes caused by hormonal gender affirming care. The FUE method involves transplanting hair follicles from the donor area, which are then placed into the scalp to restore a full, masculine hairline.
Another common FUE treatment for trans men is a beard and eyebrow transplant, which involves transplanting hair follicles into the beard or eyebrow area for added thickness and hair growth in those areas, creating a more masculine appearance.
Male-to-Female (MTF)
A male-to-female FUE hair transplant aims to create a more feminine hairline by smoothing the characteristic “M” shape that many people assigned male at birth have. It can also address thinning areas from previous male pattern baldness, creating a more naturally curved and feminine hairline. The follicles are placed strategically so that they look effortlessly natural.
The FUE Method
Whether using FUE for a more feminine or masculine hairline, here are the steps involved.
- Consultation
The first step is always a no-obligation consultation, where you’ll get to talk to hair experts to discuss your specific goals. This confidential consultation is a chance for you to explain your goals, whether you are aiming for a more feminine or masculine hairline.
- Extraction
The procedure itself begins with the extraction of the hair follicles, typically from the back or sides of the scalp, where the hair is the healthiest and densest.
- Preparation
After extracting the follicles, the surgeon then prepares them under a microscope.
- Implantation
After preparation, the surgeon then takes the individual hair follicles and implants them into the areas of the scalp where the individual wants new hair to grow. They use precise techniques and equipment, angling the hairs in such a way that it looks beautifully natural. Exactly where the hairs are placed depends on what has been discussed during consultations and the goals of the patient.
- Recovery and Results
Finally, there’s the recovery, which is fortunately pretty swift. The first couple of weeks often come with some symptoms like scabbing and mild swelling, but this passes quite quickly. We always provide a care package and follow-up appointments to ensure the best results. The downtime is minimal, and results start showing through after around three months, with full results being visible after twelve months. It looks natural, with the hair growing through in a seamless pattern with your own hair.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Any transgender individual who is seeking a more feminine or masculine hairline can benefit from this treatment. In particular, individuals undergoing gender transition find that a FUE hair transplant can help them achieve a natural, permanent, gender-affirming hairline that helps them feel more comfortable and confident in themselves.
It is very effective for those who have experienced hair loss after getting FTM hormone therapy, as this therapy can cause hair loss, especially at the temples and crown. It can also be helpful for those undergoing MTF gender affirming care who are still dealing with pre-existing male pattern baldness.
If you are unsure whether an FTM hair transplant or MTF hair transplant is right for you, schedule a confidential consultation with our expert team for a personalised assessment.
The Benefits of a Transgender Hair Transplant
Here are some of the advantages of seeking a transgender hair transplant here at Harley Street Hair Clinic.
- It Meets Gender Affirming Goals: A transgender hair transplant offers gender-affirming hair restoration, which can be used in conjunction with other gender affirming goals.
- It is Permanent: You won’t have to worry about your hair returning to how it once was, as the results of a FUE hair transplant are permanent.
- It is Natural: The FUE method uses a micro-surgical technique that leaves no scarring. Plus, our expert team knows exactly how to implant and angle hair follicles so that they look perfectly natural.
- Can Address Different Areas: As well as being used for the scalp, a transgender hair transplant can also be used to address beard and eyebrow density as part of an FTM transition.
- Tailored to Transition Needs: We always provide reassuring, confidential, expert care tailored to your specific transition needs. We will listen to you and create a hair restoration plan that meets your goals.
Treatment Process & Comfort
We understand that the idea of a surgical hair transplant can be scary to some people. Rest assured that our expert team does everything we can to make the treatment process as comfortable as possible. Here’s how we manage that.
- Local Anaesthetic: We always use local anaesthetic before the procedure, as this makes the whole process painless.
- Micro-surgical Technique: Our surgeons use a micro-surgical technique that makes the process minimally invasive. Plus, it ensures precise, natural placement for optimal results.
- Aftercare: We provide an aftercare package with detailed guidance, a gentle shampoo, and an antibiotic treatment to speed up recovery and ensure minimal side effects.
Regarding procedure duration, that depends on the area and number of grafts required. Naturally, the more grafts needed for the hair transplant, the longer it will take. We can give you a general timescale during a consultation.
The Cost of a Transgender Hair Transplant
The cost of a transgender hair transplant varies significantly, but it starts from £3,000. Factors that affect the cost include:
- Hair Density
- Donor Availability
- Area Coverage
- Complexity
The more grafts you need, the higher the cost will be.
We have a graft calculator for a preliminary estimate, but if you want a more accurate cost estimate, you can receive a personalised quote during a consultation.
The Results
A FUE transgender hair transplant involves transplanting hair follicles, which then can grow hair in the same area to improve hairline shape and density in alignment with gender goals. Here’s what to expect after treatment.
1-3 Months
The first few months following a hair transplant usually involve hair shock loss. After the initial healing, the transplanted hair will shed from the scalp. Don’t worry – this is completely normal and temporary!
Month 3
At month three, you will notice new hairs beginning to emerge in the treated areas. The hair will be very short but noticeable. It will likely also be delicate and fine, but it will get thicker over time.
Month 6
After around six months, the transplanted hairs will start to thicken and mature, and you’ll experience much denser hair around the treated areas.
Month 12
It takes around twelve months for the full results to show. After month twelve, you’ll have full hair density in the treated areas. At this stage, you’ll attend a follow-up appointment with our team so we can see the results!
Transgender Hair Transplant: FAQs
A transgender hair transplant works by taking individual hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transplanting them into another area – for example, the hairline, beard, or eyebrows – to align with gender affirmation goals.
If you are currently seeking gender affirming care or transitioning, a FTM or MTF hair transplant is likely a good option for you. That’s particularly true if you have experienced hormonal hair loss around the front of the hair.
It takes three months to start to see the results – at which point, you’ll notice short, fine hairs growing through in the treated areas. It then takes up to twelve months to see the full results, at which point the hairs will be more mature and thicker.
No, a hair transplant is typically not painful. This is because we use a local anaesthetic, so you can stay awake but will not feel any pain during the procedure.
It depends on the complexity of the hair transplant and the number of grafts needed, but it will typically cost anywhere between £3,000 – £10,000.
No – as a hair transplant is considered cosmetic surgery, it is not available on the NHS.
Yes, a hair transplant transplants hair follicles, which take root and stay in the new area, growing natural-looking hair for a lifetime.
Yes, hair transplants are popular for those seeking FTM gender affirming care, as they can be used to grow a beard. This works by taking hair follicles from the scalp and then transplanting them into the beard area, allowing the individual to grow a thicker, denser beard.
There are some people who aren’t suitable for a hair transplant. For example, those whose hair loss hasn’t stabilised should not yet get a hair transplant. Also, those with specific medical conditions, such as blood disorders, may also not be able to get a hair transplant.
Our aftercare package includes a 3-day antibiotic treatment (to prevent the risk of infection), a gentle shampoo, and instructions on how to treat your scalp during the early days of recovery (such as avoiding the sun).
Book a Consultation for Gender-Affirming Hair Restoration
At Harley Street Hair Clinic, we are experts in permanent hairline reshaping for transgender individuals. We understand that a hair transplant can play a key role in gender affirming care, helping individuals feel more comfortable in their skin and feel more in line with their authentic selves. With our expert care, you can transform your hairline in alignment with your goals, whether you are on a male-to-female or female-to-male journey.
Book a consultation with one of our friendly team members today – all consultations are confidential and there is no obligation to go through with treatment. You can also send us photos for a personalised assessment if you want more information about how many grafts you might need and the cost of the treatment for you.