Top Hair Loss Treatments for All Hair Types

In this world of advanced medical techniques, there are several ways to effectively treat hair loss, giving individuals a chance to regrow their locks and feel good about their appearance. The most clinically proven techniques involve hair transplant surgery, a method that involves transplanting hair follicles to the balding section for new growth. The best type of hair transplant depends entirely on the unique individual’s circumstances, including the cause of their hair loss, the stage of hair loss, donor availability, and long-term goals. Here, we’ll explore the following surgical hair loss treatments: 

• FUE (follicular unit extraction)
• DHI (direct hair implantation) 
• Eyebrow Transplants
• Beard Transplants

Best Hair Loss Treatments — Explained by Specialists

With several hair loss treatments available, it can be hard to distinguish which is the best one for you. 

In this guide, you’ll find expert-led breakdowns of the most effective surgical treatments available in the UK, with insights into how they work, the benefits, the risks, and the ideal candidates. Hopefully, it can point you in the best direction for your hair restoration goals. 

FUE Hair Transplant

The FUE hair transplant is the gold-standard when it comes to minimally invasive hair restoration. It’s a permanent solution specifically for pattern hair loss, suitable for receding hairlines, crown thinning, and male pattern baldness. 

How FUE Works

FUE is performed by a hair transplant surgeon, with the patient under local anaesthetic. The process involves a very meticulous process of extracting donor hairs from the recipient area of the scalp (often the back or sides where hair is densest). Those same follicles are then carefully implanted into the recipient side. 

Following a FUE hair transplant, individuals experience some hair shedding after the first month, which is very normal and happens due to the temporary trauma to the follicles. This makes way for new growth, with the first signs of hair regrowth happening at around the three-month mark. Full results show through after twelve to eighteen months. 

Benefits of FUE

FUE is a highly popular option for several reasons: 

A natural hairline design: The meticulous nature of FUE means the surgeon can carefully transplant hair to create a natural hairline. 

Minimal linear scarring: Unlike other surgical options like FUT (follicular unit transplantation), FUE involves extracting individual hair follicles, which means patients avoid a noticeable linear scar left on their scalp. 

High graft survival rate: FUE is an effective method that has a high graft survival rate, meaning more of the follicles survive the transplantation and grow new hair. 

FUE Risks & Considerations

Of course, there are also some considerations with FUE, like with any type of surgery. Here are some of the side effects and risks to be aware of: 

Temporary swelling/redness: Directly following the FUE surgery, patients may experience some temporary redness and swelling. Painkillers can help with the discomfort. 

Shock hair loss: Many patients report hair shedding within the first month, this is known as shock loss and is temporary. 

Need for sufficient donor density: FUE isn’t for everyone, as the patient needs sufficient hair density in order for the surgeon to have enough hair follicles to extract from. 

The need for surgical expertise: In the wrong hands, FUE can go wrong. For example, the results may look unnatural. That’s why it’s so important to research your chosen surgeon, picking a clinic that is highly reputable. 

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Here’s who makes a good candidate for a FUE hair transplant: 

• Individuals with a stable pattern of hair loss
• People who are on the Norwood scale 3 or above
• Those with enough healthy and dense donor hair
• Individuals with realistic expectations about the procedure and results 

DHI Hair Transplant

DHI (direct hair implantation) is an extremely precise hair loss treatment that uses a specialised tool called the Choi implanter pen. Incisions with this device are minimal, which means it doesn’t lead to as much trauma to the scalp. Plus, the use of the specialised pen means absolute control over the placement and density. In general, this treatment for hair loss is used for smaller areas on the scalp. 

How DHI Works

The surgeon starts by extracting hair follicles from the scalp, usually from the back or sides where hair is densest. These follicles can then be immediately implanted into the recipient area without any pre-made channels using a specialised DHI tool called the Choi implanter pen. This gives the surgeon absolute control over angle and depth precision, and as such, exact hair goals can be reached. As there are minimal incisions, the recovery process is swift, too. 

Benefits of DHI

DHI boasts several advantages that individuals wanting a hair transplant are looking for, including: 

Precise hairline refinement: The implanter pen means absolute precision (when used by a skilled surgeon). 

Dense packing in smaller areas: This hair loss treatment method can pack follicles in densely, leading to thicker regrowth. 

Minimal downtime: As there is no need for incisions (or a minimal need, at least), the downtime following the surgery is minimal, with most people experiencing little discomfort. 

DHI Risks & Considerations

It’s clear why many see DHT as the best hair loss treatment, as it’s a minimally invasive procedure that provides minimal downtime and absolute precision. However, there are still risks and considerations. 

Temporary shedding: Like with FUE, DHI can lead to temporary hair loss following the procedure. 

Swelling and redness: While it’s minimally invasive, many patients still experience discomfort of the scalp following the surgery, including redness and swelling. 

Requires an expert clinical team: The pen tool cannot do all the work; expertise and experience from the surgeon and team are essential for natural and safe results. 

Cost considerations: DHI is the most expensive kind of hair transplant surgery and might be out of some people’s budgets. 

Who Is a Good Candidate?

• Patients wanting a very refined hairline 

• Individuals needing higher density in targeted areas
• Individuals on stage 3+ of the Norwood scale
• People with enough healthy donor hair

Eyebrow Transplants Overview: Facial hair restoration for thinning eyebrows

Surgical hair loss treatments are not only for the scalp; it’s also possible to get a hair transplant for the eyebrows. They can fill in gaps in the eyebrows or create a natural, fuller look for individuals with naturally thinner brows. 

How Eyebrow Transplants Work

It starts with the surgeon harvesting donor hairs, often from the scalp. These hair follicles are then implanted into the eyebrow area, specifically following the natural growth angles to match the existing facial hair pattern. After implantation, the hair follicles regrow hair in that area, leading to fuller brows. 

Benefits of an Eyebrow Transplant

While there are other options for eyebrow fullness (such as makeup and tattooing), there are clear benefits of seeking an eyebrow transplant: 

• A permanent solution
• It achieves a natural growth direction
• Improved symmetry of the brows
• Enhanced facial features

Eyebrow Transplant Risks & Considerations

There are some risks and considerations associated with an eyebrow transplant to keep in mind: 

• Temporary redness and swelling following the surgery
• Temporary brow loss (shock loss) after a few weeks
• The need for precise artistic placement
• The risk of graft failure

It’s crucial to choose a surgeon and clinic with extensive experience with eyebrow transplants to ensure natural results. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Eyebrow Transplant?

An eyebrow transplant is one of the best hair loss treatments for anyone with thinning or sparse eyebrows, whether that’s due to overplucking or naturally fine/thin eyebrow hair. 

Beard & Transplants

Another great treatment for hair loss includes the beard transplant. Many people experience hair loss around the beard, causing patchy beard growth. A beard transplant can restore this lost hair and drastically improve appearance. 

How Beard Transplants Work

Beard transplants work similarly to other types of hair transplants. Donor follicles are extracted (often from the scalp). Then, the surgeon implants those follicles at natural growth angles to match existing facial hair patterns. The new, permanent beard growth starts to show through within a few months. 

Benefits of a Beard Transplant

Permanent density: A beard transplant is permanent, so patients can enjoy a thick, full beard for a lifetime. 

Natural growth direction: The surgeon places the hairs in the same direction as the beard, leading to natural results. 

Improved symmetry: A beard transplant can make the beard more symmetrical, which is a major component in facial harmony and attractiveness. 

Beard Transplant Risks & Considerations

Be aware of some of the risks before deciding on a beard transplant. 

Temporary redness and swelling: It’s normal to experience redness, swelling, and general discomfort following a beard transplant. 

Shock loss: Temporary shedding usually occurs a few weeks after the surgery. 

Need for precise artistic placement: A skilled surgeon is necessary for precise artistic placement. Otherwise, results can look very unnatural. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Beard Transplant?

A beard transplant is a good solution for anyone with a patchy beard. If you have experienced some beard thinning or have some patchy hair loss in the area, this procedure can give you the chance of a full, healthy, thick beard once more. 

How to Choose the Best Hair Loss Treatment for You

Are you unsure which is the best treatment for hair loss? Here is what to consider before deciding on one. 

The cause of hair loss: If your hair loss is caused by male/female pattern baldness (the most common cause of hair loss), a hair transplant may be the best solution. 

Severity of hair loss: There needs to be pretty extensive hair loss for a hair transplant to work best, for example, being at Norwood scale 3 or more. 

Age: Hair transplants are best for individuals over the age of 25, as this is usually when hair loss is stabilised. 

Long-term planning and budget: Naturally, your budget plays a role. Can you afford the hair transplant? This is especially important when considering DHI, as that’s an expensive option. Remember to never take a cheap option, as it’s always too good to be safe or effective. A reputable hair transplant clinic in London may cost more, but it will give you lifelong results you genuinely love. 

The best way to know the best hair loss treatment for you is to speak to a professional in person. A professional consultation will point you in the right direction. 

Hair Transplant vs Other Hair Loss Treatments

A hair transplant is not the only way to regrow hair. There are other hair loss treatments, including: 

• Minoxidil (over-the-counter medication)
• Finasteride (a prescription medication that blocks DHT)
• Clinical treatments (such as microneedling and light therapy)

These treatments can be very effective. However, they typically require you to do them constantly over time for results to stick. For example, if Minoxidil or Finasteride works for you, you’ll need to keep taking them forever. While they are initially cheaper than hair transplants, the cost can add up. 

How Much Does the Best Hair Loss Treatment Cost in the UK?

The price of a hair transplant depends on several factors: 

• Graft numbers
• Complexity
• Surgeon expertise

In general, the cost of FUE in the UK is around £3,000-£5,000 for 1,000 grafts, and the cost of DHI is between £6,000-£6,500 for 2,500 grafts. 

FAQs: Choosing the Best Hair Loss Treatment

Is a hair transplant permanent?

Yes, a hair transplant is permanent as the donor hair is DHT-resistant. For results to last forever, though, proper technique from a skilled surgeon is necessary. 

How long does it take to see results?

Initially, patients experience a shedding phase, which occurs about 2 to 4 weeks following the surgery. Then, the first results show through after month 3, with visible improvement after 6 months. Final results occur around 12 months after the surgery. 

Book a Consultation at HS Hair Clinic

Do you want to experience more confidence and a boosted appearance? A hair transplant can be truly transformative, especially when you choose the right method and surgeon. 

At Harley Street Hair Clinic, we always provide prospective patients with a personalised assessment and treatment planning, only offering the surgery to suitable candidates. If you want to know whether you are a good candidate for hair transplant surgery, book a consultation with our expert team today.