A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that moves hair from a “donor” area (usually the back or sides of the scalp) to an area that is thinning or bald. It’s most commonly used for pattern hair loss (the type that runs in families).

A key limitation: donor hair is finite. That’s why planning matters—especially if hair loss is still progressing. The goal isn’t just “more hair now,” but a result that still looks natural years later if surrounding hair continues to thin.

Most clinics use one of two established techniques:

A thin strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, separated into grafts, then implanted into the thinning area. FUT usually leaves a linear scar at the back of the scalp.

The donor area is shaved and individual grafts are removed one-by-one, then implanted. FUE typically leaves many tiny scars that are usually less noticeable than a strip scar.

Both can work well—your candidacy depends on the pattern and stage of hair loss, donor density, scalp characteristics, and long-term plan.

Costs vary widely by country, clinic, technique, and the extent of hair loss. For example, the UK’s NHS notes that a hair transplant can cost £1,000–£30,000 depending on the extent of loss and clinic quality.

A useful way to think about cost: you’re paying for medical expertise, safe operating standards, correct planning, and post-op support—not just the number of grafts. Choosing based on price alone can increase the risk of poor design, complications, or disappointing aesthetics.

Procedure time: most hair transplants are done under local anaesthetic (often with sedation). The NHS notes it typically takes a day, and larger areas may require 2 or more sessions.

Recovery and results timeline (realistic expectations): recovery isn’t just “a few days” — it’s a process.

Common short-term effects can include a tight or achy scalp, swelling for a few days, and temporary scabbing at transplant sites, plus visible scarring (single or tiny scars depending on technique).

As with any surgery, there’s also a small risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anaesthetic—and a chance that some grafts don’t “take,” or that scarring becomes more noticeable.