Can You Get an NHS Hair Transplant?

Hair transplants in the UK can cost up to £12,000, depending on the extent of hair loss and the type of procedure required. Given the high cost, many often find themselves asking if hair transplants are available for free on the NHS?

In this article, we will answer this question by outlining the hair loss procedures the NHS does cover, which procedures you will be required to pay for out of pocket, and where to find trustworthy, high-quality, and affordable options for hair surgeries in Turkey.

Summary

1. Can You Get a Hair Transplant on the NHS?
2. Do You Need To See Your GP About Hair Loss?
3. Mental Health and Hair Loss
4. What’s Not Covered?
5. The Benefits of a Private Hair Transpalnt
6. Transgender Hair Transplants
7. Why Choose Elithair?

Can You Get a Hair Transplant on the NHS?

The NHS provides healthcare to millions of people every year. Its services allow for free access to life-saving medical care. Unfortunately, given its stretched resources, the healthcare service is unable to provide free treatment to those seeking hair transplants.

Do You Need To See Your GP About Hair Loss?

Yes, your GP should always be your first point of contact if you are concerned about hair loss. Your GP will be able to help determine the cause of hair loss by examining your hair. If necessary, they will also be able to run any necessary initial tests. You may also consider discussing with your GP how your hair loss is affecting your mental wellbeing, and exploring available treatment options that could help.

Diagnosis

Before you can treat your hair loss, you must receive a diagnosis by a healthcare specialist. As there are many different types of hair loss, the appropriate course of treatment depends on diagnosis. Your GP can perform a number of tests to diagnose the underlying cause of your hair fall. These include:

• Hair pull test
• Scalp biopsy
• Blood test

With these test results, you and your healthcare provider will be able to develop a treatment plan. The results will also determine if your hair loss is temporary or permanent. For example, if you are suffering from stress, the side effects of any medication, or a nutrient deficiency, it is likely that your hair loss is temporary and your GP will be able to help you address the underlying cause and treat your symptoms.

However, if you have an alopecia or thinning hair, your hair loss is likely to be a long-term issue which will require specialised treatment, such as a hair transplant.

Non-surgical treatments

For a non-surgical approach, your GP can help by prescribing the topical medication Minoxidil. It is worth noting that this medication must be paid for out of pocket, and can cause some undesirable physical and psychological side effects. Additionally, they are not guaranteed to aid in hair regrowth, only in slowing the rate of ongoing hair loss.

Depending on the patient’s condition, wigs can also be offered as an option. In cases such as patients undergoing chemotherapy, the NHS will provide funds towards purchasing a wig. However, in less extreme cases, the cost will fall to the patient themselves.

Hair loss can be distressing, and emotional support is key. Your GP can aid in a referral to a support group or counselling.

Mental Health and Hair Loss

The toll on your mental health can further exacerbate your hair loss issues, so it’s important to tackle this aspect of your treatment as well. It’s not uncommon for hair loss to cause anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia, and stress disorders. Always seek professional help to overcome these mental health issues.

A study revealed that 62% of men with hair loss agreed that it could affect self-esteem. Those men who pursued treatment and reported success, also reported psychosocial benefits as a result, with a 59% improvement in parameters of self-esteem and perception of personal attractiveness. 

What’s Not Covered?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) assesses whether hair transplants are viable to be conducted by the NHS. They look at the demand for the service, potential effect on the patient, and whether resource and funding should be prioritised and delegated. In the case of hair loss, as it is usually considered a cosmetic condition rather than a life-saving need, treatments are not currently covered by the NHS. 

While the NHS won’t cover hair transplants, or hair loss medications or treatments, they do cover other forms of support for those suffering from hair loss. For example, your diagnostic tests are covered by the NHS, as are any referrals for mental health services.

The good news is, there are affordable options for private hair transplants and treatment options.

What Are the Benefits of a Private Hair Transplant?

There are a number of private options available, depending on the cause and severity of your hair loss. Whether you suffer from traction alopecia, androgenetic alopecia or other hair-related issues, there are treatments available privately.

It is understanable that many patients find seeking private care daunting, as it is a big decision and there are many things to take into consideration. There are, however, a number of advantages to private treatment options, such as:

• Elimination of long wait times and prevention of delays on the day of your procedure.
• Flexibility for your treatment based around your schedule. 
• Treatments that are tailor-made for you and your specific hair loss circumstances. 
• Dedicated specialist resource and personal care.

Additionally, by seeking a hair transplant outside of the UK, you can find high quality treatment at a more affordable price. Our prices are determined based on your individual case, and our all-inclusive offers cover everything from your accommodation to your airport transfers and aftercare.

Transgender Hair Transplants

Presently, the NHS does not cover hair transplants as gender affirming care for transgender patients. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help a great deal in reversing receding hairlines, or in overall hair and beard growth, some patients may wish to undergo a hair transplant as part of their transition. At Elithair, we can provide guidance on both surgical and non-surgical options for transgender patients. If you are considering a hair or beard transplant as part of your transition, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Why Choose Elithair?

Although the NHS is not able to provide support for this surgery, the option of a private hair transplant allows for specialised and experienced care. At the world’s largest hair loss clinic, Elithair can help you to regain your confidence with dedicated experts in hair transplantation. With innovative and exclusive methods, we are on hand to help you on your hair restoration journey. Elithair guarantees:

• State-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Care and expertise from Dr Balwi our hair surgery specialist.
• Understanding towards your emotional, cultural and religious reasons for hair restoration.
• Over 100,000 successful procedures with clear results from our before/after photo gallery.
• Post-operative support until the result is achieved.

Book a free consultation with free hair analysis to talk through your eligibility and treatment options.