HAIR TRANSPLANT COST?

Published 3 January 2025

Your hair transplant cost is based on a few factors.  

If you are trying to determine the cost, you will need to consider how many grafts (not hairs) are required.  

The international standard for the hair transplant industry is to quote in grafts not hairs.

One follicle always equates to one graft! One follicle can produce 1- 4 hairs.  Each person is unique in how many grafts they have available at the back and sides of their scalp, and how many hairs are in each follicle.

Patients with thick density and close sitting follicles will have more donor hairs available to use where they have lost hair or experienced thinning.

Hair line lowering with high density in the temples Actual Hair Transplant Patient - Blake

Hair line lowering with high density in the temples
Actual Hair Transplant Patient – Blake

THE NUMBER OF GRAFTS WILL DETERMINE YOUR HAIR TRANSPLANT COST

Many clinics quote in hairs which can be confusing and impossible to compare quotes.  It is often used as a sales tactic for new beginner doctors that do not have the years of experience to perform large procedures safely, with high success rates

Due to the commercialisation of FUE hair transplantation and new clinics opening and promoting themselves, the internet is full of information that can be conflicting. You should also examine the images to confirm they aren’t enhanced and check the donor region for any damage.

Relying on before and after images that list the number of grafts used is not a reliable indicator to determine how many grafts you will require.

You need to consider:

  • How thick is your hair around the back and sides?
  • How close does your donor follicles sit beside each other?
  • Will you suffer further hair loss in the future?
  • How thick is your expectation to ensure the effort is worth the visual outcome?
  • The doctors success and graft survival rate. 

You will need to book an in person or online consultation for an accurate assessment. Click here to book with Medihair

During your consultation the specialist should determine your:

  • Genetic history
  • General health 
  • Stability of your existing hair
  • Degree of hair loss
  • Degree of donor availability to achieve your immediate goals
  • Degree of donor hair availability to preserve for the future in case you lose more hair
  • Your expectation of thickness and surface area coverage

From this information it will be clear how many grafts will be required to meet your expectation, and if you have enough donor material to do so safely now (and for the future). 

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS), have studies that teach new surgeons about the safest number or grafts to perform on patients and other critical success factors to determine the highest yield and success rates.  

Having your procedure performed by an accredited American Board-Certified Hair Transplant Surgeon or an experienced hair transplant doctor with years of experience ensures a higher chance that your procedure is performed safely, and your follicles will survive the procedure and grow well.  

AVERAGE HAIR TRANSPLANT COST IN AUSTRALIA 

The cost of hair transplant procedures in Australia can range significantly. On average, prices range between AUD $8,000 and AUD $20,000 or more. 

SHOULD I GO OVERSEAS TO TURKEY OR STAY IN AUSTRALIA?

Some patients consider going overseas and especially Turkey, as they are known for offering cheap hair transplantation. Whilst hair transplantation is more expensive in Australia it is worth weighing up the cost savings compared to all the potential risks.  At Medihair we meet patients that return from overseas with less than desired outcomes. Often these patients require hair transplant correction

WHAT YOU ARE REALLY PAYING FOR

The influencing factors that contribute to the cost of a hair transplant:

  1. Doctor Experience & Technique
    FUE – Follicular Unit Extraction and FUT – Follicular Unit Transplant are both viable models of surgeries for the right patient.
    Not everyone in Australia is allowed to perform FUT.  In fact, very few hair transplant doctors perform FUT because they do not have the qualifications, expertise or ability to be insured.
    The highest level of hair doctors in Australia are those that are qualified to perform FUE and FUT!
    All Medihair the doctors perform both procedures, the cost is the same regardless of technique allowing our doctors to assess your situation objectively and map out the advantages and disadvantages of each. From this information you can make better decisions for yourself.\
    Doctors with years of experience will have the best survival and growth rates and be best placed to preserve your donor hair. This is critical in the event you stop medication or lose more of your own hair.
    Doctors with long term experience have the highest growth rates and thickest yield without the back and sides of your hair looking see-through.
  2. Degree of Hair Loss: The degree of hair loss will affect the number of grafts required to improve your appearance thereby influence the cost. The greater the hair loss the more grafts you will need which in turn will increase the cost. 
  3. Desired Thickness: The density of your existing hair will determine the number of grafts required. If you want the thickest result possible it will require more grafts.

OTHER COSTS

When planning for a hair transplant, there may be other additional costs to consider:

  • Consultation Fees: Some clinics charge for initial consultations, and consultations afterwards while others may offer a complimentary consultation, and no charge follow up appointments for the first 12 months.
  • Post-Operative Care: Hair loss Medications to save your existing hair and promote thicker growth and any necessary aftercare products will cost you extra.
  • Payment Plans: Many clinics offer financing plans so you can have your hair now and pay later. Plans can start from as little as $50 per week and can be paid up to 7 years. For example, tlc.com.au have an easy online application process and transparent terms

THE MEDIHAIR DIFFERENCE

The next step is to book a consultation with Medihair so we can review your scalp and give you a quote if you area an appropriate candidate. Book here to book your consultation or call us on 1300 355 325. 

Rest assured; we will turn you away if we are not confident that we can achieve a great outcome or believe you may not be a good candidate for our procedures. Your satisfaction, confidence and hair are our primary goals!

AUTHOR

Bianca Shaw

A well-respected surgical stylist, Bianca Shaw has worked in the hair loss industry for 28 years, educating and supporting patients, and working alongside many of Australia’s leading surgeons. Qualified in Trichology and Hairdressing, Bianca was initially trained by a leading hair transplant surgeon and can perform a range of procedures including hair line design, placement of grafts for maximum density, and the dissection and implantation of hair follicles.

Having worked for leading hair loss companies, and managing a number of successful hair transplant practices, Bianca is committed to helping patients understand the treatment options available, ensuring they make the best decision and get the best results to improve their appearance and quality of life.