At What Age Can You Get A Hair Transplant?

John M

Hi, I'm John. About age 30 my hair started receding. After trying lots of products I eventually decided on a hair transplant. And now I have my hair back.

Are you in your twenties and considering a hair transplant? The hair transplant surgeon may decline your request for good reasons.

It’s possible to get a hair transplant in your teens, but hair loss in your teens and early twenties is likely to persist for at least ten years. An early hair transplant could leave you with an unnatural hairline down the road as your hair loss progresses.

Can you get a hair transplant too early?

Yes. Don’t think that a hair transplant will be the end of your hair loss! You can experience further hair loss after a hair transplant, and sometimes it’s significant.

The problem with transplanting hair in a person in their 20s is if the hair loss continues (which it will), you could have an area of thick, lush transplanted hair surrounded by baldness.

I’m sure you would agree this would not be a good look for you.

Can you get a hair transplant in your teens?

No. Your hair loss will continue for a decade or more, and it’s best to wait to see what hair you will be left with for the best results.

Can I get a hair transplant at 16? Procedure wise yes, you could, but it would not be advised for the same reasons as above. Everybody knows your self-esteem may be dented, but it’s ok to have male pattern baldness, and you are not alone.

Can you get a hair transplant at 18? The hormone DHT Dihydrotestosterone is causing hair loss, and it’s a hormone that men and women both have.

You will need to wait until at least 30 to get the best from a hair transplant.

Can you get a hair transplant in your twenties? You are probably aware of famous footballers having hair transplants in their twenties, and everyone would need to agree it worked and they look good.

However, unless you have premier league footballers bank accounts and the time off to have multiple hair transplant procedures, it’s not a good idea to have a hair transplant in your twenties.

In your twenties, you will experience more hair loss which should slow when you reach the age of 30. This is why 30 is the ideal age to investigate a hair transplant.

Can I get a hair transplant at 24? For precisely the same reasons stated above, it’s not advisable to proceed with a hair transplant at 24. After a few years, you could be left with an oasis of thick hair surrounded by a sea of baldness. Wait until the time is right.

Hair transplants are best in your 30s

It has become apparent that the best age to consider a hair transplant is around the age of 30 to achieve the best results.

Nothing is stopping you from consulting with a hair transplant surgeon and discussing your options.

You can talk to an expert here.

Top 5 Reasons to go abroad for a Hair Transplant

1. Save at least 60% on the cost

A hair transplant in Europe is at least 60% cheaper than in the UK. And most packages are all inclusive, including your accommodation and airport transfers.

2. Europe has some of the most experienced surgeons in the world

Europe has more clinics, which have been established and running for much longer than clinics in the UK. The price is also lower, making it more accessible for people.

Surgeons in Europe will have carried out hundreds, if not thousands more procedures than UK based surgeons. Because of this some UK clinics will bring in surgeons from Europe to carry out your procedure.

3. Hair restoration clinics in Europe are state or the art

Many facilities in Europe are dedicated hair restoration clinics. They only perform that type of treatment. As such all equipment, facilities, techniques and staff are specialists in hair restoration.

Hair restoration is only now becoming more popular in the UK, so many UK clinics are general cosmetic facilities that carry out various procedures.

4. Get even more value by making your transplant into a holiday

Europe is such a popular holiday destination for many reasons, the culture, history, sights, cuisine, shopping, great weather, your money goes further, it’s widely English speaking, and it’s just 2 or 3 hours away by plane.

The list goes on! So why not travel a few days earlier, grab a low cost Airbnb or hotel, take a friend or partner and enjoy the city for a few days before your transplant.

5. Hassle free process

It’s so easy to get an assessment and price. Contact the clinic, arrange an initial consultation in the UK with your surgeon, or do an online consultation by sending a few pictures and answering some basic questions.

Once you’re happy, pick a date and you’re done! The clinic will send you all the paperwork and itinerary so you know exactly what’s happening. You don’t pay until you go for treatment.

You just hop on the plane. A transfer car will meet you as you get off the plane and take you to the clinic. It’s such an easy process. Easy!

Top 5 Hair Transplant Tips

1. Know your post-op timeline – The key dates!

You need to take the upmost care in the first 7 days
You can leave the house after 7 days, but I advise you take at least 2 weeks off work.
You won’t be able to wear a hat or exercise for up to 4 weeks after.
Around 2 – 4 weeks your new hair will fall out, you’ll look a little red and sore – similar to sunburn.
Around 4 months your new hair starts growing and looking good.
By 6 months you can’t tell you’ve had a transplant.

You can get a haircut after the first month, or you can keep it short yourself with clippers until it starts to grow back.

2. Pick the right time to schedule your treatment

Good clinics will be busy, so you may have to wait 2 months to get an appointment – this is a good thing. So knowing that and knowing your post-op timeline (above) means you can plan the perfect time around your social or work calendar.

If you have important social events coming up, particularly if you know you’ll be photographed then you may plan your transplant 6 months in advance, or wait until your calendar is free.

3. Set your expectations

If your hair has receded at the front you’ll want the clinic to draw an expected hairline on your head or on pictures of you as soon as possible. They’ll then also talk about the number of grafts or hairs you’ll need and how thick the result will look.

The sooner you can establish this, the sooner you’ll know exactly what to expect. A good clinic will also take into consideration a natural looking hair line for your age and your face and head shape. Have an honest conversation and be open to their expert feedback.

4. Knowing what the journey home looks like

There’s no way around it, you’ll have to go out in public to travel home. The worst part is sitting at the airport for 2 hours or so whilst you wait for your plane.

I found it was best to embrace it. People are nice for the most part and won’t stare, and if one or two do who cares – you will never see those people again! You may even be at the airport with other transplant patients, I wasn’t the only one!

Take a travel pillow and have someone pick you up if possible, so you can exit swiftly and get back home as soon as possible. It’s natural to be self-conscious, but it’s over fast and well worth it.

Tip! Just take carry-on luggage to keep your check-in and wait time down.

5. Choosing the right clinic

Pick somewhere you can travel to and from easily
Check their reviews online, not just on their site!
Do they have a good quality website and professional looking emails?
Can you see actual case studies of previous patients online?
Do they have an address? Can you see it on Google street view?
Can you meet your surgeon for a consultation beforehand?
Do you know someone who’s been there before – first hand opinion is amazing!

John M

Hi, I'm John. About age 30 my hair started receding. After trying lots of products I eventually decided on a hair transplant. And now I have my hair back.

A Simple Way To Keep Hair Healthy And Thick

Do you want to keep your hair without surgery? I get it … surgery can be expensive and frightening. Although it’s the most effective solution when things go bad and it helped me, you still experience some discomfort and have to take some time off from work.