Hair Transplant Suitability for Transgender Patients at My Hair UK Manchester Clinic

As a doctor working in the field of hair restoration, I’ve come to appreciate how deeply connected hair is to a person’s identity. For many transgender patients, particularly those transitioning from male to female (MTF) or female to male (FTM), hair plays a significant role in aligning physical appearance with gender identity. At My Hair UK’s Manchester clinic, we recognise that transgender patients often arrive with different motivations, anatomical differences, and long-term goals than cisgender patients. This demands a thoughtful, tailored medical approach.

Understanding the suitability of a hair transplant in this group means examining the patient’s hormonal status, hair loss pattern, medical history, and expectations in full. We routinely offer Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) surgery, which remains the most precise and minimally invasive method for transplanting hair. FUE is well suited for transgender patients as it avoids linear scars and allows for refined shaping of hairlines or facial hair depending on the direction of transition.

For MTF individuals, the goal is often to feminise the frontal hairline, soften the temples, and increase overall density. This frequently requires recreating a rounded hairline that mirrors female patterns. Preoperative evaluation must assess for androgenetic alopecia, which may still be active even in patients undergoing oestrogen therapy. Oestrogen may reduce further hair thinning, but it cannot reverse existing miniaturisation. Finasteride, while often used in cisgender men to reduce hair loss, is not routinely prescribed in trans women unless under specialist care, and this decision must be made in partnership with the patient’s gender care team. In contrast, for FTM patients, testosterone therapy can stimulate the growth of facial hair, but it may not be uniform. Beard and moustache transplants using FUE can fill gaps or create a full masculine aesthetic. This technique is particularly useful for achieving density in the cheeks and jawline where native follicles may be sparse or unresponsive to hormonal treatment.

An important clinical concern is the donor area. FUE relies on harvesting follicles typically from the occipital scalp. In some transgender patients, the donor zone may be reduced or variable depending on hormone therapy, age, and genetics. Density and calibre of hairs must be assessed carefully to ensure a successful yield. We use magnified inspection and density calculation to plan the procedure effectively and avoid overharvesting.

Transgender hair transplants should always be done after stabilising hormone levels and under medical supervision. An up-to-date endocrinology report is useful, and we recommend that all patients—regardless of gender—book a general health check with their GP before consultation. Hormonal therapies can influence haemoglobin levels, wound healing, and clotting time, all of which matter during and after surgery.

If you’re in Manchester, you may wish to arrange a health review with one of the following GP surgeries before visiting our clinic:

Ashville Surgery, 171 Upper Chorlton Rd, Manchester M16 9RT
The Robert Darbishire Practice, Rusholme Health Centre, Walmer St, Manchester M14 5NP
Manchester Medical, Moss Side Health Centre, Monton St, Manchester M14 4GP

Hair transplant costs at My Hair UK are fixed and transparent. For transgender patients seeking scalp hair restoration, pricing is based on graft number rather than identity. As of this writing, 1000 grafts (about 2000 hairs) cost £2,899; 2000 grafts cost £3,699; and 3000 grafts are priced at £4,499. Beard transplants, which are common for FTM patients, are priced at £2,899, regardless of the number of grafts, provided they can be completed in a single session. We do not vary costs based on gender. Every patient receives a detailed medical review and graft count tailored to their goals and donor capacity.

A 2021 review by Vujovic et al. published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine explores dermatological concerns in transgender individuals and highlights the impact of hormone therapy on skin and hair growth patterns. This work reinforces the need for medically led planning in hair procedures for trans patients. Similarly, literature shows that gender-affirming surgeries have psychological benefits, with hair restoration contributing significantly to improved quality of life.

If you are searching for a hair transplant clinic in Manchester, we don’t see your identity as a barrier. We see it as a starting point for a medically sound plan. Your goals are valid, and your care should reflect that. We encourage you to come in for a consultation only after you’ve had a general health review with your GP, especially if you’re on hormonal treatment or other medications. This safeguards your wellbeing and improves your surgical outcome.