Are you suitable for a Hair Transplant?


Hair Transplants can have life-changing effects for those who are eligible candidates for the procedure, but unfortunately, not everyone who rings up asking for it is suitable.

Our goal here is to clarify who wouldn’t benefit from booking a Hair Transplant consultation and why, but first, we’re going to do a quick recap about what a Hair Transplant involves.

What is an FUE Hair Transplant?

We use the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method for Hair Transplants to move healthy hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back of the head) onto a bald area.
In order to get the whole follicle along with the required glands, an advanced punch device is used, which minimises tissue trauma as well as the risk of any visible linear scarring.
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic so as to reduce downtime and leaves the patient with permanent, natural results.

Who is unsuitable for a Hair Transplant?

This might seem pretty obvious but patients with a full head of hair are not going to be suitable for Hair Transplants. Unless you’re suffering from Male or Female Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) and are bald, or balding, with a visible scalp, then your time will be wasted on a Hair Transplant consultation.
Hair Loss Patterns
On the flipside, if you have poor donor areas then there’s also not much we can do. This is something a specialist will be able to advise you on because even though hair from the back of the head is usually used, our expertise enables us to use body hair when applicable.

Issues can also arise if you’re losing hair at a sporadic rate since people with unstable hair loss will have to go through a period of stabilisation. With medication, it normally takes between six to nine months for your hair to reach a stage where none of it is lost or gained and an apparent pattern is once again discernible.
Another thing to keep in mind when considering a Hair Transplant is that you have to manage your expectations. Sometimes it so happens that either because of the reasons mentioned above or because someone’s expectations can’t be achieved, they will not be eligible for the procedure. You won’t be able to lower your hairline, nor should you expect to have a full head hair if your donor area is limited.

Before, During, After Hair Transplantation The private clinic results FUE 2
Different stages of a FUE Hair Transplant at The Private Clinic.

Finally, let’s reiterate, only patients who have experienced hair loss and/or degrees of balding are suitable for Hair Transplants.
Don’t despair quite yet – if you fit into any of the above categories but are still worried about hair loss, you have more options.

The best way to find out your suitability for a hair transplant is to attend a consultation with one of our expert hair transplant surgeons who will be able to assess your hair loss and provide advice on the most suitable treatment options.

Find out more about what to expect at a hair transplant consultation here.

Book a consultation here.

I am unsuitable for a transplant… what happens now?

Just because you can’t have a Hair Transplant doesn’t mean that you’re left without options. If you’re in the initial stages of hair loss and your scalp isn’t exposed yet, then you can visit one of our highly reputable Trichologists. They specialise in scalp and hair health and should be your first point of contact for any kind of hair-related concerns.

If you’re in the first or second stage of the Norwood Hair Loss Scale, a Trichologist will go through a thorough analysis of your lifestyle, diet and medical history to pinpoint the cause of your hair loss and will then be able to suggest an appropriate form of treatment.


The same goes for those who have forms of Alopecia other than the Androgenic kind. A Trichologist will be able to establish the kind of Alopecia you do have and will know what products, medication or alternative treatments will be best suited for your scalp and hair.

We offer a range of alternative treatments including:

Why choose The Private Clinic for your FUE Hair Transplant?

  • We have highly experienced Hair Transplant Surgeons who have decades of experience and who have carried out thousands of hair transplant procedures
  • FUE is a minimally invasive treatment (meaning there is no cutting of a strip), and carried out under local anaesthetic – many patients either watch TV, or even fall asleep during the procedure.
  • You won’t require any stitches after your treatment. This means that the recovery time is also reduced when compared to the Strip surgery (FUT). Find out more about hair transplant recovery here.
  • We use the finest instruments, resulting in as minimal trauma to your scalp as possible.
  • Thanks to our advanced skills and techniques, our team ensure that the donor area looks intact after the hair transplant procedure and you can keep your hair really short if you prefer without any obvious scarring.
  • Following treatment, there will be no linear scarring across the back of your head as seen with the strip method (FUT) – you’ll be free to wear your hair long or short.
  • We choose the best follicular unit (a group of hairs); this ensures that only the strongest, healthiest grafts are used for your hair transplant procedure.
  • Your results will look natural, with denser packing – the hair is implanted in the direction that matches your hair growth, and because we select healthy follicular units, the treated area will look densely filled.
  • Our surgeons are the only surgeons in the UK offering the Unshaven Hair Transplant (U-FUE) (the long-hair hair transplant), to those who prefer not to shave beforehand. At your consultation, we will be able to advise you on whether an unshaven procedure is suitable for you.
  • Scars resulting from injuries or previous surgeries can also be corrected. This could be a previous bad hair transplant or we can cover linear scars caused by FUT hair transplants.
  • The Private Clinic prides itself on ensuring you have the best quality and most comprehensive care.
  • We offer a 24-hour patient helpline to ensure you are always in the best of hands.
  • You are entitled to as many post-operative care and appointments with your Hair Transplant surgeon and the nursing team as required.
  • We provide comprehensive patient information, every step of the way.
  • We have outstanding hospital facilities that are within our clinics for your convenience.
  • See our Hair Transplant videos 
  • View more hair transplant before and after results
  • Read our extensive hair transplant FAQs
  • Hear from previous hair transplant patients in our patient stories and videos
  • Find out more information in our hair transplant blogs

Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a new hairline.

Our specialist hair transplant surgeons –

Hair transplant consultations and procedures are available in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Northampton.

If you would like to discuss your hair transplant options please call 03339209135 to book a consultation with one of our surgeons or expert advisors.