My Hair Transplant Experience: A Patient’s Perspective

Why I Chose to Have a Hair Transplant

Hair loss crept up on me in my late twenties. At first, it was just the temples. Then I noticed thinning across the crown. I tried to ignore it, but it began to affect how I felt about myself—especially in photos or under bright lighting. I wasn’t interested in cover-ups or temporary fixes. I wanted something permanent, natural, and backed by real medical science.

After a lot of research, I decided on an FUE hair transplant. I live near Manchester, so I looked at local clinics first. My Hair UK stood out because of how transparent they were about costs, surgical planning, and patient care. From the first consultation, I felt confident they took both the medical and aesthetic side of things seriously. This wasn’t just cosmetic—it was about restoring a part of myself that felt lost.

What the Consultation and Planning Involved

The consultation at My Hair UK was unlike anything I’d experienced before. It wasn’t rushed. The doctor spent over an hour assessing my scalp, asking about my medical history, and explaining how the surgery would work. They used high-resolution imaging to examine the donor area and worked out exactly how many grafts would be safe to extract without causing damage.

I had 2,500 grafts done—just enough to rebuild the frontal hairline and mid-scalp without overharvesting. The doctor explained how important it is to plan for future hair loss too. If I lost more native hair later on, they didn’t want the transplanted hair to look unnatural. We also spoke about medical treatments like finasteride. I’d already been taking it, which helped confirm I was a good candidate for surgery. It made me feel more confident that this wasn’t just a cosmetic decision, but one supported by real evidence.

Day of Surgery and the Procedure Itself

I arrived early in the morning. The clinic was calm and well-organised. I was given a private room and met the surgical team. They shaved the donor area at the back of my head and injected local anaesthetic, which stung a little but wasn’t painful.

The extraction process took a few hours. I lay on my front while they used a tiny punch tool to remove individual grafts. They paused halfway through for a break and lunch, which was provided. Later in the day, they made tiny incisions in the recipient area and began placing the grafts one by one using implanter pens.

It wasn’t uncomfortable. Just long. But I appreciated how careful and methodical they were—checking the angle, depth, and spacing of every graft. The whole thing took about eight hours.

Recovery, Shedding, and Waiting for Results

The first week involved some redness, mild swelling, and crusting around the grafts. I followed the aftercare instructions exactly—daily saline sprays, sleeping upright, and avoiding touching the area. By day 10, most scabs had fallen off. After a few weeks, the transplanted hairs began to shed. I knew it was coming, but it was still tough to watch.

Then came the waiting game. Nothing happened for months. I looked exactly the same. But slowly, by month four, I noticed new hairs breaking through. By month six, the difference was clear. By month ten, I looked like a different person. The hairline was dense, natural, and undetectable—even up close.

It didn’t grow all at once. Some areas came in quicker than others. But by the one-year mark, it was fully established. The density wasn’t as thick as my teenage hair, but it looked completely natural and made me feel like myself again.

What I Paid and What It Was Worth

How much the transplant cost in Manchester is one of the first things people ask me. At My Hair UK  2,500 grafts cost me £4,099. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for proper medical care, not just cosmetic work. I looked at other places that quoted less, but their setup didn’t feel safe or medically led. Some even charged by the graft, which made pricing vague and unpredictable.

My Hair UK gave me a fixed cost upfront, with no hidden fees. It included the consultation, surgery, post-op kit, follow-up appointments, and contact with the doctor during recovery. When you consider this is a permanent result, not something you repeat every year, the cost felt more than fair.

What I Learned and What I’d Tell Anyone Considering It

Having this surgery made me appreciate how technical hair transplants really are. It’s not just about moving hair. It’s about long-term planning, biology, and surgical skill. If the donor area is overused, there’s no going back. If the angle or depth of the grafts is wrong, it’ll look odd forever. And if the clinic isn’t careful with hygiene or technique, you could risk infection or poor growth.

I’d tell anyone thinking about it to take their time. Look at before-and-after photos taken one year after surgery, not just a few months in. Ask how they plan to manage your hair loss in the future. Ask what they do to protect the donor area. If a clinic avoids these questions, move on.

FAQ

How Much Does A Hair Transplant Cost In Manchester?

At My Hair UK in Manchester, prices start from around £2,499 for up to 500 grafts. I paid £4,099 for 2,500 grafts. The price includes consultation, surgery, aftercare, and follow-up.

Does the Hair Grow Back Immediately?

No. The transplanted hair sheds within a few weeks. Regrowth starts around month 4 and continues for up to 12 months.

Will the Results Look Natural?

Yes—if done properly. My hairline was designed to match my facial structure and age. People don’t notice I had a transplant.

Is the Surgery Painful?

Only the anaesthetic injections sting slightly. After that, you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

Would I Do It Again?

Without question. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made—for my appearance and self-confidence.