Hair Systems vs. Hair Transplants: What You Need to Know in 2024

Hair restoration has become a major topic of interest in the UK, as hair loss continues to affect millions of men and women. With advancements in technology, the choice between hair systems and hair transplants is more prominent than ever. However, the recent trend of shaving off healthy hair to accommodate hair systems—when other treatments could suffice—is a troubling development that deserves discussion.

If you’re navigating the complex world of hair restoration, this article breaks down the key differences, pros and cons, and long-term considerations of hair systems and transplants from a UK perspective.

Understanding Hair Systems

Hair systems are non-surgical hair replacement solutions designed to instantly cover areas of hair loss. These custom-made hairpieces are attached to the scalp using adhesives or clips, blending seamlessly with your natural hair.

How Hair Systems Work

1. Initial Consultation: During your consultation, a professional evaluates your hair loss and designs a system tailored to your hair type, density, and colour.
2. Application: For secure attachment, your natural hair in the affected area is often shaved. Adhesives or tapes are then used to bond the system to your scalp.
3. Maintenance: Regular upkeep is required to clean, adjust, and replace adhesives, ensuring the system stays secure and natural-looking.

Advantages of Hair Systems

• Instant Results: You walk out of the salon with a full head of hair.
• Non-Invasive: No surgery, downtime, or medical risks involved.
• Customisable: Each system is designed to match your unique hair type, colour, and lifestyle.
• Accessible for Advanced Hair Loss: Ideal for individuals who are not candidates for transplants or whose hair loss is too extensive for regrowth treatments.

Drawbacks of Hair Systems

• Regular Maintenance Required: Professional maintenance is necessary every 4-6 weeks, costing between ￡50-￡70 per visit in the UK.
• Frequent Replacement: Systems need replacing every 3-6 months, with each system costing ￡450-￡850.
• Long-Term Costs: Over several years, maintenance and replacements can amount to thousands of pounds, potentially exceeding the cost of a hair transplant.
• Damage to Natural Hair: Shaving healthy hair and prolonged use of adhesives can damage the hair follicles underneath, leading to further hair loss.

Understanding Hair Transplants

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure where healthy hair follicles are moved from a donor area (typically the back or sides of the scalp) to areas of thinning or baldness. Modern techniques, such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), are widely used in the UK and provide natural-looking results.

How Hair Transplants Work

1. Consultation: A surgeon assesses your suitability, discussing the number of grafts required and expected outcomes.
2. Procedure: Hair follicles are extracted from the donor area and implanted into the recipient area.
3. Recovery: It takes several weeks for the scalp to heal, and full results are typically visible within 6-12 months.

Advantages of Hair Transplants

• Permanent Results: Transplanted hair grows naturally and remains for life in most cases.
• Cost-Effective Over Time: While the upfront cost is higher (￡3,000-￡15,000 depending on grafts), there are no ongoing maintenance costs beyond routine hair care.
• Natural Appearance: Modern techniques ensure a seamless blend with your existing hair.
• Preserve Natural Follicles: This does not harm existing hair follicles, unlike adhesives used in hair systems.

Drawbacks of Hair Transplants

• Upfront Cost: The procedure can be expensive, particularly for larger areas of hair loss.
• Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection, scarring, and temporary shock loss (shedding of transplanted hair before regrowth).
• Time to See Results: Unlike hair systems, which provide immediate coverage, it can take up to a year to see the final results.
• Suitability: Not everyone is a candidate—those with poor donor areas or certain medical conditions may need alternative solutions.

UK Cost Comparison: Hair Systems vs. Hair Transplants

SolutionInitial CostOngoing CostsEstimated 5-Year Cost

Hair System ￡450-￡850 (per system) ￡50-￡70 (maintenance every 4-6 weeks) ￡6,000-￡12,000 (depending on replacements and upkeep)

Hair Transplant ￡3,000-￡15,000 (depending on grafts) Minimal (routine care only) ￡3,000-￡15,000

While hair systems may seem more affordable initially, their ongoing costs for maintenance and replacements can exceed the one-time investment of a hair transplant.

When to Choose a Hair System

Hair systems are an excellent choice for:

• Severe Hair Loss: Individuals with advanced baldness who are not candidates for transplants.
• Temporary Solutions: Those seeking a quick, non-surgical option for special occasions or short-term use.
• Medical Conditions: People with hair loss caused by medical treatments or conditions that rule out surgery.

However, it’s essential not to shave healthy hair unnecessarily to fit a hair system. Preserving natural hair should always be a priority.

When to Choose a Hair Transplant

Hair transplants are suitable for:

• Permanent Hair Restoration: Those seeking a lifelong solution to hair loss.
• Moderate Hair Loss: Individuals with receding hairlines, thinning crowns, or patchy bald spots.
• Cost-Conscious Decisions: People prefer a one-time expense over the recurring costs of hair systems.
• Preserving Natural Hair: Ideal for those who want to enhance their hair without damaging healthy follicles.

Additional Options: Trichological Treatments

Before opting for a hair system or transplant, consider exploring Trichological treatments available in the UK, such as:

• E50 Exosomes: Cutting-edge regenerative therapy to stimulate hair growth.
• PRP/PRF (Platelet-Rich Plasma/Fibrin): Treatments that use your body’s platelets to encourage hair growth.
• Low-Level Laser Therapy: A non-invasive option for early-stage hair loss.

These treatments are often effective for those with mild thinning or early-stage hair loss, delaying or even avoiding the need for surgical or non-surgical solutions.

Final Thoughts

Both hair systems and hair transplants are valuable options for addressing hair loss, but they serve different purposes. While hair systems are ideal for advanced hair loss or individuals who cannot undergo surgery, hair transplants are a permanent and often more cost-effective solution in the UK market.