Hair is a significant part of any gender transition. Biologically, people assigned female at birth (AFAB) develop different hairlines to those assigned male at birth (AMAB). So if you’re already experiencing the signs of male pattern baldness as a trans woman, an MtF hair transplant may be important to your transition.
In 2021, just under 2% of hair transplants were performed to fulfil the needs of transgender patients [1]. So many clinics are gaining experience of helping trans patients get the hairline they want. In this article, you’ll learn:
Androgenetic alopecia — also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss — is the biggest cause of hair loss worldwide [2]. It’s a type of hereditary alopecia caused by a combination of genetics and hormones.
In pattern baldness, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a metabolite of testosterone — binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicle, causing them to miniaturise and shed their hair. Over time, this leads to permanent hair loss.
AMAB people have naturally higher levels of testosterone and DHT. That’s why you’re more likely to develop a receding hairline and a bald spot on your crown than those who are assigned female at birth.
If you’re undergoing feminising hormone therapy, oestrogen and other female sex hormones counteract some of the effects of testosterone and DHT on your hair. Theoretically, this can reduce DHT and slow the progression of balding, but few studies have investigated this [3].
One 2024 study found that long-term feminising hormone therapy could increase lateral forehead size over time in transgender AMAB patients aged 30 and over, suggesting it helps retain and regrow hair [3].
However, some people experience transgender hair loss before they start hormone therapy. In these cases, an MtF hair transplant can give you a straighter, more feminine hairline to support your transition.
Male-to-female hair transplants are performed the same way as any other hair transplant; it’s just the hairline design that differs (more on this below). You don’t need to have started hormone therapy — you can get a hair transplant at any stage of your transitioning journey.
As a result, any trans person can get a hair transplant, provided you meet the general eligibility criteria. This includes:
In addition, not all types of alopecia are suitable for hair transplant surgery. If you have alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, or certain types of scarring alopecia, you may not be a good hair transplant candidate.
When you’re transitioning, a hair transplant isn’t just about restoring lost hair. It’s about creating a more feminine hairline that suits and flatters your face shape. Here are the key differences between masculine vs feminine hairlines.
Matt Damon and Ashley Judd depict typical middle-aged male and female hairlines:
At the Wimpole Clinic, many of our surgeons are experienced in performing natural-looking transgender hair transplants. These before and after hair transplant images show what you can expect from an MtF hair transplant:
To sustain these results, most patients must also use medical therapies such as Minoxidil, low level laser therapy, or PRP therapy after a hair transplant. Certain treatments (such as Finasteride and Dutasteride) impact your hormones, so speak to your doctor before taking these.
The sooner you tackle your hair loss, the more likely you are to see excellent hair retention and regrowth. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to get a hair transplant at the first signs of thinning or balding.
Treatments like Minoxidil, low level laser therapy, and PRP hair therapy can all reduce the need for a hair transplant if started early enough.
However, these treatments won’t adjust the original shape of your hairline. So if you’re looking to reshape your hairline altogether, you can opt for a hair transplant at any point during your transition.
Like all hair transplant costs, it depends on the number of grafts you need and whether you choose the FUT or FUE technique. FUT is commonly used where large graft volumes are required, and can leave more scarring than FUE. This isn’t usually a problem for those who wear their hair long.
FUE, meanwhile, involves extracting each graft individually, leaving less scarring and allowing for a more straightforward recovery period. FUE tends to cost less than FUT, since FUT is a more invasive procedure that requires extensive surgical qualification to carry out effectively.
In the UK, the average hair transplant costs £4,820. Take a look at our hair transplant prices for more details.
If you’re considering an MtF hair transplant as part of your transitioning journey, the Wimpole Clinic can help. Our experienced hair loss specialists will answer any questions you have, examine your hair loss, and walk you through the possibilities for restoring and/or feminising your hairline. Consultations are no-obligation — you won’t feel any pressure to make a decision.
Book a consultation at one of our nationwide hair transplant clinic locations and speak to our team today.
Learn more about hair transplants for transgender patients in these frequently asked questions.
Yes. In fact, sometimes Finasteride is offered as part of feminising hormone therapy [4]. However, if you’re not yet taking Finasteride and you’ve begun transitioning medically, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor as Finasteride will impact your hormone levels.
If you’re not yet transitioning medically, Finasteride may be a safe and effective way to stop and even reverse balding. Learn more about using Finasteride as a transgender patient.
While the clinical evidence is limited, some research has shown that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help scalp hair regrow [5]. However, the effects may not be great enough to achieve the feminine look you want [6]. That’s where additional hair loss treatments can be helpful.
HRT does tend to reduce facial hair and body hair in MtF patients [6].
Some MtF patients opt to get a hair transplant in Turkey or other cheap locations. And while there are some reputable hair transplant clinics in these areas, there are also many clinics that have unqualified staff operating out of unsafe environments [7].
This leads to many horror stories about hair transplants that have gone wrong, leaving patients with excessive scarring, failed hair transplants, and in need of hair transplant repair. That’s why getting a cheap hair transplant isn’t always better in the long run.
If you do decide to get a hair transplant overseas, do plenty of research about your clinic to ensure your procedure takes place in a safe, clean environment by a qualified surgical team.
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