Options for Hair Transplants with Different Hair Types at My Hair UK in Liverpool

Hair characteristics vary significantly between individuals, and these differences influence the planning, technique, and expected outcome of hair transplant surgery. At My Hair UK in Liverpool, we manage a wide range of hair textures and ethnic backgrounds, tailoring Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedures to suit the individual. As a doctor, I can confirm that the texture, curl pattern, follicle angle, and scalp properties must all be considered when assessing candidacy and planning surgery. This is particularly important when working with curly, afro-textured, or very fine hair, where standard approaches often lead to suboptimal outcomes if applied without adjustment.

FUE remains the gold standard for hair transplantation at our clinic. It involves extracting individual follicular units from the donor area, usually at the back and sides of the scalp, and re-implanting them into thinning or bald areas. The key advantage of FUE is its precision and minimal invasiveness, allowing us to modify extraction angles and depths to suit different hair types. For example, afro-textured hair tends to have curved follicular units beneath the skin. If this curvature is not anticipated, the transection rate during extraction can be high, leading to poor graft survival and disappointing density. Research highlights the need for modified punch designs and slower extraction speeds in these cases to reduce trauma.

Patients with East Asian hair often present with thick, straight follicles. These are structurally robust but also more visible on the scalp, meaning the angle of implantation and density per square centimetre require careful planning to avoid an unnatural look. Meanwhile, patients with very fine, light hair—commonly seen in Northern European populations—may require more grafts for the same visual density, as the individual hairs provide less coverage.

At My Hair UK Liverpool, we perform a detailed assessment of your scalp and hair characteristics during consultation. This allows us to predict graft survival rates and manage expectations. In general, curly or afro hair can provide greater coverage with fewer grafts due to the way the hair curls and lifts off the scalp, which increases perceived density. On the other hand, patients with pin-straight hair may require higher graft counts to achieve the same appearance.

The average price for a hair transplant at My Hair UK depends on the number of grafts required. For up to 1,000 grafts (approximately 2,000 hairs), the cost is £2,899. Larger sessions—such as 3,000 grafts, suitable for advanced recession or crown restoration—cost £4,499. For most patients, a range between 1,500 and 2,500 grafts is appropriate, especially when the goal is to restore a mature hairline or mid-scalp density. Afro and curly hair patients may reach good results with fewer grafts, while those with fine or light-coloured hair might require more to reach aesthetic goals.

As part of our medical standards, we recommend that all prospective patients see their GP for a routine health check before committing to a surgical procedure. This includes blood pressure monitoring, screening for anaemia or thyroid issues, and medication review. These checks reduce perioperative risk and allow us to tailor post-operative care safely. If you live in Liverpool, you could consider the following local NHS GP practices:

• Sefton Park Medical Centre, Smithdown Rd, Liverpool L15 2LQ

• Orrell Park Medical Centre, Orrell Ln, Liverpool L9 8BU

• The Grey Road Surgery, 3 Rice Ln, Liverpool L9 1AD

We sometimes discover during this phase that a patient’s hair loss has a hormonal or autoimmune component, such as in thyroid dysfunction or alopecia areata. These require medical treatment before surgery. A comprehensive preoperative plan—both surgical and medical—improves outcomes, especially for patients from ethnic minorities, where patterns of hair loss and scalp anatomy can differ significantly.

We are also cautious with patients suffering from traction alopecia, a common issue in women of African and Caribbean heritage. The success of transplant surgery in such cases depends heavily on the stability of the donor area and cessation of the damaging hairstyling practices. If traction alopecia is caught early, a transplant can be very successful. If it’s progressed extensively, donor hair may be depleted or miniaturised, requiring advanced planning or lower expectations.

Hair restoration is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The best outcomes come from careful planning, technical skill, and a strong understanding of hair biology across different ethnicities. This is why our consultations at My Hair UK Liverpool are comprehensive and led by doctors. We believe in giving our patients all the information they need to make the right decision for their hair and health.