When you think of a hair transplant, you probably think primarily of one for the scalp, to help deal with thinning hair or baldness.
But it’s possible for a hair transplant to target facial hair too. Facial hair transplants for beards or eyebrows are becoming more popular as well, making them a viable option for anyone who has a problem with their hair in those areas.
While facial hair transplants aren’t often needed as commonly as a transplant for top of head hair, it could be the perfect solution for some – so let’s take a look in more detail at each of the options, what you can expect to pay, and whether surgery is the right choice for you.
Beard hair transplants
Why get a beard transplant?
Beard transplants have grown in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. For a lot of people, achieving that full, well-defined beard just isn’t possible due to genetics, scarring, or uneven hair growth patterns.
Some men experience patchiness or struggle to grow any facial hair at all, which can be frustrating if a beard is part of the look they’re going for. A beard transplant offers a solution by allowing men to fill in those patches and get the fuller beard they want.
For others, it’s more about boosting confidence and enhancing their appearance. A well-groomed beard can make a big difference in defining the jawline and giving a more masculine look overall.
Some people may also be looking to hide scars on their face, or skin conditions, and feel that a beard is the best resolution.
Or it could be that you’ve already lost your main head hair, and you have a rounder head – so a beard helps with your overall look by appearing to slim the face.
Beard transplants are appealing because they offer a permanent fix – once the transplanted hair grows in, it’s there for good.
How beard transplants work
Beard transplants are usually carried out using two main methods: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT).
With FUE, the surgeon extracts individual hair follicles from a donor area, typically the back of the scalp, and transplants them into the beard area. FUT, on the other hand, involves taking a strip of skin with hair follicles from the donor site and transplanting each individual hair follicle from that strip into the beard.
Most clinics recommend FUE for beard transplants because it leaves only minimal scarring and is often less invasive. It’s the more contemporary option.
The surgeon will also carefully place each follicle at the right angle and density to create a natural beard pattern and flow. A typical procedure takes around 4–8 hours, depending on the extent of the transplant.
Cost of beard transplants
Beard transplants can be an investment, with costs usually starting around £2,000 and going up to £7,000 or more. The final price will depend on the clinic, location, and the number of grafts needed. More experienced clinics will charge more – and that cost might be worth it, since the hair transplant surgeons working on beards are highly skilled.
Since most transplants are charged per graft, a fuller beard will cost more, whereas filling in smaller patches might be on the lower end of the price scale.
Most clinics offer financing options to make the procedure more accessible, so it’s worth asking during the consultation.
Recovery and expected results
Recovery from a beard transplant is generally straightforward, though it does take a bit of patience.
For the first few days, you’ll likely have some swelling and redness in the beard area, and it’s important to follow any aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
The transplanted hairs might shed within the first few weeks – this is completely normal and part of the hair growth cycle. New growth typically starts around 3–4 months post-surgery, and full results can be seen after about a year.
The results are permanent, meaning the transplanted hair should grow just like natural beard hair. Most people report a noticeable increase in density, with the new hairs blending seamlessly with existing facial hair.
If your existing beard hair is thicker and more wiry – as it often is – you might notice that the transplanted hair is thinner in texture. But the volume should mask that.
Eyebrow hair transplants
Why get an eyebrow transplant?
Eyebrow transplants are another treatment that’s seeing a surge in popularity, especially with the shift towards fuller, more natural-looking brows. For those who have thin or patchy eyebrows due to over-plucking, scarring, or genetics, an eyebrow transplant can be an effective way to restore density and shape.
It can also help people who’ve lost eyebrow hair from conditions like alopecia or even chemotherapy. Unlike makeup or brow tinting, a transplant offers a permanent solution, helping to rebuild a fuller look that lasts.
This type of transplant is particularly appealing because eyebrows play a huge role in defining facial features and expression. With fuller, well-shaped brows, people often feel more confident, as the transplant can make the whole face look balanced and framed.
How eyebrow transplants work
The eyebrow hair transplant procedure is similar to other hair transplants, generally performed using the FUE method, which is minimally invasive. The surgeon takes individual hair follicles from a donor area – usually the back of the scalp, where hair is finer and more suitable for eyebrows – and transplants them into the brow area.
In some cases, the FUT method may also be used, but FUE is preferred due to less visible scarring and more precise placement.
The eyebrow transplant procedure is intricate, as the surgeon must carefully position each follicle to match the natural growth pattern of eyebrow hair, which grows at specific angles and directions. The procedure itself takes around 2–3 hours, and patients can generally return home the same day.
Cost of eyebrow transplants
Eyebrow transplants are an investment, with prices usually ranging from £2,000 to £6,000, depending on the clinic, the expertise of the surgeon, and the extent of work needed.
Since eyebrow transplants involve fewer grafts than a full scalp transplant, they are generally less expensive. Still, the hair grafts must be placed extremely carefully – eyebrow hair loss is not something you put into the hands of an amateur!
Therefore, pricing can vary widely, so it’s worth doing some research and booking consultations with reputable clinics.
Recovery and expected results
Recovery for eyebrow transplants is relatively quick. After the procedure, there may be some redness and swelling around the brows, but this should subside in a few days.
Like other hair transplantation procedures, the transplanted hairs will initially shed after a few weeks, which is completely normal. New growth starts around 3–4 months after the procedure, with full results usually visible at the 9–12 month mark.
Transplanted eyebrow hairs grow just like scalp hair, which means they may need trimming or grooming to maintain the desired shape. However, with proper aftercare and a little maintenance, the results can be very natural and lasting.
Alternatives to beard and eyebrow transplants
If a transplant sounds like too big a step, there are a few non-surgical options available that can give the appearance of thicker beard or eyebrow hair without the commitment of surgery. Here are some of the top choices:
1. Microblading for eyebrows and beards
Microblading is an increasingly popular choice for eyebrow enhancement and can also be used for facial hair like beards. This technique involves a semi-permanent tattoo with fine, hair-like strokes to fill in sparse areas, making it ideal for achieving a fuller look without the need for daily makeup or patches.
For beards, this method has gained traction in recent years as a way to create the appearance of a fuller beard, especially in patchy areas. Results usually last 1–3 years before a touch-up is required, making it a good option for those wanting a medium-term solution.
2. Topical solutions and serums
Topical treatments for hair growth, such as Minoxidil (commonly known by brand names like Rogaine or Regaine in the UK), are widely used to encourage hair growth and thickness.
Although not officially approved for facial hair, many people apply it off-label to the beard and eyebrow areas. Results can vary, and it often takes a few months of consistent use to see noticeable effects.
In addition, some people use growth serums specifically formulated for eyebrows or beards, although these tend to have more subtle effects.
These products typically contain ingredients designed to nourish and strengthen hair, which can be helpful for maintaining healthy, resilient strands in areas where the hair is naturally fine or thin.
3. SMP (Scalp Micropigmentation)
While scalp micropigmentation is more commonly used for the scalp (as per the name!), it can also be applied to the face to give the illusion of facial hair. This method involves tattooing tiny dots onto the skin, replicating the look of hair follicles.
When used on the beard area, it can create a shadowed look, giving the impression of stubble or fuller hair coverage.
Results last several years but do need occasional touch-ups to maintain their appearance. For those seeking a low-maintenance solution, SMP might be a great choice.
4. Makeup and fibres
For those looking for an even less permanent solution, makeup options like eyebrow pencils, powders, or beard fibres can be used to fill in sparse areas.
Beard and eyebrow fibres work similarly to hair fibres used on the scalp, clinging to existing hairs and creating a fuller, thicker look. Though temporary, they’re quick to apply and affordable, making them ideal for daily use or special occasions.
But, if you’re considering a transplant, it’s unlikely that these alternatives are enough to meet your needs.
What about LLLT?
Low-level light therapy that uses lasers can sometimes be used instead of a facial hair transplant for beards, but it’s not recommended by every clinic. Some may offer the service, but others may hold off.
Don’t expect to see LLLT as an option for eyebrow hair loss in many places, though some clinics may also consider it. It’s not that it’s dangerous really – there are suitable ways that you can keep your eyes safe – but the results so far haven’t proven that it’s extremely effective.
It may become more prominent as an option in future as the therapy is developed further.
Deciding on the best option
The best option for your eyebrow or beard hair transplant is going to depend on a number of factors, including your hair loss or reason for not having the thicker beard or eyebrows that you want, your budget, and your motivation for seeking treatment.
It’s important to speak to the experts. Clinics will usually offer a free consultation where they should explore a range of options with you, or at least explain why you’re only suited to one treatment type. If they’re just pushing for a costly option without justifying it, don’t be afraid to walk away and speak to someone else.
Still, don’t also make the decision alone. A specialist can help you identify the best solution for you in the short- and the long-term.
Final word
Whether you’re looking to boost your beard game or add fullness to your brows, hair transplants offer a lasting solution that looks and feels natural. While beard and eyebrow transplants involve a fair bit of commitment in terms of both recovery and cost, the results can be transformative for confidence and style, giving many people a look they’ve long desired.
And for anyone who’s not quite ready to commit to surgery, there are also plenty of effective alternatives, from microblading to topical treatments and even makeup. Each of these options has its own pros and cons, making it easier for people to find a solution that fits their goals, budget, and lifestyle.
Overall, it’s all about choosing the path that’s right for you—whether that’s going all-in with a transplant or trying out a non-surgical method first. Whatever you decide, there are more ways than ever to achieve the facial hair look you want.
Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8719972/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10904000/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318042645_Beard_hair_transplant_to_the_hairline
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or a licensed hair transplant specialist before undergoing any medical procedure.
Beard transplants and other facial hair transplants are not suitable for every patient, and the information provided in this guide on treatments, pain management and other aspects of a facial hair transplant are intended as a guide only. Seek professional guidance to understand your own potential options for facial hair transplants.
