Hair Regrowth Supplements Vs Hair Transplant

Vitamins and supplements: promise and limitations

Many people first turn to supplements when they notice early signs of hair thinning. The appeal is obvious as they are easy to buy, safe in moderation, and promise to restore what feels lost. Scientifically, the link between nutrition and hair health is real but limited. A review published in PMC outlined clear associations between deficiencies in vitamins such as D and B12, iron, zinc, and biotin with various types of hair loss. If your blood tests reveal these deficiencies, correcting them may slow shedding or improve texture. Beyond that, the evidence becomes weak. Popular supplements like biotin have little proven benefit in people without a confirmed deficiency. Similarly, marine protein and collagen-based products show only mild improvements in small trials, often limited to women with diffuse thinning. Many patients spend months switching between tablets hoping to see change. In reality, supplements can only help follicles that are still active. Once the hair-producing cells are gone, no amount of vitamin D or zinc can bring them back. This is why supplements are best seen as supportive, not curative. They can help maintain scalp health and slow progression, but they do not recreate lost density.

Hair transplant: a definitive restoration

A hair transplant restores hair through surgical redistribution of existing follicles. The procedure involves taking grafts from the back or sides of your head, areas genetically resistant to hair loss, and implanting them into thinning zones. These transplanted hairs continue to grow permanently. At My Hair UK, the procedure is performed using the Follicular Unit Extraction technique, known for being minimally invasive and producing natural results. How much a transplant costs depends on graft numbers, but up front prices are provided and based on the number of grafts required. A small transplant of around 1,000 grafts, equivalent to about 2,000 hairs, typically costs around £2,899, while more extensive procedures involving 2,500 to 3,000 grafts range from roughly £4,099 to £4,499. For larger cases, requiring up to 3,500 grafts, the total cost is approximately £4,899. These fees include the consultation, the surgical procedure, and comprehensive aftercare. Compared with the slow and uncertain results of supplements, a transplant offers predictable and lasting change once the grafts have grown through.

Deciding which path to take

If your hair loss is mild or recent, it is reasonable to start with a medical assessment and nutritional correction. You should ask your GP to test your ferritin, thyroid function, vitamin D levels, and hormone profile. Correcting deficiencies at this stage can sometimes stabilise shedding. But when thinning areas or receding hairlines become visible, a surgical approach becomes the more effective option. Many patients choose to combine the two. At My Hair UK, it is common for patients to improve their nutritional health first, ensuring optimal scalp condition before surgery. This can support recovery and encourage stronger growth after the procedure.

Medical expectations and safety

A transplant involves minimal downtime. Redness and small scabs usually fade within a week, with new growth starting around three months later and continuing for up to a year. Supplements, on the other hand, may take many months to show subtle changes and only if a deficiency existed to begin with. Risks differ between the two approaches. Overuse of supplements, particularly vitamin A or zinc, can worsen hair shedding or cause systemic side effects. Surgery carries its own rare risks such as infection, uneven growth, or temporary numbness. Both options are safest when planned and monitored by qualified medical professionals. Visit your GP before any treatment Before deciding on a transplant or even starting supplements, it is wise to have a full health check with your local GP to establish reasons for hair loss. This helps identify underlying causes like anaemia or thyroid imbalance that may be driving your hair loss. Your GP can run the necessary tests and share the results with your hair restoration specialist to create a more accurate plan. Related Articles: projectcasting.com/company/my-hair-clinics projectcasting.com/company/my-hair-uk