Understanding Patient Diversity at My Hair UK in Manchester

Hair transplantation in the UK has evolved significantly in the past two decades, both technically and socially. At the Manchester Hair Transplant clinic of My Hair UK, we serve an increasingly diverse patient base that reflects the city’s broad demographic spread. This diversity, spanning ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, presents both opportunities and challenges in tailoring safe and effective Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair restoration.

Manchester is one of the UK’s most ethnically diverse cities, home to sizeable South Asian, Black African and Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European populations. These groups often present with markedly different hair characteristics—particularly in follicle shape, density, curl pattern, and scalp sensitivity. For instance, Afro-textured hair typically grows in curved follicles, which increases the technical complexity of follicle extraction and placement during FUE surgery. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology emphasised the heightened risk of follicular transection in such cases, which can lead to suboptimal regrowth or scarring if not managed properly.

At My Hair UK, all procedures are performed manually by experienced doctors trained in diverse scalp and follicle types. Manual FUE allows for subtle adjustments in angle, punch size, and depth—particularly critical for curly or tightly coiled follicles, where mechanical tools often increase damage risk. Importantly, we avoid one-size-fits-all methods. Each patient receives a personalised surgical plan based on hair type, degree of loss, and donor area availability, rather than simply matching to graft quantity targets.

It’s also vital to understand that cultural expectations of hair density and aesthetic outcomes vary. Patients from the Middle East, for instance, often request high-density hairlines with minimal recession, while others may prefer a more conservative result. This reinforces the need for in-depth consultations, where patient goals must be balanced with long-term graft availability and donor area health. Unrealistic expectations can be particularly common in younger male patients with early-onset androgenetic alopecia. We routinely discuss the risks of over-harvesting and donor depletion with these individuals, advocating staged approaches where appropriate.

Socioeconomic diversity also affects how patients engage with the treatment process. While some individuals have conducted years of research, others arrive with little understanding of hair loss causes or transplant limitations. Education must therefore be adapted, not standardised. Language barriers can also affect comprehension and consent. Where needed, we offer medical translators and provide pre- and post-op instructions in multiple languages. True informed consent requires more than a signature—it requires understanding.

From a cost standpoint, My Hair UK maintains an affordable pricing structure that avoids vague cost ranges. As of 2025, a procedure of up to 2,000 grafts is priced at £3,699, while up to 3,000 grafts is £4,499. Our Manchester clinic does not charge more based on hair type or ethnicity, ensuring equal access regardless of background. Beard transplants are offered at a fixed rate of £2,899, provided the procedure is completed in one day. While affordability is often a concern, patients are reminded that surgical success hinges more on surgeon experience and aftercare quality than price alone.

Pre-surgical assessment remains a medical necessity. While we perform internal screening for relevant medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, autoimmune disease, coagulopathies), we always recommend patients undergo a general health check with their local GP before consultation. This ensures any underlying issues—such as undiagnosed anaemia or thyroid dysfunction—are detected early, as these can affect hair regrowth post-transplant. In Manchester, several reliable NHS surgeries include:

• Ashville Surgery, 171 Upper Chorlton Rd, Manchester M16 9RT
• The Whitswood Practice, Alexandra Park Health Centre, 2 Whitswood Cl, Manchester M16 7AP
• Simpson Medical Practice, 361 Moston Ln, Manchester M40 9NB

Each of these offers general medical care and is experienced in serving diverse patient groups. We advise patients to discuss any current medications, family history of hair loss, and existing dermatological conditions with their GP before pursuing surgery.

Patient diversity is not a hurdle—it’s an essential dimension of medical hair restoration. Addressing it correctly demands more than clinical skill. It requires cultural awareness, medical literacy, and a commitment to equality in care. Diversity should never be seen as a challenge to ‘overcome’ in aesthetic medicine. At My Hair UK, we view it as a central part of the work we do.