Treating androgenetic alopecia costs anywhere from $360 per year for basic medication to $45,000 for multiple hair transplant sessions in the United States. The total depends on your Norwood stage, treatment approach, and geographic location.
This guide breaks down every cost category so you can plan a realistic budget.
Medical Treatment Costs (Annual)
These are the ongoing costs for FDA-approved medications that form the foundation of any treatment plan:
| Treatment | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride (generic) | $10-$30 | $120-$360 | Prescription required |
| Minoxidil 5% (topical, OTC) | $15-$50 | $180-$600 | Foam or solution |
| Oral minoxidil (low-dose) | $10-$25 | $120-$300 | Off-label, prescription required |
| Dutasteride (generic) | $15-$40 | $180-$480 | Off-label for hair loss |
Combined medical therapy (finasteride + topical minoxidil) runs roughly $300-$960 per year. This is the most cost-effective intervention available, given that finasteride halts progression in 80-90% of men and minoxidil produces moderate regrowth in 40-60%.
Telehealth platforms have reduced costs further by eliminating in-office visit fees. Many offer subscription pricing under $50/month for medication with virtual follow-ups.
PRP Therapy Costs
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy serves as an adjunct to medications, not a replacement. Clinical studies show a 30-40% improvement in hair density when combined with other treatments.
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single PRP session | $500-$2,000 |
| Initial protocol (3-4 sessions) | $1,500-$8,000 |
| Maintenance (every 3-6 months) | $1,000-$4,000/year |
PRP costs vary widely based on location and preparation method. Ask whether the clinic uses single-spin or double-spin centrifuge (double-spin concentrates more platelets) and how many tubes of blood are drawn.
Hair Transplant Costs by Procedure Type
Surgical costs depend on the technique, number of grafts, and where you have the procedure.
Cost Per Graft by Country (2026)
| Country | FUE Cost/Graft | 2,000-Graft Procedure | 4,000-Graft Procedure |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $4-$6 | $8,000-$12,000 | $16,000-$24,000 |
| UK | $3-$5 | $6,000-$10,000 | $12,000-$20,000 |
| Europe | $2.50-$4.50 | $5,000-$9,000 | $10,000-$18,000 |
| Turkey | $1-$2 | $2,000-$4,000 | $4,000-$8,000 |
| India | $0.50-$1.50 | $1,000-$3,000 | $2,000-$6,000 |
| Thailand | $1.50-$3 | $3,000-$6,000 | $6,000-$12,000 |
| Mexico | $2-$4 | $4,000-$8,000 | $8,000-$16,000 |
| South Korea | $3-$5 | $6,000-$10,000 | $12,000-$20,000 |
Technique Comparison
| Procedure | Max Grafts/Session | Recovery | Typical Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| FUE | 5,000 | 7-10 days | Standard pricing |
| FUT | 4,000 | 10-14 days | Often 20-30% less than FUE |
| DHI | 3,500 | 7-10 days | 15-25% more than FUE |
FUT (strip method) tends to be less expensive per graft because it is faster for the surgeon. DHI costs more because the Choi Implanter Pen technique is more labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Total Cost by Norwood Stage
Here is what a complete treatment plan typically costs over a lifetime, assuming US pricing and FUE:
| Stage | Grafts Needed | Surgery Cost (USA) | Annual Medication | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | 800-1,500 | $3,200-$9,000 | $300-$960 | $6,200-$18,600 |
| Norwood 3 | 1,500-2,200 | $6,000-$13,200 | $300-$960 | $9,000-$22,800 |
| Norwood 3V | 2,000-2,800 | $8,000-$16,800 | $300-$960 | $11,000-$26,400 |
| Norwood 4 | 2,500-3,500 | $10,000-$21,000 | $300-$960 | $13,000-$30,600 |
| Norwood 5 | 3,000-4,500 | $12,000-$27,000 | $300-$960 | $15,000-$36,600 |
| Norwood 6 | 4,000-6,000 | $16,000-$36,000 | $300-$960 | $19,000-$45,600 |
| Norwood 7 | 5,500-7,500 | $22,000-$45,000 | $300-$960 | $25,000-$54,600 |
These totals assume one surgical session. Many men at Norwood 5+ require two sessions, which increases the surgical component significantly.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Beyond the quoted procedure price, plan for:
- Pre-operative blood work: $100-$300
- Post-operative medications: Antibiotics, pain medication, anti-swelling drugs ($50-$200)
- Recovery time off work: 7-14 days of reduced activity
- Travel costs (if going abroad): Flights, hotel, meals ($500-$3,000)
- Follow-up PRP sessions: Some surgeons recommend PRP post-transplant ($500-$2,000 per session)
- Touch-up procedures: 10-15% of patients want minor refinements ($2,000-$5,000)
How to Reduce Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Start medical therapy early. Every year you delay finasteride, you lose hair that will later cost $4-$6 per graft to replace. A $30/month medication can save thousands in future surgical costs.
Consider FUT for large sessions. If you need 3,000+ grafts and do not mind a linear scar, FUT is typically 20-30% cheaper and yields excellent graft quality.
Research international options carefully. Turkey and India offer dramatically lower pricing, but vet clinics thoroughly. Look for surgeons who are members of ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) with verifiable before-and-after portfolios.
Avoid package deals that seem too cheap. Ultra-low-cost clinics often use technicians rather than surgeons for the extraction and implantation, which affects graft survival rates.
Know Your Numbers Before You Budget
Treatment costs depend directly on your Norwood stage and graft requirements. An accurate assessment prevents you from budgeting for a Norwood 3 procedure when you actually need Norwood 4 coverage.
Get a free AI hair loss assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to estimate your graft needs and build a realistic treatment budget.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist before starting any treatment. Individual results vary based on genetics, health status, and treatment adherence.