Hair transplants are an effective way to deal with hair loss — but if transplantation sounds too costly or painful, there are plenty of effective non surgical hair replacement options.
Hair loss (often referred to as alopecia) has many causes. Alopecia is an umbrella term encompassing different types of hair loss, including male pattern baldness and patchy hair loss across the entire scalp or body.
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is a common issue that can happen to men of all ages. It can cause diffuse hair loss across the entire scalp, a receding hairline, a bald patch, or a mix of hair loss symptoms.
Dandruff needs almost no introduction. If you’ve watched TV in the last twenty years, you’ve likely seen a commercial where a man finds the shoulders of his black T-shirt covered in white flakes and ponders what to do about it.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common, chronic skin condition that primarily affects the scalp, causing red, flaky, and itchy patches.
*All images feature a model portrayal
(unless otherwise noted).
Hair transplants are an effective way to deal with hair loss — but if transplantation sounds too costly or painful, there are plenty of effective non surgical hair replacement options.
Whether you're just starting to notice more hair in your brush or you’ve been rocking hats on bad hair days for a while now, there’s a full menu of treatments that don’t involve surgery — and yes, some are surprisingly effective.
Let’s break down what non surgical hair replacement is, explore the best hair replacement for men, and help you figure out which one fits your hair goals (and your wallet).
Non surgical hair replacement refers to any method that helps restore the appearance of fuller hair without going under the knife. That means no scalpels, no stitches, and no weeks-long recovery.
These options fall into two general buckets:
Medical or therapeutic treatments that encourage hair regrowth
Cosmetic systems that cover hair loss and create the look of a full head of hair
Some methods are temporary and cosmetic (like hair systems or micropigmentation), while others like minoxidil or finasteride work to slow or reverse hair loss over time.
There are a few reasons why people might prefer non surgical hair loss solutions over hair transplant surgery.
The pros of a non surgical hair treatments include:
They’re more affordable upfront. Hair transplant surgery can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $15,000 in the US, depending on the method, clinic, and the number of hair grafts needed.
They’re suitable for early-stage or diffuse hair thinning. Hair restoration surgery is more appropriate for more severe pattern hair loss.
They involve less recovery time. Because it’s a surgical procedure, the hair transplant recovery period can last a couple of weeks.
You can combine treatments. For example, you can use finasteride and minoxidil at the same time. You can also use medication and have PRP or LLLT sessions.
Plus, if you’re not quite ready to commit to something permanent (or expensive), these options let you test the waters.
The best hair replacement option really depends on:
The cause of your hair loss
Your budget
How much time and maintenance you're willing to invest
Whether you want to regrow hair or just improve the way it looks
For many men, a combination of treatments is the sweet spot — like using minoxidil and finasteride daily, and adding laser therapy sessions a few times a week.
Still unsure where to start? A consultation with a licensed provider can help guide you toward the right mix.
When it comes to non surgical hair replacement, you’ve got options. Lots of them.
Let’s recap your non surgical hair replacement options:
Hair loss medications. These include finasteride and minoxidil, both of which are FDA-approved.
Non surgical medical treatments. These include low-level laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and scalp micropigmentation.
Hair systems. Wigs and toupees can offer a realistic way to cover balding — even when your hair loss has progressed significantly.
We offer a wide range of non surgical hair loss treatments, including minoxidil and finasteride.
Not sure which treatment option to choose? Take our quiz to get connected with a qualified healthcare professional who can help you decide.
9 Sources
Dervishi G, et al. (2019). Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31452328/
El-Dawla RE, et al. (2023). Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of female patients with chronic telogen effluvium: A randomised, controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35593290/
Gentile P, et al. (2024). The effectiveness of low-level light/laser therapy on hair loss. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/fpsam.2021.0151
Gupta AK, et al. (2022). Minoxidil: A comprehensive review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34159872/
Park JH, et al. (2022). Natural results of scalp micropigmentation: A review. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.15297
Paichitrojjana A, et al. (2022). Platelet rich plasma and its use in hair regrowth: A review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8922312/
Patel P, et al. (2023). Minoxidil. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
Todorova LN, et al. (2023). Platelet-rich plasma in alopecia areata: A case report with a mini review of literature. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10248741/
Zito PM, et al. (2024). Finasteride. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513329/
Editorial Standards
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at blog@forhims.com!
Here’s a breakdown of the top non surgical hair replacement options, including what they are, how they work, and what to expect.
1. Minoxidil (Rogaine®)
Minoxidil is one of the most popular non surgical hair restoration treatments on the market — and for good reason. This topical treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for treating hair loss.
Minoxidil works by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to hair follicles, which helps prolong the growth phase of your hair cycle. This can slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
You can use minoxidil to treat many types of hair loss, including:
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss
Telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss from stress or illness
Another bonus? Minoxidil is available over the counter, making it more accessible.
How to use it: Apply it topically to the scalp once or twice daily. It’s available as a foam or liquid. Learn more about how to apply minoxidil for hair growth.
What to expect: Results can take 3 to 6 months, and you need to use it continuously to maintain any progress. Stop using it, and the gains may reverse.
Cost: Usually $30 – $60 per month depending on the brand, formulation, and the surface area you need to cover.
Potential side effects: Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation, dryness, or flaking. These are usually mild and manageable with proper care.
2. Finasteride (Propecia®)
Finasteride is a once-daily oral medication that targets DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone linked to male pattern hair loss.
DHT attaches to the hair follicles in your scalp, gradually shrinking them over time. As a result, you’ll experience pattern hair loss, which can look like thinning hair on your crown or a receding hairline. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride can slow hair loss.
Oral finasteride is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment. It’s only available by prescription. You can also try topical finasteride.
How to use it: Take your dosage as directed daily. You can also use finasteride along with minoxidil — a safe and powerful combo.
What to expect: It may take 3 to 6 months to see results, with peak benefits usually appearing after a year of consistent use.
Cost: Prices vary, but expect around $20 – $75 per month.
Potential side effects: Possible side effects include decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, or mood changes. Always speak with a healthcare provider to determine if it's the right fit for you.
3. Hair Loss Shampoos
Some hair care products contain ingredients that may reduce hair shedding. For example, there’s some promising evidence that saw palmetto and ketoconazole may slow down hair fall.
Shampoos alone won’t keep your hairline intact, though. Rather use them alongside proven medications — like finasteride and minoxidil — to reduce hair loss.
How it works: Use hair loss shampoo like you would use your regular shampoo, following the instructions on the packaging.
What to expect: Shampoos won't stop hair loss on their own, but they can help slow the process and improve the look and feel of your hair.
Cost: A bottle usually costs $20 to $60 depending on the brand, size, and active ingredients.
Potential side effects: Some medicated shampoos may be too drying if you use them daily, so try alternating with a gentle cleanser to help maintain a balance. Choose a product that suits your hair type.
4. Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
Also called laser therapy, LLLT uses red or near-infrared light to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate hair follicles. This is meant to promote healthy hair growth without any medication or needles.
A systematic review of studies looked at seven randomized controlled studies on the effects of LLLT for androgenic alopecia. All articles found that laser therapy improved hair growth without side effects.
How it works: You can get laser therapy in a clinic or do it at home using a laser cap, comb, or helmet. Most at-home devices require you to use them two to four times per week for 15 to 30 minutes.
What to expect: Consistency is key. Visible improvement usually takes 3 to 6 months, with better results when you combine LLLT with minoxidil or finasteride.
Cost: Devices range from $200 to over $1,000. Clinical sessions may cost more.
Potential side effects: LLLT is generally safe with minimal to no side effects. It’s a good option for men looking to support hair health long-term.
5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
A newer hair loss treatment, platelet-rich plasma therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to isolate growth-factor-rich platelets, and injecting them into thinning areas of the scalp. These platelets stimulate follicles and encourage stronger, healthier hair growth.
A 2022 review confirmed that PRP can stimulate new hair growth, prevent shedding, and increase hair thickness. A 2020 review found that PRP can also increase hair density.
Beyond treating androgenic alopecia, PRP can also treat telogen effluvium, according to a 2023 clinical trial. Other research suggests it can treat alopecia areata, too.
How it works: You’ll typically get PRP treatments in a dermatologist’s office, often in a series of three or four sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every few months.
What to expect: You may start noticing increased hair thickness and decreased shedding within 3 to 6 months. Results vary from person to person and require ongoing sessions for maintenance.
Cost: Typically $500–$2,000 per session, depending on your location and provider.
Potential side effects: Mild discomfort, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Downtime is minimal.
6. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a cosmetic procedure that uses tiny, strategically placed pigment dots to replicate the look of real hair follicles.
SMP doesn’t regrow hair, though — it’s a visual solution. In recent years, SMP has improved drastically, allowing many men to achieve natural-looking results.
It’s ideal for men with significant hair loss or thinning who want the appearance of a clean, buzzed style or a denser scalp without actual hair growth.
How it works: A technician uses micro-needles to deposit pigment into the scalp in multiple sessions. The result is a realistic shadow effect that mimics natural stubble or density.
What to expect: Results are visible immediately but may take two or three sessions to perfect. The look lasts 3 to 5 years before touch-ups are needed.
Cost: Usually between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on the area covered and provider expertise.
Potential side effects: As with any tattooing process, there may be some mild discomfort or temporary redness. Our article on scalp micropigmentation regrets shares more issues to be aware of.
7. Hair Systems (Wigs, Toupees, Hairpieces)
What is a hair system? Basically, it’s a modern-day wig or hairpiece, designed to blend into your natural hair.
Modern hair systems have come a long way since the days of obvious, old-school toupees. Today’s systems can be custom-fit to your head shape and matched to your hair color. Plus, they’re far more comfortable.
These systems can be made from synthetic or human hair. You can wear a variety of hairstyles with a quality hairpiece.
How it works: Hair systems are attached using medical-grade adhesive, clips, or integration methods. Some are semi-permanent while others are removable.
What to expect: A well-made system can be undetectable and provide a huge confidence boost. With proper care, systems can last several months before needing replacement or reattachment.
Cost: High-quality systems range from $500 to over $3,000, plus maintenance costs for hair care products and services.
Potential side effects: Hair systems require regular maintenance — and occasional professional upkeep — to help the hair look natural, healthy, and tidy.
Hair Loss
Male Pattern Baldness
Dandruff
Scarring Alopecia
Seborrheic Dermatitis