Hair loss from alopecia areata can be upsetting and difficult to cope with. Finding a cost-effective treatment that works can make a positive difference in your life.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss. An autoimmune disease happens when your immune system mistakes healthy cells for intruders and attacks them.
In the case of alopecia areata, your immune system targets your hair follicles. Autoimmune diseases are not contagious.
Most people develop alopecia areata before age 30, and many have symptoms during childhood or adulthood. But it can start at any time during your life.
Hair loss from alopecia areata can be unpredictable. Sometimes, hair grows back without treatment and never falls out again. In other cases, hair loss and regrowth repeatedly occur after initial successful treatment.
Read on for information about alopecia areata treatment options and their approximate costs.
There are a few alopecia areata treatments to choose from, with a range of costs.
These costs are variable and can be difficult to estimate. That said, the following are some general cost estimates based on available information:
| Type | Cost | Examples | OTC, prescription, cosmetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| topical | $40–$1,000; for example, $26 for 30 1-gram (g) tubes of minoxidil | • minoxidil (Rogaine) • anthralin (Dritho-Scalp) | varies |
| oral | depends on the specific drug and your insurance coverage; for example, baricitinib costs around $2,739.99 for a 30-day supply of 2-milligram (mg) tablets or $5,479.98 for a 30-day supply of 4 mg tablets | • tofacitinib (Xeljanz) • baricitinib (Olumiant) • ritlecitinib (Litfulo) | prescription |
| corticosteroid injections | $200–$1,000 or less depending on the specific drug and your insurance coverage | triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) | in-office procedure |
| platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy | around $717 per injection 3 to 4 times every 4–6 weeks, and then maintenance every 4–6 months; frequency will vary by provider | in-office procedure/cosmetic | |
| mesotherapy | $250–$600 per session; may not be covered by insurance | in-office procedure/cosmetic | |
| low-level laser therapy (LLLT) | Capillus | in-office procedure/cosmetic | |
| phototherapy | $100 or more per session, with 20–40 sessions required | in-office procedure/cosmetic | |
| hair transplant | $7,500 on average, depending on the type of hair, number of grafts, and the provider | • follicular unit transplantation (FUT) • follicular unit extraction (FUE) | in-office procedure/cosmetic |
| lash regrowth | around $107.90 per 30-day supply when covered by insurance to treat other conditions; may be seen as cosmetic for alopecia and not covered by insurance | bimatoprost (Latisse) | prescription |
| microblading | $146–$1,825 for the initial session and $109–$365 for subsequent sessions, but can vary by provider | in-office procedure/cosmetic |
Visit the following resources for more information on various hair loss treatments and their costs:
Treatments won’t always be covered by insurance. Many insurance providers consider alopecia areata treatments to be cosmetic rather than medically necessary, and most treatments for alopecia areata are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Because of this, most treatments are prescribed “off-label.”
For example, tofacitinib (Xeljanz) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that may work better and with fewer side effects when combined with corticosteroids, according to a 2022 study.
However, a 2022 research review found the insurance coverage denial rate to be 97%, with the most common reason being that tofacitinib is not FDA-approved to treat alopecia areata.
In 2022 and 2023, the FDA approved the first systemic treatments for severe alopecia areata: the oral tablets baricitinib (Olumiant) and ritlecitinib (Litfulo).
It’s worth checking with your private insurance provider regarding coverage to make sure.
According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), about 40% of appeals for denied insurance claims are successful, so if your insurance company initially refuses to cover the cost of treatment, it’s worth the effort to submit an appeal.
If you have Medicare, whether or not your loan will cover your drug depends on the medication. Some drugs are covered by Medicare Part D, while others are not. For Medicaid, the coverage varies by state.
Wigs are an effective way to camouflage hair loss. Synthetic wigs are more durable than human hair wigs but take longer to dry. Human hair wigs look more natural than their synthetic counterparts but may fade in sunlight.
Depending on the type of wig construction you select, the price can range from around $75–$500. Here are the price ranges for several options:
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| basic wig cap | $75–$150 |
| lace front | $150–$200 |
| monofilament | $200–$300 |
| hand-tied cap | $300–$500 |
You can also choose from a range of head coverings like scarves, caps, and comfort liners designed to fit under any hat.
NAAF has a helpful resources page that can connect you to support and offer advice about insurance reimbursement.
NAAF’s Ascot Fund offers financial assistance of up to $300 toward the purchase of a hairpiece to applicants who meet eligibility requirements.
Needy Meds is another resource that offers a directory of diagnosis-based alopecia areata assistance programs.
If alopecia areata is affecting your self-esteem and daily functioning, there are many options to treat or cover areas of hair loss.
Consider your options carefully and weigh them with your budget. Many insurance providers consider most treatments to be cosmetic and will not provide coverage. Check with your insurance first rather than assuming no financial assistance is available.
There are also personal grooming options you can try to manage hair loss, including
If you’ve experienced alopecia-related eyelash loss, your dermatologist may also suggest solutions to protect your eyes, including glasses, false eyelashes, stick-on eyebrows, and semi-permanent tattoos for eyebrows. The prices of all these products can vary widely depending on the brand you purchase.
If you’re looking for a dermatologist to treat alopecia areata, try using the American Academy of Dermatology’s search tool. For a pediatric dermatologist, try the Society for Pediatric Dermatology.