According to new research from Elithair, the most popular cosmetic treatment among UK men is teeth whitening, with 43% of men interested, followed by hair transplants (24%), laser hair removal (15%), beard transplants (14%) and genital enhancement (14%).
10 most popular cosmetic treatments for men
| Cosmetic procedure | % of men interested in having this treatment or surgery |
| Teeth whitening | 43% |
| Hair transplant | 24% |
| Laser hair removal | 15% |
| Beard transplant | 14% |
| Genital enhancement | 14% |
| Botox or dermal fillers | 12% |
| Liposuction | 11% |
| Facelift | 11% |
| Jawline enhancement | 11% |
| Rhinoplasty | 11% |
Average cost per procedure
While cosmetic procedures offer transformative results, they come at a cost. Below is an estimated UK price for each treatment investigated.** However, medical tourists can also explore global clinical treatments. For example, many people now explore Turkey as an alternative because it offers modern techniques, experienced surgeons, and all-inclusive packages at a lower price.
| Procedure | Average cost in the UK |
| Teeth Whitening | £300 – £750+ |
| Hair Transplant | £4,500 – £12,000+ |
| Beard Transplant | £3,000 – £7,000+ |
| Laser Hair Removal | £30 – £650+ per session |
| Botox (per area) | £160 – £350+ |
| Dermal Fillers (per ml) | £250 – £600+ |
| Liposuction | £2,995 – £7,000+ |
| Facelift | £5,000 – £15,000+ |
| Jawline Enhancement | £300 – £600+ (fillers) / £6,000+ (surgery) |
| Rhinoplasty | £5,000 – £10,000+ |
| Genital Enhancement | £3,300 – £8,300+ (depending on procedure) |
According to Elithair, the average cost for a hair transplant in Turkey is £2,850 – £3,840.
Top 5 factors that impact male self-confidence for men aged 18-24
- Teeth – 79%
- Weight – 74%
- Build & muscles – 73%
- Hair style – 72%
- Hairline – 65%
As demand for male cosmetic treatments grows and more of our lives move online, it is no surprise that men are feeling increasingly self-conscious about their appearance. Among men aged 18–24, the top five factors impacting self-confidence are teeth (79%), weight (74%), build and muscles (73%), hairstyle (72%), and hairline (65%).
Appearance and mental health
It’s also important to recognise the connection between appearance and an individual’s sense of wellbeing and confidence. Our research revealed that a quarter of all men (25%) say that their appearance negatively impacts their mental health.
In particular, younger generations are more likely to say their appearance negatively impacts their mental health, with 18-24-year-old men being almost two times more likely to report that their appearance negatively impacts their mental health than men aged 25-34.
How can hair loss impact your mental health?
Below, Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi, leading hair surgeon at Elithair, discusses the effects of hair loss on mental well-being and shares advice for those experiencing a loss of confidence.
Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi explains: “Hair changes can deeply influence how a person feels, often leading to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, or even depression. Because hair is so closely linked to identity and personal appearance, thinning or loss can make individuals feel less confident or attractive and may cause them to withdraw from social or romantic situations. Despite how common it is, there is still a great deal of stigma surrounding hair loss, which can make individuals hesitant to speak openly about their experiences.”
Case study: The everyday reality of hair loss insecurities
In January 2026, The Economist podcast followed Lewis, a 28-year-old bricklayer from Sunderland, through his hair transplant journey with Elithair, an experience sparked by hair loss insecurities:
“I’ve never ever been someone with low confidence. I’ve always been very, very confident in myself, but at this point, I’ve never felt the way I do at the minute, self-conscious-wise.
“I won’t go out of the house until I’ve got a cap on, but my hair’s actually not that bad. I can cover it really well, and you probably wouldn’t know that I was receding, but that’s where being self-conscious comes into it. Because although people say they don’t notice and stuff like that, I know it’s there.”
And post procedure? Lewis said he “feels a hundred times more confident.”
How to build confidence when dealing with hair loss
Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi says: “When dealing with the emotional side of hair loss, it’s important to start by opening up about the way you’re feeling, whether that’s to a partner, friend, family member or licensed therapist. Discussing your feelings with others can bring comfort and help you see your experience from a more balanced point of view.
“Alongside emotional support, maintaining a consistent scalp and hair care routine is key. Even small things like using the right products for your hair type or implementing a consistent wash routine can improve appearance and self-esteem.
“When hair loss becomes more severe, it’s important to visit a qualified dermatologist or trichologist who can assess the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. Depending on the type of hair loss, treatments may include medications, targeted therapies, or hair transplants designed to encourage healthy regrowth. These approaches not only enhance appearance but can also significantly boost personal confidence.”
