Ireland's HSE specialist wait times often exceed 18 months for dermatology referrals, leaving patients with progressive hair loss in a monitoring gap. AI-powered density tracking with myhairline.ai builds your clinical record during that waiting period, so your first specialist appointment starts with data rather than guesswork.
The Irish Hair Loss Treatment Pathway
Most Irish patients follow one of two routes to hair loss treatment.
HSE public pathway. You visit your GP, who assesses your hair loss and decides whether to refer you to a dermatologist. If referred, you join the HSE waiting list. During the wait (often 12 to 24 months), your condition may progress without documentation.
Private pathway. Private dermatology consultations in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick typically cost EUR 150 to 300 with wait times of 2 to 6 weeks. Private hair restoration consultations are also available at specialized clinics.
| Pathway | Typical Wait Time | Approximate Cost | Tracking Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSE public referral | 12 to 24 months | Free (GMS) or subsidized | Critical: documents progression during long wait |
| Private dermatology | 2 to 6 weeks | EUR 150 to 300 | Useful: provides baseline data for consultation |
| Private hair clinic | 1 to 4 weeks | Free consultation (many clinics) | Helpful: objective data supplements clinic assessment |
Why Tracking During the HSE Wait Matters
The gap between GP referral and specialist appointment is where the most valuable tracking data is generated. If your hair loss is progressive, monthly density scans during the 12 to 24 month wait period create a timeline that shows:
- The rate of progression (slow, moderate, or rapid)
- Whether over-the-counter treatments (minoxidil) are having any effect
- Your Norwood stage at referral versus your Norwood stage at appointment
This data allows the dermatologist to make faster, better-informed decisions at your first visit. Instead of starting from scratch with a single-point assessment, they see 12 or more months of objective density measurements.
How to Use myhairline.ai for Irish Healthcare
Getting Started
Visit myhairline.ai/analyze from any device. Take your first density scan and record your Norwood stage. Note the date of your GP visit and referral submission.
Monthly Tracking Protocol
Take a density scan on the same day each month. Use consistent lighting and camera angle. Log any treatments you are using (minoxidil, supplements) and any relevant health changes in the notes field.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Whether HSE or private, export your tracking data before your dermatology appointment. Irish dermatologists are increasingly familiar with patient-generated health data. Your myhairline.ai report provides:
- Timestamped density readings showing progression or stability
- Norwood stage history with visual documentation
- Treatment log showing what you have tried during the waiting period
Hair Transplant Considerations in Ireland
For patients considering hair transplantation, Ireland has a small but growing number of clinics offering FUE procedures. Many Irish patients also travel to the UK or Turkey for transplant surgery due to cost differences.
| Location | Cost per Graft (USD) | Typical Travel from Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland (private) | $4 to $6 | None |
| UK | $3 to $5 | 1 hour flight |
| Turkey | $1 to $2 | 4 hour flight |
| Europe (average) | $2.50 to $4.50 | 2 to 3 hour flight |
Regardless of where you have the procedure, pre-operative tracking establishes your baseline and post-operative tracking documents graft survival (typically 90 to 95% with FUE).
Start Tracking Today
Do not wait for your HSE appointment to begin documenting your hair loss. Start tracking now at myhairline.ai/analyze and bring objective density data to your first specialist visit. For guidance on preparing your documentation, see our guide on documenting hair loss for your dermatologist. Patients in the UK can also see our UK-specific tracking guide.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of hair loss conditions.