Take the hair loss checkHair check

Wigs, hair systems and the grant

In shortA wig, topper or hair system covers hair loss completely, whatever the cause. In Ireland they cost €400 to €800 and up. If your hair loss comes from an illness or its treatment, the State pays up to €500 a year towards one through the Treatment Benefit Scheme, or through the HSE in some cases.

The hair loss check

Four taps, for adults. You'll see the likely type of hair loss, the treatments that fit and what they cost. Nothing is sent unless you choose to.

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Which are you?

The types

  • Synthetic wigs: cheaper, hold their style, last months with daily wear.
  • Human hair wigs: look and move more naturally, cost more, need styling after each wash.
  • Toppers: clip into your own hair to cover a thin crown or parting.
  • Hair systems: a fine base bonded or taped to the scalp for weeks at a time, then refitted.
Two women talking in a bright, quiet room

Help with the cost

If your hair loss comes from an illness or its treatment, such as cancer treatment or certain types of alopecia, the Treatment Benefit Scheme pays up to €500 once a calendar year towards a wig or hairpiece, if you or your partner have enough PRSI contributions. It doesn't cover hair loss from ageing.

The HSE says you may get help through the HSE itself if cancer treatment caused the hair loss, through PRSI, or through your medical card if you don't qualify under PRSI. Your GP or hospital team can prescribe a hairpiece and give you a list of suppliers. See the HSE's hair loss page.

How to claim

Many wig suppliers deal with the scheme directly: they check your PRSI record, take the grant off the price and claim it for you. You need a letter or form from your doctor confirming the medical cause. One grant per calendar year, for one hairpiece. Children can't claim under the scheme, as it is for insured adults and their partners.

For thinning, not total loss

You don't need a full wig to cover thinning. Hair fibres cling to existing hair and hide a wide parting for the day. Root sprays do the same with colour. A topper clips into your own hair over the crown. All of them wash or lift out, and all work alongside a medicine while it has time to act.

Choosing one

Go to a supplier with a private fitting room. Bring a photo of your usual style. Ask how long the piece lasts with daily wear, what cleaning costs, and whether adjustments are included.

Questions people ask

Who qualifies for the wig grant in Ireland?

Adults with enough PRSI contributions, or their dependent partner, whose hair loss comes from a disease or its treatment, such as cancer treatment or certain types of alopecia. Not hair loss from ageing.

How much is the grant?

Up to €500 towards one hairpiece, wig or hair replacement, once a calendar year.

Does a medical card cover a wig?

It can, if you don't qualify under PRSI. The HSE looks at each case and the help is generally capped at the same amount.

Can men get the grant for a hair system?

Yes, if the hair loss comes from a disease or its treatment and the PRSI conditions are met. It doesn't cover male pattern baldness.

More guides

Treatment for menTreatment for womenWhich treatment works?FinasterideMinoxidilPRP for hair lossHair transplantLaser therapyScalp micropigmentationNatural treatmentsMale pattern baldnessFemale pattern hair lossAlopecia areataSudden sheddingAfter pregnancyMenopauseCauses of hair lossReceding hairlineScalp problemsOur price guideYour GP and blood testsWho treats hair loss?Choosing a clinicReading reviewsTurkey or Ireland?

Find out what kind of hair loss it is

Four taps. You see the likely type, the treatments that fit and what they cost in Ireland. One clinic contacts you only if you ask, and nothing is booked until you say yes.

Take the hair loss check