Award-Winning Hair Salon · Carlow
Hair Loss
Life isn’t perfect — but your hair can be.
Life isn’t perfect — but your hair can be.
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It’s the most vulnerable time of anyone’s life and we want to help and be as sensitive as possible.
— Maria & Mandy, Sandra’s Hair Studio
Those who hold a medical card and have a certified hair loss condition are entitled to the HSE Wig Grant of up to €770 per year towards a wig, hair topper, or hairpiece. To qualify, a GP must complete a form confirming the hair loss falls under an eligible condition — these include alopecia areata, primary scarring alopecias, frontal fibrosing alopecia, or hair loss resulting from surgery or trauma. The grant covers the full cost if the chosen product is within the €770 limit, with the patient only paying any excess above that amount.
Those with private health insurance can claim reimbursement for wigs and hair replacement products through their insurer, provided a doctor certifies the hair loss as medically necessary. While this is separate from the HSE scheme, it can be used alongside it — meaning those who also hold a medical card or have PRSI contributions could potentially access multiple avenues of support.
Individuals who have paid at least 52 PRSI contributions as an employee or self-employed person may qualify for a €500 grant per year under the Treatment Benefit Scheme. A doctor’s certificate confirming that the hair loss is due to a qualifying medical condition — such as alopecia or chemotherapy — is required, and the application form is available through welfare.ie.
Cancer patients experiencing hair loss as a result of chemotherapy are entitled to the full €770 HSE grant — without needing a medical card. This type of hair loss, known as chemotherapy-induced alopecia, is fully recognised as a qualifying condition, and the only requirement is a hospital or doctor’s letter confirming the hair loss is treatment-related. The grant covers the full cost of a wig, hair topper, or hairpiece up to €770.
We understand that hair loss solutions represent a significant investment. That’s why we work to ensure every eligible client gets the financial support available to them — and we handle the paperwork on your behalf.
We are fully set up with the PRSI Grant scheme. All you need is your PPS number and date of birth and we will process everything for you, checking your eligibility for a grant towards hair pieces or extensions.
When talking about treatment, your dermatologist may mention the type of alopecia you have. Understanding the difference can help guide the right solution for you.
Alopecia is the medical term for bald. Areata means patchy. This patchy baldness can develop anywhere on the body — including the scalp, beard area, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, or inside the nose or ears.
The person loses all hair on the scalp, leaving it completely bald. This form of alopecia affects the entire scalp and typically requires a full wig solution.
The person loses all hair across the entire body. This is a rare but significant form of alopecia that our team is experienced in supporting with care and expertise.
Don’t suffer from alopecia or thinning hair in silence — we have every solution here at Sandra’s.
Our consultations are completely free, fully confidential, and available outside of salon hours. We’re here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way.