Irish Government announces new grant for hair loss

The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has announced a new grant of up to €500 towards the cost of a hairpiece, wig or hair replacement for people who suffer hair loss due to illness.

Many salons in Ireland offer clients specialised hair loss services, including scalp treatments and wig and hairpiece fittings, along with a regular hairdressing menu.

The new grant is expected to support approximately 2,000 women or men during the first year of its introduction. The grant will fall under the Department of Social Protection’s Treatment Benefit Scheme, and will cover hair loss resulting from cancer and forms of alopecia.

“This new grant is being introduced in recognition of both the physical and psychological impact that sudden hair loss can have on someone’s life,” said Minister Humphreys.

“This initiative, provided for in Budget 2022, is about supporting people who suffer from forms of alopecia or cancer. The grant of up to €500 will assist in the purchase of a wig or hairpiece, for people who suffer the trauma of hair loss.

“I really hope this new grant will help in some small way in improving the quality of life of people who need it. It is designed to support women or men who lose something that so many of us, on a daily basis, take for granted.”