WHO ARE WE
The ISHRS is an international, non-profit medical society comprised of over 1,200 members representing over 80 countries – dedicated to promulgating the highest standards of medical practice and medical ethics. Member categories include fellow, member, associate member, adjunct (researchers), residents, and surgical assistants. Since its incorporation in 1993, a renaissance in hair restoration surgery was set into motion by the ISHRS. The multidisciplinary, international membership of the ISHRS is a critical mass for innovation in hair restoration surgery.
The Society offers the highest level of member education, supports research, promotes international collegiality, and emphasizes ethics. In addition, the ISHRS helps build public awareness and trust in the field of hair restoration.
CORE PURPOSE
Improving quality of life for patients with hair loss through medical therapy and hair restoration surgery.
CORE VALUES
- Integrity · demonstrated by ethical conduct, being honest and fair, having strong moral principles
- Inclusivity · recognizing and integrating all aspects of diversity
- Commitment to Excellence · highest standards of professionalism and respect
- Fostering a Knowledge-Sharing Culture · free exchange of science-based information
EDUCATION
The ISHRS is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, the agency responsible for sanctioning medical education for physician licensure in the United States. Dedicated to facilitating the training of physicians in the field of hair restoration, the ISHRS offers numerous meetings, webinars, and surgical workshops; has a Fellowship Training Program; and provides a plethora of educational materials and online resources. The Society’s largest meeting, the annual ISHRS World Congress, is held at different locations around the world. The ISHRS secures world-renowned faculty and the leading experts, innovators, and pioneers in the field to teach at its meetings and live workshops. Events are held globally in such countries as Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States.
As a leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration, the ISHRS provides the latest information on medical and surgical treatments for hair loss to the public through such channels as news releases, its website and social channels. The ISHRS launched the Fight The FIGHT campaign to teach the public about the dangers of black market hair transplants.
AFFILIATIONS
In its aim to ensure patient safety and to develop methods to minimize risks to patients while also meeting patient expectations, the ISHRS is part of one of the most important groups to effect standards and legislation in the United States: the American Medical Association House of Delegates. Considered “the House of Medicine,” the ISHRS has a Delegate seat in the AMA and as such has a voice in the policy making that directly affects patient care. In addition, the ISHRS was a liaison organization member for many years of the Comite Europeen de Normalisation (CEN) [European Committee for Standardization] task force 403 “Aesthetic Surgery Services,” tasked with developing standards for hair transplantation among countries within the European Union.
The ISHRS is member of and leader of the entity, the Global Council of Hair Restoration Surgery Societies, which is comprised of 25 national and regional societies. Through its regular Practice Census surveys, the ISHRS is the go-to authority for information on industry trends and standards.
PATIENT SAFETY & PUBLICATIONS
To maintain its authoritative role as the voice of hair restoration surgeons, the ISHRS frequently publishes on the latest research in the field; examples include “Core Curriculum in Hair Restoration Surgery” (Dermatol Surg. 2006; 32:86–90; doi: 10.1111j1524-4725.2006.32010), “Core Competencies in Hair Restoration Surgery” (Dermatol Surg. 2009; 35:425–428; doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2008.01059), “FUE Clinical Practice Guidelines,” and “FUT Clinical Practice Guidelines.” The ISHRS also has released several position statements.
RESEARCH
To stay at the forefront of medical research, the ISHRS provides annual research grants to fund physicians under taking relevant clinical research projects directed toward the better understanding of hair loss and the identification of new advances in hair restoration surgery.
PRO BONO SURGERY FOR THOSE IN NEED
In 2004, the ISHRS began Operation Restore, a pro bono program that matches volunteer ISHRS physicians with prospective hair restoration patients suffering from hair loss as a result of accident, trauma, or disease and who lack the resources to obtain treatment on their own. The program has provided over $915,000 USD of free surgery and travel expenses to those most in need of this life-changing surgery.
INDUSTRY DATA
The ISHRS is the leader in hair restoration surgical statistics and trend data. Its 2025 Practice Census Survey revealed first-time hair restoration surgery patients in 2024 skewed younger than the general adult population, with 95% initiating hair restoration surgery between the ages of 20-35. More women also turned to a permanent solution for hair loss, as the number of female hair restoration surgical patients treated in 2024 increased by 16.5% from 2021. The ISHRS has been cited in numerous major news outlets, publications, and receives much press since it is the most trusted source for unbiased information and the best education in the field of hair restoration surgery.
BENEFITS OF ISHRS MEMBERSHIP
- Reduced registration fees for ISHRS world congresses, live surgery workshops, and other educational programs and products
- ISHRS Associate Members and full Members can register their office staff for the ISHRS World Congress Surgical Assistant Program taking place during the Congress. ISHRS Fellow Members have the option to register their office staff for the World Congress General Sessions in addition to the Surgical Assistant Program.
- Subscription to the bi-monthly newsletter, Hair Transplant Forum International
- Access to the online FORUM ePub
- Opportunity to join the ISHRS Physician Member Only WhatsApp Group or ISHRS Surgical Assistants WhatsApp Group
- Subscription to the peer-reviewed journals, Dermatologic Surgery and Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (both online, physicians only)
- Access to the online Members Only website including surgical video library, recorded sessions and workshops from past annual meetings, hair loss diagnostic course, webinars, and more
- Opportunities to earn continuing medical education credits (CME) – AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ – with certificate suitable for framing
- Eligibility for research grants, Preceptorship Program, and Fellowship Training Program
- Special rates on textbooks
- ISHRS.org – A comprehensive informational website on hair loss and restoration. Free listing with Physician Profile for full Members and Fellow Members.
- Full Members are authorized to display the members only logo; Fellow Members are authorized to display the FISHRS logo
- Unified public relations effort to increase the public’s perception and awareness of hair restoration surgery
- A team of leaders, volunteers and staff dedicated to making the ISHRS a valuable resource to the profession
There are several categories of membership and different classes among the physician categories. Most new applicants begin as Associate Members, and then after completing additional educational requirements may elevate their membership to full Member category or Fellow Member (FISHRS) category.
How to Apply for Membership
Apply for Membership
To apply to become a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery:
- Click on the orange button below to watch the New Member Video
- Open the Membership Application and complete the form, including uploading a copy of your medical license and C.V.
- Applications for Associate Member do not require a letter of recommendation. Applications for ‘full’ Member require one letter of recommendation from an ISHRS ‘full’ Member or Fellow Member.
Two deadlines for 2026 Applications: January 20, 2026 & July 20, 2026
Applications received by January 20, 2026, will be voted upon in April 2026. Applicants approved will be invoiced pro-rated membership dues for 2026.
Applications received by July 20, 2026, will be voted upon in October 2026. Applicants approved will be invoiced for 2027 membership dues.
Supporting Documents
Letter of Recommendation Template
Bylaws
Disciplinary Procedures
List of ISHRS Approved Meetings to Meet Additional Minimum Educational Requirement