- Home
- Blog
- DHI Hair Transplant
- DHI or FUE? A Comparison Table and How to Choose
DHI or FUE? A Comparison Table and How to Choose
The differences between DHI and FUE: implantation method, shaving, density, duration, recovery and which technique suits which person.
The most common question in hair transplant research: "DHI or FUE?" Both are widely used, effective and can give permanent results. Understanding the difference helps you talk with your doctor more confidently.
What they share
Follicles taken one by one from the donor, no linear scar, local anaesthesia, usually permanent results due to donor dominance, and a similar timeline (growth from months 3–4, final result at 12–18 months).
| Criterion | FUE | DHI |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | Micromotor and punch | Similar |
| Channels | All opened first (steel or sapphire) | No separate step; the pen opens while implanting |
| Placement | Forceps into pre-made channels | Directly with an implanter pen |
| Recipient shaving | Usually shaved | Unshaven possible in suitable cases |
| Between existing hair | Possible with care | Advantageous |
| Angle control | Set during channel opening | Controlled graft by graft |
| Large areas, high grafts | Suitable and relatively fast | Possible; may take longer |
| Density | Depends on planning and channel size | Suits dense packing |
| Team | Experienced team | Extra skilled team for loading |
| Healing | Depends on channel size and technique | Immediate filling of channels may help |
These are general tendencies; results depend more on planning, team experience and graft protection than on the name of the technique.
Which for whom?
FUE may suit: large areas with high graft needs (e.g. Norwood 5–6), covering the crown, and people happy to shave.
DHI may suit: precise hairline and temple design, densification between existing hair, suitable unshaven candidates, women's hairlines and thinning, and delicate areas such as eyebrows, beards and scars.
Combined: sometimes the best result uses both, for example FUE mid-scalp and crown and DHI at the hairline.
Questions for your doctor
- Which technique suits my stage and hair?
- Is unshaven possible for me?
- How many grafts, and is that feasible in one session with this technique?
- Who opens channels and implants?
- Would combining techniques help?
At our Istanbul clinic both DHI and FUE are available; the choice is personalised after examination, and clients from Yalova, Bursa, Kocaeli and Gebze can discuss the options for their own case.
