FUE vs DHI Hair Transplants - Which is Better
If you’re suffering from a receding hairline, hair loss, hair thinning, or bald spots in your hair, you’ve likely been considering hair transplantation. But with so many different hair transplant techniques on the market, it can be a bit overwhelming figuring out which one’s the best for you.
Luckily, Follicle Clinics specialises in all kinds of hair transplantation methods. We deliver guidance, pre- and post-procedure care, and amazing results for all of our clients to get their confidence back through the hair. In this article, you’ll get a guided look into FUE and DHI procedures, explaining the processes for both, and what the advantages of each are.
What is an FUE Transplant?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a delicate and minimally invasive hair transplant procedure. We extract individual hair follicles from the donor hair—usually around the back or sides of the scalp—where hair growth is usually the best. Next, we make tiny incisions into thinning or balding areas of the scalp, then implant those follicles into the incisions.
Benefits of FUE
We’ve found that FUE works best for extensive hair loss caused by male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss. FUE is effective for crown restoration and full scalp coverage.
Caveats
The main consideration with a FUE hair transplant is that the procedure requires expert precision from the medical specialist carrying out the procedure, meaning it can take longer due to the nature of individual follicle extraction. The recovery period also tends to be longer, at around seven to ten days.
What is a DHI Transplant?
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a variation of FUE, the core difference being that it skips the step of making incisions on the scalp. Instead, a special pen tool directly places the extracted hair follicles into the scalp. With this tool, we can specifically control the depth, angle, and direction of each individual hair strand.
Benefits of DHI
We’ve found that DHI hair transplants best for detailed work such as in hairlines. It also has the benefit of having a faster recovery rate than FUE due to the less invasive follicle implantation procedure. The survival rate of the follicles tends to be better as well.
Caveats
The procedure requires more specialised equipment and training, meaning it can be a bit more expensive. It’s also only appropriate for smaller balding areas, so if you want more scalp coverage, FUE would be more effective.
What is the recovery process like for FUE and DHI?
FUE and DHI have very similar recovery periods. After you undergo a hair transplant procedure, your clinician will give you a personalised recovery plan for the next few days to recuperate after the procedure.
Generally, it will involve resting for about a week and trying to sleep on your back to avoid disturbing the hair follicles. It’s also recommended to avoid exercise for two weeks after the procedure. This avoids the buildup of sweat and grime between the hair follicles, and protects them getting damaged. After about five days, you can wash your hair for the first time using a special shampoo. Washing your head with gentle circles and avoiding pressure on the scalp is critical for ensuring the health of your follicles.
After about two weeks, you can expect most of the transplanted hair follicles to fall out. There’s no need to panic, as this is a normal part of the process and a sign that the follicles have successfully taken root and are beginning their growth cycle.
Which Hair Transplant Method is The Best?
DHI and FUE both lead to excellent results for clients. However, different people will indeed benefit more from different procedures.
For example, if you need extensive coverage over a large amount of bald areas or want a full scalp restoration, the multiple skin grafts required mean that an FUE transplant will be the best procedure.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for high-density results on focused, precise areas such as eyebrows, beards, and hairlines, a DHI transplant is recommended.
Begin your Hair Transplant Journey Today
At Follicle Clinic Sydney, we are highly experienced in all manner of hair transplant procedures, DHI and FUE transplants being no exception. As a leading Bondi-based Sydney hair transplant clinic, we offer top-of-the-line procedures and treatment plans for all manner of hair loss issues. Whether you want to recover your hairline, or want a fill out some balding or hair thinning, we are welcome to help all manner of clients. Book an appointment for a free consult so we can begin your personal journey to hair restoration.