The fundamentals
A hair transplant redistributes existing hair
Hair follicles are usually moved from a donor area to areas affected by thinning or hair loss. The procedure does not create new follicles, so long-term planning and careful use of the donor area are central to a natural-looking result.
Donor planning
Protect a limited resource
Recipient design
Plan direction and density
Aftercare
Support healing and follow-up
Method comparison
Understand what each label actually describes
Clinics may market method names as complete treatment systems. In practice, the differences often relate to a particular tool or stage of the procedure.
FUE
Follicular Unit Extraction
Individual grafts are extracted from the donor area before recipient sites are prepared and implanted.
Read the full guideDHI
Direct Hair Implantation
A pen-style implanter is used during placement. Extraction is still generally based on FUE principles.
Read the full guideSapphire FUE
FUE with sapphire blades
A variation of FUE where sapphire blades may be used when opening recipient channels.
Read the full guideEditorial principle: explain the clinical process first, then compare the marketed method name with the actual treatment plan.
From planning to progress
The procedure is one step in a longer process
Assessment
Hair loss, donor capacity, health history and expectations are reviewed.
Planning
The treatment area, graft strategy and hairline are agreed with the medical team.
Procedure
Grafts are extracted, prepared and placed according to the treatment plan.
Recovery
The clinic supplies aftercare steps and monitors progress over the following months.
Personal suitability
Questions a good assessment should answer
- Is the hair loss pattern stable?
- Is the donor area strong enough?
- Are expectations realistic?
- Is future hair loss included in the plan?
- Are health conditions and medication reviewed?
- Is non-surgical treatment worth discussing?