How DHI works
- Consultation and design: your hairline is drawn and agreed with you before treatment.
- Local anaesthesia is given to the donor and recipient areas.
- Extraction: follicular units are removed one by one from the donor area, as in FUE.
- Implantation: each graft is loaded into an implanter pen and placed directly into the scalp at the planned angle and depth.
- Aftercare: your instructions are explained before you leave.
When DHI is often chosen
- Refining or rebuilding the hairline, where angle and direction matter most
- Adding density among existing hair without shaving it
- Patients who want to keep length in the recipient area (depending on the size of the area)
Things to consider
DHI placement is meticulous and can take longer per graft, so very large sessions are sometimes planned differently or combined with other placement methods. The right technique depends on your donor area, hair type and goals, not on the name of the method. If you are deciding between methods, read FUE vs DHI vs Sapphire FUE.
Recovery
Recovery after DHI is similar to FUE: a few days of tightness and possible swelling, scabs that clear within about two weeks, temporary shedding, then new growth from around month 3–4. See the recovery timeline.
Common questions
Is DHI better than FUE?
Neither is better for everyone. DHI gives fine control when placing grafts, which suits hairlines and dense work between existing hair, while opening channels first can suit larger areas. Your assessment decides which approach fits.
Can I have DHI without shaving?
Sometimes. Whether the recipient area can stay unshaven depends on its size and the number of grafts. The donor area usually still needs to be trimmed, though it can often be hidden under longer hair.
How long does a DHI procedure take?
Most procedures take most of a day, usually around 6–8 hours, including breaks. The exact time depends on the number of grafts.
Does DHI hurt?
It is done under local anaesthesia. Most people feel the anaesthetic injections and then pressure rather than pain; mild soreness afterwards usually settles within days.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, risks, recovery and results vary from person to person and are discussed during your consultation. Last updated: