Also known as: direct hair implantation
DHI is a type of FUE hair transplant. Your grafts are removed one by one, as in FUE, and a pen-like implanter then opens each small channel and places the graft in one move. Most patients stay 2 to 3 days.
Anesthesia
Local
Time abroad
2 to 3 days
Results
6 to 12 months
How it compares
DHI, FUE and Sapphire FUE all remove grafts the same way, one follicle at a time. They differ in how the small openings for the new hairs are made and how the grafts are placed.
No large, well-designed study shows that one reliably gives better growth than the others. The right method depends on your hair, your donor area and your surgeon's experience with it. If you're not sure which technique is right for you, FUE vs DHI, how to choose explains the differences.
Who it suits
DHI is often chosen for dense work in smaller areas, and when you'd like less shaving. The basic requirements are the same as for any hair transplant: hair loss that has settled into a stable pattern, and enough healthy donor hair.
Dense work in smaller areas
Less shaving
Your surgeon recommends the technique after examining your scalp.
Step by step
DHI is done under local anesthesia, and you go back to your hotel the same day.
The surgeon examines your scalp, confirms the graft plan and draws your new hairline.
The donor area is usually shaved, and local anesthetic numbs the scalp.
Follicles are removed one by one from the back and sides of your head with a tiny punch, as in FUE.
Each graft is loaded into the needle of an implanter pen.
The pen opens a small channel and places the graft in one move. This sets the angle, direction and density.
The donor area is dressed, and you get written aftercare instructions.
Recovery after DHI follows the same path as other FUE methods, because the grafts are removed the same way.
Timings are typical, not promised.
Moves your own hair follicles to areas that are thinning or bald.
Removes grafts one by one from the donor area and places them where hair is thinning.
A type of FUE in which the small openings for the new hairs are made with a sapphire blade instead of a steel one.
FAQ
Not necessarily. No large, well-designed study shows that DHI gives better growth than FUE. Ask your surgeon which method they use most often, and why they suggest it for you.
DHI is often possible with less shaving. Unshaven sessions usually suit smaller areas, so ask your surgeon how much shaving your plan needs.
References
Advancements in Graft Placement Techniques
Facial Plastic Surgery, 2023 · doi.org
Complications in follicular unit excision hair transplantation
Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov