Better Hairline

Types of Hair Transplants

Understanding the different hair transplant techniques is crucial for making an informed decision. Each method has its own advantages, recovery times, and ideal candidates.

15 min readLast updated: January 2026
Hair transplant donor area illustration showing the back of the head with marked extraction zone

The donor area at the back of the head where hair follicles are extracted for transplantation

Quick Comparison

MethodRecoveryCost RangeScarring
FUE7-10 days$4,000 - $15,000Minimal (tiny dots)
FUT2-3 weeks$3,000 - $12,000Linear scar
DHI7-10 days$6,000 - $20,000Minimal (tiny dots)
Robotic (ARTAS)7-10 days$8,000 - $25,000Minimal (tiny dots)
Most Popular
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
7-10 days
$4,000 - $15,000
Individual hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area and transplanted to the recipient area. This minimally invasive technique leaves tiny, nearly invisible scars.

Advantages

  • +Minimal scarring - tiny dots instead of linear scar
  • +Faster recovery time (usually 7-10 days)
  • +Less post-operative discomfort
  • +Can wear hair very short after healing
  • +Good for smaller procedures

Disadvantages

  • -More expensive than FUT
  • -Longer procedure time
  • -May require shaving the donor area
  • -Lower yield per session compared to FUT

Best For

Patients who prefer short hairstyles, want minimal scarring, or need smaller procedures

Traditional
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
2-3 weeks
$3,000 - $12,000
A strip of scalp is surgically removed from the donor area, then dissected into individual follicular units and transplanted. Also known as the 'strip method'.

Advantages

  • +Higher graft yield per session
  • +Lower cost per graft
  • +Better for very large sessions
  • +No need to shave the entire donor area
  • +Established technique with long track record

Disadvantages

  • -Linear scar in donor area
  • -Longer recovery time (2-3 weeks)
  • -More post-operative discomfort
  • -Not suitable for very short hairstyles

Best For

Patients needing large numbers of grafts, those who keep hair longer, or budget-conscious patients

Premium
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
7-10 days
$6,000 - $20,000
A specialized version of FUE where extracted follicles are immediately implanted using a Choi pen, allowing for precise angle and depth control without creating recipient site incisions beforehand.

Advantages

  • +More control over hair direction and angle
  • +Faster healing of recipient area
  • +Higher survival rate of grafts
  • +Can achieve higher density
  • +Less handling of grafts

Disadvantages

  • -Most expensive option
  • -Requires highly specialized training
  • -Longer procedure time
  • -Limited number of qualified surgeons

Best For

Patients seeking maximum density, those with specific aesthetic requirements, or those wanting the latest techniques

High-Tech
Robotic Hair Transplant (ARTAS)
7-10 days
$8,000 - $25,000
Uses robotic technology to assist with FUE harvesting. The ARTAS system uses AI and cameras to identify and extract optimal follicles with precision.

Advantages

  • +Consistent, precise extraction
  • +Reduced human error
  • +Less fatigue-related variability
  • +Quick harvesting phase
  • +Detailed pre-operative planning

Disadvantages

  • -Very expensive
  • -Limited to certain hair types
  • -Requires shaving donor area
  • -Not available everywhere
  • -Implantation still done manually

Best For

Patients who prefer technology-assisted procedures, want consistency, or have straight dark hair

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Now that you understand the different types of hair transplants, find a qualified clinic that specializes in the technique that's right for you.