DHI Hair Transplant Procedure: How It Works, Benefits, and Alternatives

Hair transplant technology has come a long way, leaving behind the obvious hair plugs of the past. Newer, more advanced techniques, like DHI hair transplants, offer more natural-looking results. 

DHI stands for direct hair implantation (DHI), a cutting-edge surgical hair loss treatment that gives healthcare professionals more control over final hair graft results. 

Below, we cover how a DHI hair transplant works and how it differs from other procedures like follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT). We also outline some non-surgical hair loss treatment alternatives to consider if you decide a hair transplant isn’t right for you.

In a DHI procedure, a surgeon uses a Choi Implanter Pen (or DHI implanter) — a pen-shaped device with a hollow needle — to both remove and implant hair follicles. This tool allows for precise control, resulting in denser hair coverage, minimal scarring, and a faster recovery compared to other hair transplant surgeries. Plus, the whole procedure takes less time than other methods.

Imagine you’re planting seeds straight into the soil without digging holes first. With a DHI hair transplant, the seeds are your hair follicles and the soil is your scalp. Instead of creating recipient sites (AKA the areas where the hair follicles end up) beforehand, your surgeon implants follicles directly into the scalp in one seamless step — saving time and improving accuracy. 

Before we cover the specifics of how DHI hair transplants work, let’s start with a simple overview of how hair transplants work. A hair transplant involves moving healthy hair (AKA donor hairs) from parts of the scalp unaffected by male pattern baldness to areas where hair is balding or thinning. 

These donor hairs keep growing normally in their new location because of “donor dominance,” meaning the grafted hair follicles take root and grow, remaining unaffected by male pattern hair loss. Hair that’s not prone to balding stays healthy, no matter where a surgeon places it. 

While the end goal of a hair transplant is always to restore hair, there are a few different ways to get there. Below, we cover a few of the most common hair transplant types.

You can also learn a whole lot more about hair transplants in our guide to hair transplant cost, time, and side effects.

DHI, FUE, and FUT are hair transplant methods that involve moving follicles from one area of the scalp to another.  Here’s how they differ:

DHI

A DHI hair transplant or direct hair transplant is a modified version of the follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure, which we cover in more detail below.. What sets the DHI technique apart is that it involves the use of a special, time-saving tool to implant hair follicles. It gives surgeons more control over hair follicle spacing. 

Some evidence  also suggests the DHI implanter tool lowers infection risk and trauma to the hair follicles, which leads to faster recovery times. 

FUE

The FUE method involves extracting individual hair follicles (AKA follicular units) and transplanting them to thinning areas. This procedure requires a surgeon to make small incisions, called “micro punches,” in the scalp to remove the hair follicles.

Unlike DHI hair transplants, where the implanter tool allows surgeons to complete two steps at once, FUE involves making the incision first and then adding the follicle. 

Because the incisions are tiny, visible scarring is usually minimal with an FUE hair transplant. 

FUT

An FUT hair transplant, also known as the "strip method," involves removing a strip of hair and skin from the back of your scalp.

A healthcare professional then carefully examines this strip under a microscope, extracts the hair follicles, and transplants them into thinning areas.

While some research suggests FUT generally results in a higher survival rate for transplanted hairs compared to the FUE technique, it can leave a more noticeable linear scar on the back of your head. FUT is an older technique, and it’s not always a first-line choice for hair restoration.  

So, which method is the best option? Each hair transplant method has its pros and cons. Deciding on the right technique for your needs is a decision best left to you and a healthcare professional. 

Many consider DHI to be the most effective option with a high success rate, but there aren’t any conclusive studies comparing it directly with other techniques. 

Thinking DHI might work for you? Here’s what to expect during the procedure:

1. Your surgeon will shave all or part of your head, depending on your preference.  

2. They’ll apply a local anesthetic to your scalp.

3. The surgeon will extract healthy hair follicles from the back and sides of your head using the pen-shaped DHI implanter tool and use the same tool to implant follicles into areas with thinning. 

4. They’ll clean and bandage your scalp, and go over aftercare with you. 

On average, hair transplants take about four to eight hours, but timing can vary from person to person. DHI hair transplants typically take less time, but how long they take depends on the amount of hair loss, your goals, and the surgeon. 

You can expect to see results in six to nine months, with full results taking up to a year.

The potential side effects of a DHI hair transplant are similar to that of any hair transplant. They include:

• Complications from anesthesia 

• Infection

• Pain

• Keloid scarring

• Heart problems during surgery

• Not liking the results 

To reduce the risk of experiencing side effects and complications, choose a reputable hair transplant clinic and a board-certified surgeon or dermatologist. It’s also important to be open and honest about your medical history and any medications you take.

Hair transplants are expensive and generally aren’t covered by insurance since they’re seen as cosmetic procedures.

In 2021, the average cost of a hair transplant in the United States was around $13,610.

If you’re considering direct hair implantation (DHI), the DHI Global website notes that sessions at their clinics in London, Athens, Dubai, and Paris start at £2,900 (about $3800 dollars). However, the final price may depend on your hair loss stage and personal expectations. 

We get it — high prices can be daunting. But don’t worry! A hair transplant isn’t the only option for addressing hair loss. Here are some more affordable hair loss treatments that can slow thinning and even help with regrowth. 

Finasteride

Finasteride is one of only two medications with U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat male pattern baldness. It works by slowing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that plays a role in genetic hair loss. 

Many hair transplant surgeons recommend taking finasteride before and after a hair transplant. Research shows it improves hair density — with or without a hair transplant. 

Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is the other FDA-approved medication for male pattern baldness. It's a vasodilator that enhances blood and oxygen flow to the scalp. It also widens the diameter of hair follicles, which may help create thicker hair.

We offer minoxidil foam and liquid solution without a prescription. If the topical version doesn’t work for you, a healthcare professional might recommend oral minoxidil, which is available by prescription only. 

Minoxidil and Finasteride Together

You don’t have to choose between finasteride and minoxidil to achieve hair growth benefits. Research shows the two ingredients work better together than alone.

You can try the duo in our topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

Thinking about getting a hair transplant? It’s a big decision. But it’s not your only option for tackling hair loss.

Let’s recap what we know about DHI transplants:

• A DHI hair transplant involves the use of a special tool. Surgeons use a Choi Implanter Pen to extract and implant hair follicles during a DHI procedure. It offers more control and potentially faster recovery than methods like FUE and FUT.

• The possible side effects of DHI are similar to other procedures. However, DHI may come with a quicker recovery period and a lower overall risk of side effects. 

• Hair transplants are very expensive. Thankfully, you have other options to address hair loss, like finasteride and minoxidil. 

Ready to tackle your hair loss head on? Our healthcare professionals can help you figure out the root cause of your receding hairline and explain your hair loss treatment options.

Looking to learn more about hair transplants? Check out our blog on NeoGraft hair transplant technology.