Hair Transplant · Harley Street
FUE vs DHI Hair Transplant
Two techniques, one goal. How FUE and DHI differ, and which is likely to suit you.
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FUE and DHI are not rival brands so much as two ways of doing the same job: moving your own follicles to where they are needed. Both extract grafts one at a time from the donor area, leaving no linear scar. The difference is mostly in how the grafts are placed.
We use both, and match the technique to the case rather than selling a single method.
How do FUE and DHI differ?
In standard FUE, the surgeon first creates the recipient sites and then places the grafts into them. In DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), a special implanter pen makes the site and places the graft in one motion, allowing very precise control of angle, depth and direction. DHI also lets us implant through existing hair without shaving the recipient area, which is why it is our standard for female, beard and moustache work.
Which technique is better for me?
Neither is universally better. DHI gives fine control and a no-shave option but is more meticulous and takes longer, so it suits smaller, detail-led areas and cases where discretion matters. FUE can be efficient for larger sessions. The right choice depends on your hair, the area and your goals, which we confirm at a free assessment.
Does the technique change the price?
Yes, a little. Because DHI is more meticulous and takes longer, it costs slightly more than FUE at the same package. A smaller session is £3,500 with FUE or £4,200 with DHI, and a larger session is £4,450 (FUE) or £5,150 (DHI). We talk you through both at your assessment so the choice is clinical, not just about cost. See our hair transplant cost page for the full breakdown.
60-second estimate
How many grafts do you need?
Answer three quick questions for an indicative hair-loss stage and graft range, then get a free photo assessment from our surgeon.
Step 1 of 3
Who is this for?
Frequently asked questions
Is DHI better than FUE?
Not automatically. DHI offers precise placement and a no-shave option, while FUE can suit larger areas. Both use your own follicles and leave no linear scar. What matters more than the label is the surgeon’s skill and matching the technique to your case, which we assess in person.
Is DHI a no-shave hair transplant?
It can be. DHI implants grafts through the existing hair, so the recipient area often does not need shaving, which many patients prefer for discretion. The donor area is usually still trimmed. Whether a full no-shave approach suits your case is confirmed at consultation.
Which technique do you use?
Both. We use FUE, including the Sapphire variation, and DHI, and choose based on the area, your hair and your goals. DHI is our standard for female hair transplants and for beard and moustache work. We explain the plan clearly before you decide.
Does DHI cost more than FUE?
Yes, slightly, because DHI is more meticulous and takes longer. A smaller session is £3,500 with FUE or £4,200 with DHI; a larger session is £4,450 (FUE) or £5,150 (DHI). The right technique is a clinical decision we make with you at a free assessment.
Speak to our team
Every treatment begins with a free, no-obligation consultation at 19 Harley Street. We assess you in person and give honest advice on what suits you.
Medically reviewed by Dr Sumeyye Yuksel, MBBS · 24 July 2026