Techniques

DHI — Direct Hair Implantation

Grafts placed with an implanter pen, one at a time.

Implantation: Implanter pen
Anaesthesia: Local
Graft requirement: Assessed at consultation
Donor result: Scattered points

Overview

What DHI actually involves

DHI describes how grafts go in, not how they come out. Follicular units are extracted one at a time from the donor area, as in FUE, so the donor area heals in the same way — as scattered points rather than a line.

The difference is at the other end. Instead of creating all the recipient sites first and placing the grafts afterwards, each graft is loaded into an implanter pen, which makes the site and seats the graft in a single movement.

That gives the doctor direct control over the angle, direction and depth of each graft as it is placed, which is why DHI is often considered for hairline work and for adding density between existing hairs. It is also slower per graft, so whether it suits the size of your case is decided at consultation.

Candidacy

Who this is — and isn't — the right choice for

We would rather turn down an unsuitable case than sell a procedure that cannot deliver what you want.

A good fit if

Hairline and temple work, where angle and direction show most
Adding density between existing hairs
Patients whose plan calls for less trimming of the area being treated

Not the right call if

Cases where the graft requirement makes a different approach more practical
A donor area that cannot supply the coverage being asked for

Step by step

How the procedure runs

No stage of this is a surprise on the day — here is the full sequence.

01
Assessment and design
Your donor area is assessed and the hairline design is agreed with you before anything begins.
02
Extraction
Follicular units are extracted individually from the donor area under local anaesthesia.
03
Loading
Each graft is loaded into an implanter pen ready for placement.
04
Direct implantation
The pen makes the site and places the graft in one step, at the angle and direction of your natural growth.

Afterwards

What the period after treatment looks like

Including the stages most clinics gloss over. Exact timings vary between patients — yours are confirmed by the clinic before you go ahead.

Immediately after
The donor area is tender and small points form where units were taken. Aftercare instructions are given before you leave.
Early healing
Small crusts form in the treated area and settle with the washing routine the clinic gives you.
Shedding phase
Implanted hairs shed before regrowth begins — expected, and not a sign of failure.
Regrowth
Growth comes in gradually over the following months, on a timeline discussed at consultation.

FAQ

DHI questions patients ask

How is DHI different from FUE?

Extraction is the same — units are taken one at a time. The difference is implantation: in DHI an implanter pen makes the site and places the graft together, rather than the sites being created first and the grafts placed afterwards.

Is DHI better than FUE?

Not universally. It gives fine control over placement, which suits some areas and some cases, and it takes longer per graft. Which approach fits you is decided at consultation.

Do I have to shave my head?

That depends on your treatment plan. The clinic will confirm the shaving requirement for your case before the procedure.

Consultation

Find out if DHI is right for your case

Send your details and the doctor will review your case. You get an assessment of your hair loss and a personalised treatment plan — no obligation to book.