Interactive tool

Technique Comparison Tool

Put FUE, DHI, Sapphire FUE and unshaven approaches side by side and see how they differ on the things that actually matter — shaving, control, healing and cost. Choose the ones you're weighing up.

Indicative comparison — we confirm the right technique for you.

Compare:

Criterion	FUEClassic follicular unit extraction	DHIDirect implantation with a pen	Sapphire FUEFUE with sapphire blades
How it works	Individual follicular units are extracted from the donor area and placed into pre-made channels in the recipient area.	Grafts are loaded into an implanter (Choi) pen that opens the channel and places the graft in one motion.	The same FUE extraction, but recipient channels are opened with a sapphire (not steel) blade.
Shaving needed	Donor area is usually shaved; recipient often trimmed.	Often little or no recipient shaving; donor typically trimmed.	Similar to FUE — donor shaved, recipient trimmed.
Angle & density control	Good control; density set by channel creation.	Fine control of angle, depth and density with the pen.	Smoother, finer channels can allow dense placement.
Healing (indicative)	Small dot scabs heal over roughly 1–2 weeks; individual recovery varies.	Similar timeline; some find recipient healing tidy. Varies per person.	Fine channels may feel comfortable; still 1–2 weeks typical.
Often suited for	Most cases, including larger sessions and general coverage.	Hairline detail and dense packing; smaller, precise areas.	Those wanting fine channels and potentially dense placement.
Time / effort	Established, efficient for larger graft numbers.	More time-intensive per graft; often fewer grafts per session.	Comparable to FUE with the blade change.
Cost tendency	Same package prices as every technique.	Same package prices — more time per graft, not more cost.	Same package prices as FUE.
Learn more	FUE page →	DHI page →	Sapphire FUE page →

These comparisons are general and indicative — there is no single “best” technique for everyone. The right method depends on your donor density, hair characteristics, the area being treated and your preferences. We confirm the technique and plan after a personal assessment.

Ask which technique suits you Read FUE vs DHI in depth

How to use this

Comparing methods, not ranking them

Each technique is a tool a surgeon reaches for depending on the case. FUE is versatile and efficient for larger sessions; DHI gives fine control for hairlines and dense packing; Sapphire FUE refines the recipient incisions; unshaven approaches keep your hair long when discretion matters. None is universally “better”.

Use the table to understand the trade-offs, then let a surgeon match the method to your donor supply, hair type and goals. Cost tendencies are indicative and part of the all-inclusive package, not a quote.

FAQ

Common questions

Which hair transplant technique is best?

There is no single best technique for everyone. FUE, DHI, Sapphire FUE and unshaven approaches each suit different cases. The right choice depends on your donor density, hair characteristics, the area being treated and your preferences — we confirm it after a personal assessment.

Is Sapphire FUE better than normal FUE?

Sapphire FUE is standard FUE using a sapphire blade instead of steel to open recipient channels, which can create fine, smooth incisions. It is a refinement of FUE rather than a different procedure, and whether it benefits you is a decision for your surgeon.

What is the difference between FUE and DHI?

Both extract individual follicular units. In FUE, recipient channels are opened first and grafts placed into them; in DHI, an implanter pen opens the channel and places the graft in one step, giving fine control of angle and density. DHI is often used for hairline detail and can be more time-intensive.

Can I have a hair transplant without shaving my head?

Often yes — unshaven or partially-shaved (U-FUE) approaches keep your existing hair long, which suits people who can't or prefer not to shave. It is more time-consuming and technically demanding, so suitability and cost are confirmed at assessment.

Not sure which technique fits?

Share a few photos and our team — with a surgeon's review — will recommend the approach that suits your donor area and goals. No obligation.

Ask the team