Good DHI candidates have stable hair loss with adequate donor density, are typically over age 25, and need a procedure of up to 3,500 grafts. DHI is especially well suited for patients who need precise hairline reconstruction, want to add density between existing hairs, or prefer an unshaved procedure.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Ideal Candidates for DHI
Hair Loss Stage
DHI works best for patients with mild to moderate hair loss. The Choi Implanter Pen excels at precision placement, making it ideal for targeted restoration rather than massive coverage sessions.
| Norwood Stage | DHI Suitability | Typical Graft Need | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | Excellent | 800-1,500 | Perfect for hairline refinement |
| Norwood 3 | Excellent | 1,500-2,500 | Hairline and frontal zone |
| Norwood 3 Vertex | Good | 2,000-3,000 | May need separate crown session |
| Norwood 4 | Good | 2,500-3,500 | Approaching DHI session limits |
| Norwood 5 | Moderate | 3,000-4,500 | May exceed single DHI session capacity |
| Norwood 6-7 | Limited as standalone | 4,000-6,000+ | Best combined with FUE/FUT for larger areas |
Patients at Norwood 2 to 4 are the strongest candidates because their graft requirements fall within the 3,500-graft DHI session limit.
Donor Area Requirements
The donor area (back and sides of the head) must have sufficient density to supply the grafts needed. A minimum donor density of 60 to 80 follicular units per square centimeter is considered adequate for DHI. Your surgeon evaluates donor density during consultation using a densitometer or magnified examination.
Key donor factors include:
- Density: Higher donor density allows more grafts to be harvested without visible thinning
- Hair characteristics: Thicker hair shafts, wavy or curly texture, and a close match between hair color and skin color all improve visual coverage per graft
- Scalp laxity: While less critical for DHI/FUE than for FUT (which requires a flexible scalp for strip removal), good scalp health supports healing
Age Considerations
Most surgeons recommend waiting until age 25 or older before undergoing DHI. Hair loss patterns are still evolving in younger patients, and transplanting hair too early can result in an unnatural appearance as native hair continues to thin around the transplanted zone.
Exceptions may apply for patients with:
- A clearly established and stable hair loss pattern confirmed over 2+ years of observation
- A family history that suggests a predictable loss trajectory
- Significant psychological impact from early hair loss, evaluated on a case-by-case basis
When DHI Is Preferred Over Other Methods
Hairline Precision
DHI is often the preferred method when the primary goal is hairline reconstruction. The Choi Implanter Pen allows the surgeon to set the exact angle (10-45 degrees), direction, and depth of each graft as it enters the scalp. At the hairline, where single hairs must mimic the natural forward-pointing, slightly irregular pattern of original hair, this level of control is valuable.
Unshaved Procedures
DHI is more accommodating of unshaved or partially shaved procedures compared to traditional FUE. The pen-based implantation tool can navigate between existing hairs more easily than forceps placed into pre-made slits. Patients who cannot take extended time off work or want to maintain their current appearance during recovery often choose DHI for this reason.
Adding Density to Thinning Areas
Patients who still have native hair but need increased density in thinning zones benefit from DHI's precision. The Choi pen can place grafts between existing follicles without damaging them, which is more challenging with the slit-and-forceps technique used in standard FUE.
Who Should Consider Other Methods Instead
Patients Needing 4,000+ Grafts
If your restoration plan requires more than 3,500 grafts in a single session, traditional FUE or FUT is more practical. FUE can handle up to 4,000-5,000 grafts per session, and FUT can harvest up to 4,000 grafts from a single strip. Some surgeons combine DHI for the hairline with FUE for the crown in the same session.
Budget-Conscious Patients
DHI typically costs 10 to 20% more than traditional FUE due to the longer procedure time and specialized equipment. In the US, DHI runs $4 to $6 per graft compared to the same range for standard FUE, though some clinics charge a premium. In Turkey, DHI costs $1 to $2 per graft. Patients prioritizing cost efficiency may find FUE or FUT offers similar results at a lower price.
Patients With Very Limited Donor Supply
If your donor area has low density (below 50 follicular units per square centimeter) or has been depleted by previous procedures, maximizing every graft is critical. FUT may be preferable in these cases because it allows microscopic dissection of follicular units from the strip, which can sometimes yield more viable grafts than punch extraction.
Medical Disqualifiers
Certain conditions may disqualify you from DHI or any hair transplant procedure:
- Uncontrolled diabetes: Impairs wound healing and increases infection risk
- Blood clotting disorders: May cause excessive bleeding during extraction and implantation
- Active scalp conditions: Psoriasis, eczema, or infections in the donor or recipient area must be treated before surgery
- Unrealistic expectations: A surgeon should decline the procedure if the patient expects results that the available donor supply cannot deliver
For a detailed explanation of how the Choi Implanter Pen works in DHI, see the DHI overview. To determine your current hair loss stage, visit the Norwood scale guide.
FAQ
Who is a good candidate for DHI hair transplant?
Good DHI candidates have stable hair loss (Norwood 2-5), adequate donor density of at least 60-80 follicular units per square centimeter, realistic expectations, and are generally over age 25. DHI is particularly well suited for patients needing precise hairline reconstruction, density work between existing hairs, or those who prefer an unshaved procedure.
Is DHI better than FUE for hairline work?
DHI offers more precise angle and depth control during implantation because the Choi pen creates the channel and places the graft in one motion. This makes it well suited for hairline work where natural-looking direction and spacing of individual hairs is critical. However, experienced FUE surgeons also achieve excellent hairline results, so surgeon skill matters more than technique alone.
Can I get DHI if I have advanced hair loss?
Patients with Norwood 6-7 (advanced hair loss) can receive DHI, but the technique is often combined with FUE or FUT for efficiency. DHI handles up to 3,500 grafts per session, while advanced hair loss may require 4,000-6,000+ grafts. In these cases, DHI may be used specifically for the hairline where precision matters most, with traditional FUE covering the crown and mid-scalp.
Curious whether DHI fits your hair loss pattern? Get a free AI hairline analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to see your Norwood level and a personalized recommendation in under 60 seconds.