Choosing between FUE and FUT starts with knowing your Norwood stage and graft requirements. This guide walks you through the decision factors and points you to a free AI tool that gives you personalized data in under 60 seconds.
How to Use the Decision Guide
Step 1: Get your Norwood stage. Upload a clear photo of your hairline at myhairline.ai/analyze. The AI uses 468 MediaPipe facial landmarks to measure your hairline position, temple recession, and vertex coverage. You receive a Norwood classification and estimated graft count.
Step 2: Match your stage to the decision table below. Your graft requirements determine which procedure is most practical.
Step 3: Factor in your personal priorities. Scarring tolerance, budget, and hairstyle preferences all influence the final choice.
FUE vs FUT Decision Table
| Your Situation | Recommended Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2-3, under 2,200 grafts | FUE | Minimal scarring, fast recovery, well within FUE capacity |
| Norwood 3V-4, 2,000-3,500 grafts | FUE or FUT | Both methods handle this range well. Choose based on scar preference |
| Norwood 5-6, 3,000-6,000 grafts | FUT or FUE+FUT combo | FUT maximizes graft yield; combo approach covers large areas |
| Norwood 7, 5,500-7,500 grafts | FUT + FUE combo | Maximum graft extraction needed from both methods |
| Want short hairstyles | FUE | No linear scar visible at short lengths |
| Budget-conscious | FUT | 20-30% lower cost per graft than FUE |
| Prior FUT scar | FUE | Avoids additional linear scarring |
| Limited donor density | FUE | Can harvest from beard and body donor areas |
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | FUE | FUT |
|---|---|---|
| Scar type | Dot scars (0.7-1.0mm) | Linear scar (hidden by hair) |
| Recovery | 7-10 days | 10-14 days |
| Max grafts/session | 5,000 | 4,000 |
| Graft survival | 90-95% | 90-95% |
| Cost per graft (US) | $4-6 | $3-5 |
| Donor shaving | Required | Not required |
What the AI Tool Measures
The AI hair loss analysis at myhairline.ai works by detecting 468 facial landmarks using the MediaPipe framework. The system measures:
- Hairline position: Distance from brow ridge to hairline in centimeters, compared against age-adjusted norms
- Temple recession: Depth and angle of temporal recession on both sides
- Vertex coverage: Density estimation in the crown area using visible scalp ratio
- Symmetry analysis: Left-right comparison of recession patterns
These measurements map to the Norwood scale reference classification system, which surgeons use worldwide to plan transplant procedures.
Graft Estimates by Stage
| Norwood Stage | Graft Range | Typical Cost (US, FUE) | Typical Cost (Turkey, FUE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 800-1,500 | $3,200-9,000 | $800-3,000 |
| 3 | 1,500-2,200 | $6,000-13,200 | $1,500-4,400 |
| 3V | 2,000-2,800 | $8,000-16,800 | $2,000-5,600 |
| 4 | 2,500-3,500 | $10,000-21,000 | $2,500-7,000 |
| 5 | 3,000-4,500 | $12,000-27,000 | $3,000-9,000 |
| 6 | 4,000-6,000 | $16,000-36,000 | $4,000-12,000 |
| 7 | 5,500-7,500 | $22,000-45,000 | $5,500-15,000 |
Limitations of Photo-Based Assessment
AI analysis provides an accurate Norwood classification but cannot replace a full clinical consultation. A surgeon's in-person evaluation adds:
- Scalp laxity measurement (important for FUT candidacy)
- Donor area density count using a densitometer
- Hair caliber assessment (fine vs coarse hair affects coverage)
- Miniaturization ratio (percentage of thinning follicles)
Use your AI assessment as a starting point for informed conversations with surgeons, not as a final surgical plan.
Get Your Free Assessment
Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to receive your Norwood stage, graft estimate, and a personalized FUE vs FUT recommendation. No account required. Results in under 60 seconds.
FAQ
Is AI-based Norwood staging accurate?
AI-based Norwood staging using facial landmark detection achieves high accuracy when photos are taken in good lighting from the correct angle. myhairline.ai uses 468 MediaPipe landmarks to measure hairline position, temple recession, and vertex thinning against clinical reference data.
Do I need an account to use the tools?
No. myhairline.ai's AI hair loss analysis is completely free and does not require an account, email address, or any personal information. You upload a photo, receive your Norwood stage and graft estimate, and can save or discard the results.
How does myhairline.ai compare to a clinical assessment?
myhairline.ai provides a Norwood stage classification based on the same visual criteria dermatologists use. It measures hairline position and recession patterns with 468 facial landmarks. A clinical assessment adds scalp density measurement and donor evaluation that photo analysis cannot replicate.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon before making treatment decisions.