FUE vs FUT Decision Guide: Candidacy

Your candidacy for FUE or FUT depends on five main factors: hair loss stage, donor density, scalp laxity, hairstyle preferences, and age. Most patients are candidates for both methods, but one will almost always be a better fit based on your specific anatomy and goals.

Hair Loss Stage and Method Selection

The Norwood scale classifies male pattern hair loss from stage 1 (minimal recession) to stage 7 (extensive loss). Your stage directly influences which method works best.

FUE Candidacy by Norwood Stage

FUE is the preferred method for Norwood 2 through 5 patients. These stages typically require 1,000 to 4,000 grafts, which FUE handles efficiently in a single session. FUE can extract up to 5,000 grafts per session, but higher counts increase the risk of over-harvesting the donor area.

Norwood 2 and 3 patients benefit most from FUE because the graft requirements are moderate and the dot scars are minimal. Patients at these stages often want the option to wear short hairstyles, which FUE supports.

FUT Candidacy by Norwood Stage

FUT becomes more attractive at Norwood 5 through 7. These stages need 3,000 to 6,000+ grafts across one or more sessions. FUT delivers up to 4,000 grafts per session and preserves the donor area for future FUE extraction around the scar.

Patients at advanced stages often plan multiple procedures. Starting with FUT maximizes long-term graft availability. See our Norwood scale complete guide for stage details.

Donor Area Evaluation

Donor density is the single most important physical factor in candidacy. A healthy donor area has 60 to 100 follicular units per square centimeter.

High Donor Density (80 to 100 FU/cm2)

Patients with thick, dense donor hair are strong candidates for either method. FUE extraction is easier because there are more follicles to choose from, and FUT strips yield more grafts per centimeter of tissue.

Moderate Donor Density (60 to 80 FU/cm2)

Both methods still work, but conservation matters. FUE requires careful extraction patterns to avoid visible thinning. FUT preserves the appearance of the donor area more effectively because the wound is closed, hiding the removed follicles.

Low Donor Density (Below 60 FU/cm2)

Low density creates challenges for both methods. FUE may cause noticeable donor thinning, and FUT strips yield fewer grafts. Surgeons may recommend a conservative approach with lower graft counts or suggest supplementing with body hair FUE (beard or chest grafts).

Scalp Laxity

Scalp laxity refers to how much the scalp skin stretches. This matters primarily for FUT.

How Laxity Affects FUT

FUT requires enough laxity to remove a strip of tissue and close the wound without excessive tension. Tight scalps produce wider scars and more discomfort during healing. Your surgeon tests laxity during the consultation by pinching the scalp at the donor area.

How Laxity Affects FUE

FUE does not depend on scalp laxity. The punch tool extracts individual follicles without stretching or removing tissue. Patients with tight scalps who need higher graft counts are often better suited for FUE.

Age and Stability of Hair Loss

Patients Under 25

Surgeons generally advise waiting until at least age 25 before any transplant. Hair loss patterns are still evolving in younger patients, and transplanting too early can create unnatural results as recession continues. Stabilizing loss with finasteride (1mg daily) or minoxidil (5% twice daily) is the standard recommendation during this waiting period.

Patients 25 to 35

This age range is ideal for a first procedure. Hair loss patterns are becoming predictable, and donor hair is typically at its thickest. Both FUE and FUT are good options depending on the factors above.

Patients Over 50

Older patients may have thinner donor hair and reduced scalp laxity from aging. FUE is often preferred because it does not require tissue stretching. However, FUT can still work well in patients with adequate laxity and realistic expectations.

Lifestyle and Hairstyle Factors

Short Hair or Shaved Head

Choose FUE. The dot scars from FUE are nearly invisible, even at very short lengths. FUT's linear scar is visible when hair is cut shorter than 1 inch.

Active Lifestyle or Contact Sports

FUE has a faster recovery (7 to 10 days versus 10 to 14 days for FUT), making it better for athletes or physically active patients who want to return to exercise sooner.

Professional Appearance Concerns

Both methods allow you to return to work within 7 to 14 days. FUE's shorter recovery gives it a slight advantage for patients who cannot take extended time off.

Quick Candidacy Checklist

Review the FUE vs FUT overview guide for a full comparison of mechanisms, costs, and outcomes.

Get Your Personalized Assessment

Upload a photo of your hairline at myhairline.ai to receive a free AI-powered assessment of your Norwood stage and method recommendation.