Good FUT candidates are men over 30 at Norwood stages 4-7 who have adequate scalp laxity, good donor density, and need 2,500 or more grafts in a single session. FUT is not the right fit for everyone. The strip method requires specific physical characteristics and lifestyle preferences that distinguish ideal candidates from those better served by FUE or non-surgical options.
FUT Candidacy Checklist
| Requirement | Ideal FUT Candidate | Poor FUT Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood stage | 4-7 (extensive loss) | 1-2 (minimal loss) |
| Graft need | 2,500+ grafts | Under 1,500 grafts |
| Scalp laxity | Loose, flexible scalp | Tight, immobile scalp |
| Donor density | 65+ FU per cm2 | Under 50 FU per cm2 |
| Age | 30+ preferred | Under 25 (pattern unstable) |
| Hair length preference | Wears hair 2cm+ | Wants to shave/buzz |
| Previous surgery | No prior FUT or 1 prior FUT | 2+ prior FUT strips |
| Health status | No clotting/healing issues | Diabetes, keloid tendency |
The Five Key Candidacy Factors
1. Scalp Laxity
Scalp laxity is the most important physical requirement for FUT. The surgeon removes a strip of skin 1-1.5cm wide and 15-25cm long, then pulls the wound edges together and closes them with sutures. If your scalp is tight and does not move freely, the strip width must be narrower (reducing graft yield), or the wound edges will close under tension (creating a wider scar).
How to self-test laxity: Place your fingers on the back of your head and push the skin up and down. If it moves 1.5cm or more with moderate pressure, you likely have adequate laxity. If it barely moves, you may not be a FUT candidate.
Surgeons formally assess laxity during the consultation. Some use a scalp laxity device that measures movement in millimeters. Patients with insufficient laxity are directed toward FUE, which does not require skin removal.
2. Donor Area Density
FUT graft yield depends directly on donor area density. The strip is dissected into individual follicular units, so the number of units per cm2 in the strip determines the total harvest.
| Donor Density | Grafts From 25cm Strip | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 50-60 FU/cm2 | 750-900 | Below average, FUT yield limited |
| 65-80 FU/cm2 | 975-1,200 | Average, good FUT candidate |
| 80-100 FU/cm2 | 1,200-1,500 | Above average, excellent yield |
| 100+ FU/cm2 | 1,500+ | Exceptional, maximum FUT benefit |
These numbers are per cm of strip width. A 1.5cm wide strip yields 50% more than a 1cm strip. Your surgeon determines strip width based on laxity.
3. Hair Loss Stage and Pattern
FUT delivers the most value for patients with extensive hair loss who need large graft counts. At Norwood 5-7, patients typically need 3,000-6,000+ total grafts across all sessions. FUT's ability to yield up to 4,000 grafts in a single session makes it the most efficient method for these cases.
For early-stage patients (Norwood 2-3) who need only 1,000-2,000 grafts, FUT is generally overkill. The linear scar is disproportionate to the graft count. FUE handles smaller sessions with less invasive recovery.
4. Age and Pattern Stability
Hair loss pattern stability is critical for any transplant, and FUT's permanence makes it especially important. Surgeons prefer FUT patients to be over 30 because:
- Hair loss patterns are more predictable after 30
- The rate of progression has usually become clear
- Hormonal fluctuations of the mid-20s have stabilized
- The surgeon can plan graft placement with more confidence
Patients under 25 who receive aggressive FUT risk an "island effect" if their hair loss progresses beyond the transplanted zone. The transplanted hair remains permanent while the hair around it continues to thin, creating an unnatural appearance.
5. Lifestyle and Hair Length Preferences
FUT leaves a linear scar. This scar is invisible with hair at 2cm or longer but becomes noticeable with very short buzz cuts or shaved heads. Candidates must be comfortable maintaining at least medium-length hair for the rest of their life, or they must accept scar visibility.
If you regularly wear very short hairstyles or might want to shave your head in the future, FUE is the better option. FUE leaves only tiny dot scars that are virtually invisible even at very short lengths.
Who Should NOT Get FUT
Patients with keloid scarring history. If you form thick, raised scars from previous injuries or surgeries, FUT carries a high risk of producing a visible, raised scar.
Patients with diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA). This condition causes thinning across the entire scalp, including the donor area. Transplanting hair from a thinning donor area produces poor long-term results because the transplanted hairs may eventually thin as well.
Patients on blood thinners they cannot pause. FUT involves more bleeding than FUE. Patients on anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) need medical clearance to temporarily stop these medications for surgery.
Patients with active scalp conditions. Psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or folliculitis in the donor area must be controlled before FUT. Active inflammation in the strip zone impairs wound healing and reduces graft quality.
FUT After FUE, and Vice Versa
A strategic multi-session approach often combines both methods:
FUE first, FUT second: FUE extractions are scattered across the donor zone. A FUT strip can later be harvested from the central band because the FUE extraction points are spaced apart and do not compromise strip integrity.
FUT first, FUE second: After FUT, the donor area above and below the scar line remains available for FUE extraction. This combination can maximize total lifetime graft yield.
For a detailed comparison of both methods, see our FUE vs FUT comparison. To determine your current hair loss stage, check the Norwood scale guide.
Wondering if FUT is right for your hair loss pattern? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze for a free AI-powered assessment of your stage and recommended approach.
FAQ
Who is a good candidate for FUT hair transplant?
Good FUT candidates are men at Norwood 4-7 with adequate scalp laxity (the scalp moves freely when pushed), good donor density (65+ FU/cm2), and stable hair loss patterns. Ideal candidates are over age 30, wear their hair at 2cm or longer, and need 2,500+ grafts in a single session.
What is scalp laxity and why does it matter for FUT?
Scalp laxity is how much your scalp skin moves when pushed. FUT requires removing a strip of skin 1-1.5cm wide, so the remaining edges must come together to close the wound. Patients with tight, inflexible scalps cannot have FUT because the wound would not close properly, leading to a wide scar or wound separation.
Can women get FUT hair transplants?
Yes, women can be FUT candidates if they have a stable donor area with good density and do not have diffuse thinning across the entire scalp. FUT is actually advantageous for women because it does not require shaving the donor area. However, most women with hair loss have diffuse patterns, making FUE or non-surgical treatments more appropriate.
Is there an age limit for FUT?
There is no strict age limit, but surgeons prefer FUT patients to be over 30 when the hair loss pattern is more predictable. Patients under 25 risk having their hair loss pattern change significantly after surgery, potentially leaving the transplanted zone looking unnatural as surrounding hair continues to thin.
Can I have FUT if I already had FUE?
Yes. Having FUE before FUT is one of the most effective multi-session strategies. FUE extractions are scattered across the donor area, so a FUT strip can still be harvested from the central donor zone. The FUT strip simply bypasses the FUE extraction points. Many surgeons recommend FUE first, FUT second for this reason.
What medical conditions disqualify you from FUT?
Conditions that may disqualify you include uncontrolled diabetes (impairs wound healing), blood clotting disorders, active scalp infections or psoriasis in the donor area, keloid scarring tendency, and autoimmune hair conditions like alopecia areata. Heart conditions requiring blood-thinning medications also complicate FUT due to bleeding risk.