DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
Free ConsultationDHI (Direct Hair Implantation), sometimes called the "Pen Method," is an advanced hair transplant technique where hair follicles are extracted and implanted directly — without the canal-opening phase used in standard FUE. This is the key distinction: in DHI, extraction and implantation happen in a single, streamlined process using a specialised instrument called a Choi implanter pen.
As with Sapphire FUE, healthy follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area. The DHI method is particularly suited to patients who prefer not to shave their head completely, as the technique allows transplantation into existing hair with minimal disruption.
- *How DHI Works – 2 Stages:
- *Stage 1 – Hair Extraction:
A micromotor device loosens healthy, high-quality follicles from the donor area, which are then collected one by one with fine forceps. Each graft — containing hair follicles and a small piece of surrounding tissue — is carefully sorted and grouped. The most suitable angle and direction for transplantation are determined, and the collected follicles are loaded directly into Choi implanter pens matched to the patient's hair thickness and root size.
- *Stage 2 – Direct Implantation:
The loaded Choi pens are used to implant each follicle precisely into the recipient area in a single motion — simultaneously creating the channel and placing the graft — without any prior incision or canal opening. This minimises the time grafts spend outside the body, reduces root loss, and allows for highly natural-looking, directionally accurate results. Recovery is rapid, with minimal skin damage and no stitches or visible scarring.
- *Advantages of DHI:
- No full shaving required — ideal for patients who wish to keep existing hair length
- No canal-opening phase, reducing overall procedure time
- Grafts are implanted immediately, minimising exposure time and root loss
- Precise angle control for a natural-looking hairline
- Fast recovery with no stitches, no scars and minimal downtime
- Grafts can be seamlessly blended with existing hair for undetectable results
DHI Hair Transplant FAQ
Commonly asked questions about DHI Direct Hair Implantation
What is DHI hair transplantation?
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) is an advanced hair transplant technique where hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area and immediately implanted into the recipient area using a specialized Choi Implanter Pen — without opening channels first. This makes it one of the most precise and least invasive methods available.
What is the difference between DHI and FUE (Sapphire FUE)?
In standard FUE or Sapphire FUE, channels are first opened in the recipient area before follicles are placed. In DHI, there is no separate channel-opening step — the Choi pen simultaneously opens the canal and implants the follicle in one motion. This reduces handling time, minimizes graft exposure, and speeds up healing.
Is shaving required for DHI?
One of the key advantages of DHI is that it does not require full head shaving. Because of the precision of the Choi pen, the surrounding hair area can remain unshaved during the procedure, making it especially suitable for patients who prefer discretion.
How long does a DHI hair transplant procedure take?
A DHI session typically takes between 6 to 8 hours depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. Since channel-opening and implantation happen simultaneously, there is no waiting period between stages, which effectively shortens the total procedure time.
Is DHI hair transplant painful?
DHI is performed under local anesthesia so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Some patients report mild discomfort during the anesthesia injection phase. Post-operatively, any soreness is typically mild and manageable with prescribed pain relief.
How many grafts can be transplanted in a single DHI session?
In a single DHI session, typically 2,000 to 4,000 grafts can be transplanted depending on the patient's donor area density and the target coverage area. Your surgeon will determine the optimal number during the pre-operative consultation.
When will I see results from DHI?
Transplanted hair will shed naturally within the first 2–4 weeks — this is completely normal. New hair growth begins around the 3rd month, with significant density visible by months 6–9. Full, final results are typically seen at the 12-month mark.
What is the success rate of DHI hair transplant?
DHI has a high success rate, typically between 90–95%, as the technique minimizes graft exposure time and trauma. Immediate implantation with the Choi pen reduces follicle loss compared to methods where follicles wait outside the body longer.
Who is a suitable candidate for DHI?
DHI is ideal for patients experiencing pattern baldness (male or female), those who want to avoid full shaving, or individuals requiring precise density in specific areas. A thorough consultation will assess your donor area density, hair characteristics, and degree of hair loss to determine suitability.
What are the advantages of the Choi Implanter Pen?
The Choi pen allows the surgeon to control needle depth, angle, and direction with extreme precision. This ensures follicles are placed at the correct angle for natural hair growth direction, maximizes graft survival rate, and reduces trauma to the scalp — leading to faster healing and denser results.