Types of Hair Transplant: Which Option is Right for You?

Types of Hair Transplant: Which Option is Right for You?

• October 7, 2025
• Dr. Arthur Zacco

Last updated on November 14, 2025

Choosing to have a hair transplant is a personal decision, and every patient’s journey is unique. The right option depends on factors such as your stage of hair loss, hairstyle preferences, and donor hair preservation.

By understanding the different types of hair transplant, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Multiple Follicular Unit (MFU) techniques, you can decide which method aligns best with your needs and expectations.

What Happens During Hair Transplant Surgery?

A transplant works by moving healthy hair follicles from donor areas, typically and optimally from the back or sides of the scalp, into thinning or balding regions. These donor follicles are naturally resistant to male pattern alopecia, so that the follicles survive for life. That is why hair growth after a hair transplantation grows for life. Once transplanted, they continue to grow like normal scalp hair. This is not true for follicles obtained from beards and body hair.

Over the past three decades, surgical methods have evolved to be less invasive, produce natural results, and require shorter recovery times. Today, the main hair transplant techniques include Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), and Multiple Follicular Unit (MFU) grafting. Each has unique advantages and disadvantages.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

FUE hair transplant surgery is one of the most widely requested procedures. Using a fine punch tool, the surgeon removes individual follicular units directly from the donor area. These grafts are then placed into thinning regions with precision.

Because it does not involve a strip incision, FUE leaves only small dot scars that are not visible with very short hairstyles. Recovery is usually quicker for the donor site, and most patients return to normal activities within 3-5 days. This makes it one of the best hair transplant techniques for people who want flexibility in hairstyle.. However, the scabs from FUE and the FUT procedures fall off within 6-10 days, making the recipient’s recovery time the same for both.

If you’re not likely to wear your hair at a clipper #1 guard and have a large recipient area or anticipated future hair loss, perhaps an FUT procedure is right for you.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT hair transplantation, sometimes called the “strip method,” involves removing a thin strip of scalp from the donor area. The strip is then divided into follicular units (FU) and/or multiple follicular unit grafts (MFU) under a microscope before placement in thinning areas.
One of the biggest benefits of FUT is the ability to harvest a large number of grafts in a single session. This makes it a good choice for patients with more advanced hair loss who want maximum coverage and density. Since the FUT is done underneath a microscope, there is a very low transection rate compared to the FUE procedure. This means that the end result of your hair transplantation will appear thicker and denser than the FUE procedure. During the FUE procedure, the follicles are harvested blindly, as the follicles are underneath the skin and cannot be seen, whereas the FUT procedure is not done blindly and is visualized the entire time underneath a microscope, accounting for the low transection rate. The FUT linear scar is commonly misunderstood. Even though there is a linear scar, the FUT procedure produces ⅙ the amount of scarring that the FUE procedure produces. This is precisely why one can not only move more follicles per procedure but also have more procedures, ultimately providing many more follicles for hair transplantation.

When patients ask which hair transplant method is best for significant baldness, FUT often remains the most efficient choice.

However, the scabs from FUE and the FUT procedures fall off within 6-10 days, making the recipient’s recovery time the same for both.

Multiple Follicular Unit (MFU) Transplantation

MFU transplantation is a technique that allows surgeons to transplant naturally occurring groups of multiple follicular units together. Instead of implanting only single units, MFU places larger grafts in carefully selected areas to increase density and coverage.

This method is particularly effective for patients who want fuller, thicker results with fewer procedures. It can be combined with either FUT or FUE to create both natural hairlines and dense mid-scalp coverage. MFU is a specialized technique that requires skill and experience but offers impressive results when performed correctly.

For patients researching what is the best hair restoration option for their goals, MFU provides an important alternative that balances natural appearance with enhanced volume.

Factors That Influence Your Choice

No two patients are the same, which is why there is no single “best” procedure for everyone. Your choice among the types of hair transplant depends on:

• Extent of Hair Loss: Patients with smaller thinning areas may prefer FUE, while those with more advanced loss often benefit from FUT or MFU.
• Desired Density: MFU can create higher density in targeted regions, which may be ideal for men with advanced balding.
• Hairstyle Preferences: If you want to keep your hair very short, FUE is often the best choice due to minimal scarring.
• Recovery Time: FUE generally allows faster recovery, while FUT requires slightly longer healing due to the donor strip incision.
• Budget Considerations: FUT is often slightly more affordable than FUE. MFU can sometimes reduce overall cost by achieving higher density in fewer sessions.
• Surgeon’s Expertise: The results often depend more on the surgeon’s skill than the method itself.

Long-Term Expectations

Whichever method you choose, transplanted hair grows naturally and permanently. Initial shedding after surgery is normal and signals the start of new growth. Results usually begin to show at three to four months, with significant improvements after one year.

However, non-transplanted hair may continue to thin over time. This is why many patients combine surgery with supportive treatments to maintain scalp health and slow further loss.

Supporting Treatments

In addition to surgery, non-surgical hair growth treatments can improve results. Options such as Growth Factor therapy, exosomes therapy and DHT-blocking medications can strengthen existing hair and stimulate scalp health. When combined with FUE, FUT, or MFU, these treatments often help achieve the most natural and lasting outcome.

Which Hair Transplant is Right for You?

The question of which hair transplant method is best does not have a single answer. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on your stage of loss, density goals and recovery needs. The key is a detailed consultation with an experienced surgeon who can assess your unique situation.

At AZ Hair Restoration in Raleigh, Dr. Arthur Zacco has specialized in hair restoration since 1992. He offers all three major surgical options, including advanced MFU grafting and creates personalized treatment plans for both men and women. Whether you want maximum density, minimal scarring, or a balanced approach, you will receive expert guidance and care from start to finish.

Book a free consult today and get a personalized assessment and clear plan tailored to your needs.

FAQs

Which hair transplant method is best for minimal scarring?

FUE or MFU hair transplant surgery is often the best option for patients concerned about scarring, as it removes individual follicles and leaves only small dot scars that are hard to notice. This makes it a good choice for those who prefer shorter hairstyles or want flexibility. At AZ Hair Restoration, we provide both FUE and FUT so patients have options based on their needs.

Are hair transplants permanent?

Yes, transplanted hair is permanent because follicles are taken from areas resistant to the hormone DHT, which drives pattern hair loss. These hairs continue to grow naturally for life. However, non-transplanted hair may still thin over time, so maintenance treatments may be recommended. At AZ Hair Restoration, we create long-term plans that can include FUE, FUT and growth therapies.

Do women benefit from hair transplants as much as men?

Absolutely. While hair loss often appears differently in women, transplants can provide natural, lasting improvement. Women experiencing thinning along the crown, part line, or temples often achieve excellent results with either FUT or FUE, which you can see in our before and after gallery. At AZ Hair Restoration, we specialize in hair restoration for both men and women, with customized treatment options to match individual goals.

How many hair grafts will I need for the best hair transplant results?

The number of grafts needed depends on the size of the thinning area, your hair type and the density you want to achieve. Smaller areas may require just a few hundred grafts, while advanced hair loss often needs several thousand. FUT can provide more grafts in one session, while FUE allows detailed placement. At AZ Hair Restoration in Raleigh, NC, we calculate graft needs during your free consultation and design a clear plan.

Is there an age limit for hair transplants?

There is no strict age limit, but patients should have a stable pattern of hair loss before undergoing hair transplant surgery. Most people consider transplants between their late 20s and 60s or even their 70s. Younger patients may need long-term planning to anticipate future loss. At AZ Hair Restoration in Raleigh, NC, we carefully evaluate age, hair stability and overall health before recommending surgery.