What should you know about DHI hair loss treatment?

DHI, or direct hair implantation, is a form of follicular unit transplantation. Follicular units are collected from a donor zone, commonly the back or sides of the scalp, and placed where density is reduced. The pen can help the clinician control the angle, direction, and depth of each placement. It does not identify why shedding is happening or restore follicles that have been permanently lost without a suitable donor supply.

A consultation should distinguish pattern hair loss from causes such as alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, or scalp ringworm. Treating an active scalp disorder or stabilising ongoing shedding may be needed before considering transplantation. See the pages on [Hair Loss](/symptoms/hair-loss/) and [Male Pattern Hair Loss](/conditions/androgenetic-alopecia/) for related context.

Bring a timeline of shedding, family history, medicines, supplements, and previous scalp treatments. The clinician may examine the scalp, assess donor density, discuss the hairline, and explain whether medication such as [Finasteride Treatment](/treatments/hair-restoration/finasteride-therapy/) has a role. Ask how grafts will be selected, where they will be placed, and what happens if native hair continues to thin.

Follow the clinic’s instructions about washing, smoking, alcohol, exercise, and medicines before the procedure. Arrange transport if sedation or medicines could affect alertness, and plan gentle scalp care afterward.

Arrange a medical assessment for sudden or patchy loss, scalp pain, marked redness, scaling, pus, or rapidly worsening shedding before booking a transplant. After treatment, contact the treating team promptly for increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, heavy bleeding, or discharge. These findings can signal irritation, infection, or another scalp problem needing examination.

Ask: What is causing my hair loss? Is my donor area adequate? Should active shedding be treated first? Which graft placement pattern fits my hairline? What are the alternatives, including non-surgical treatment? Which symptoms after treatment require an urgent call?