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FUT vs. FUE: The Two Main Types of Hair Transplant, Explained

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TWO GOOD OPTIONS, CHOSEN TO FIT YOUR HAIR

In this video, Dr. Ashley Guthrie breaks down the two main hair transplant methods: Follicular Unit Transplant, often called the strip method, and Follicular Unit Extraction. She explains how each one harvests grafts, the kind of scar each leaves behind, and which tends to suit longer hair versus hair worn short. View the full video transcript below.

key takeaways:

  • The two main methods are Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), also called the strip method, and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).


  • Both are good options. The right choice depends on your hair and how you wear it.


  • FUT takes a strip of scalp from the back of the head and leaves a thin white line that is hard to find within the hair.


  • FUE harvests each follicular unit individually, requires shaving the back of the head, and leaves tiny white dot scars rather than a line.



  • FUT often suits longer hair and may yield more or better grafts; FUE often suits hair worn very short or buzzed. A good surgeon offers both.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

In Dr. Ashley Guthrie's Words

On the two main types:

"The two main types of hair transplants are Follicular Unit Transplant, or FUT, sometimes known as the strip method, and Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE. These are both great options and the decision between FUT and FUE really comes down to your personal situation. A good hair transplant surgeon should be able to offer both and tailor to your needs."


On how FUT works:

"This is also frequently known as the strip method. It involves removing a strip of scalp containing hair from the back of the head and the grafts of hair, or follicular units, are taken from that strip. The scalp is closed with some sutures that are removed about 10 days after surgery."


On how the FUT scar heals:

"This heals very well; typically it's just a very thin white line that's hard to find within the hair."


On who FUT suits best:

"This is frequently the preferred option for women or men that wear their hair longer because it does not require the head to be shaved before or after the transplant, so it's easier to camouflage. It can also sometimes produce a greater number and quality of grafts, depending on your hair type."


On how FUE works:

"FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction, is the other method and this involves taking each individual follicular unit of hairs as a small punch or excision. This can be done with a number of different devices, including handheld machines, even robotically, but the premise is the same."


On who FUE suits best:

"This method does involve shaving the back of the head and while it does not leave a linear scar, it does leave tiny white dots where the units were extracted. This is generally the preferred method for those who wear their hair very short or buzzed."

hair TRANSPLANT METHODS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the two main types of hair transplant?

    Dr. Ashley Guthrie explains that the two main methods are Follicular Unit Transplant, or FUT, sometimes called the strip method, and Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE.

  • What is the difference between FUT and FUE?

    FUT removes a strip of scalp from the back of the head and divides it into grafts. FUE takes each follicular unit individually with a small punch. The difference shows up in the scar each leaves and in whether the head has to be shaved.

  • Does a hair transplant leave a scar?

    Both methods do. Dr. Ashley Guthrie describes FUT as leaving a very thin white line that is hard to find within the hair, and FUE as leaving tiny white dots where the units were extracted.

  • Do I have to shave my head for a hair transplant?

    Only for FUE. Dr. Ashley Guthrie notes that FUT does not require the head to be shaved before or after the transplant, which makes it easier to camouflage.

  • Which hair transplant method is better for women?

    FUT is frequently the preferred option for women and for men who wear their hair longer, because no shaving is required and the thin line scar is easy to hide.

  • Is FUT or FUE better?

    Neither. Dr. Ashley Guthrie describes both as great options, with the decision coming down to your personal situation, and says a good hair transplant surgeon should be able to offer both and tailor the choice to your needs.

Continue Your Journey with Dr. ashley Guthrie

Dr. Ashley Guthrie is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon at Guthrie Facial Plastic Surgery in Brentwood, Tennessee, serving patients throughout the greater Nashville area.

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