How many grafts are possible with the DHI process at most?

In a single session, the DHI method can typically transplant 2,500–3,500 grafts. For very large areas, specialists recommend a second session or switching to the classic FUE technique.

When can I exercise again after the DHI procedure?

Light walks are possible from day 3. Intense exercise, swimming, and saunas should be avoided for 4 weeks — elevated blood pressure and sweat can negatively affect the graft survival rate.

Does the transplanted hair fall out after the DHI process?

The so-called Shock Loss (temporary hair shedding around days 10–21) is normal and not a sign of failure. The follicles themselves remain in the scalp and regrow after 3–4 months. Permanent loss of transplanted hair does not occur when the procedure is carried out correctly.

What does the DHI process at Hair360 actually look like — what is included in the price?

The Hair360 DHI package includes: digital pre-analysis, airport transfer, surgery using the Choi Pen technique, PRP treatment, aftercare kit, a follow-up examination after 12 months, and German-speaking support. Details can be found on the pricing page.

DHI Hair Transplant: Process in 7 Steps

Q: Is the DHI method painful?

During the procedure, you will feel nothing due to local anaesthesia. Mild tension and sensitivity during the first 1–2 days afterwards are normal. Most patients only need over-the-counter pain relief and are fit for work again after 3–4 days.

Q: Do I need to be completely shaved for the DHI procedure?

With DHI, usually only a partial shave in the donor area is required. The recipient area does not need to be fully shaved — this is one of the key advantages over classic FUE for patients with longer hair.

DHI Haartransplantation Ablauf: 7 Schritte vom ersten Gespräch bis zum vollen Haarwuchs

25. Mai 202622. Juli 2026Allgemein

Imagine waking up one morning, sitting in front of the mirror, and seeing a thick hairline for the first time in years. No receding temples, no thinning crown — just naturally looking hair. That is exactly what more than 80% of our patients experience after completing the full DHI process at our clinic in Istanbul. Yet the path to get there is less mysterious than many people think — once you know what it involves.

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What Exactly Is the DHI Hair Transplant Process?

The DHI method (Direct Hair Implantation) uses the so-called Choi Implant Pen: a precision instrument that extracts hair follicles and immediately implants them into the recipient zone — without first incising channels. This may sound technical, but it makes a crucial difference: the follicles are exposed to stress for a shorter time, raising the graft survival rate to up to 95–97%.

The complete DHI hair transplant process is structured into seven clearly defined phases.

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The 7 Phases of the DHI Hair Transplant Process

1. Initial Consultation and Hair Analysis

Everything begins with a digital hair analysis. Our specialists assess the donor density in the back of the head, the extent of hair recession according to the Norwood scale (stage I–VII), and the desired hairline. This consultation takes 30–45 minutes and is free of charge for Hair360 patients.

Our tip: Send us three recent photos (top view, side, back of head) — this allows us to provide a realistic prognosis even before the consultation.

2. Surgical Planning and Hairline Design

On the day of surgery, the doctor draws the new hairline. This takes 20 minutes and is crucial: a natural hairline follows slight irregularities and never appears perfectly symmetrical. Only approve the design when you are confident — changes are easily possible before the procedure.

3. Anaesthesia of the Donor and Recipient Zone

Local anaesthesia by injection. The first few seconds are uncomfortable, after which you feel nothing. Many patients fall asleep during the procedure. More advanced clinics use the «No-Touch» pen, which significantly reduces the pressure of the injection — Hair360 uses this system as standard.

4. Extraction of Hair Follicles

Using the Choi Pen or a micro punch, individual follicular units (1–4 hairs) are extracted from the donor area. In a typical session of 3,000–4,000 grafts, this step takes 2–3 hours. The extraction sites heal invisibly within a few days.

5. Processing and Quality Control of Grafts

The extracted grafts are examined under a microscope and stored in a special nutrient solution (Hypothermosol or similar). Damaged follicles are sorted out. This phase is critical for the subsequent graft survival rate — a step that cheaper clinics often skip.

6. Implantation with the Choi Pen

Now comes the centrepiece of the DHI hair transplant process: the doctor implants each graft individually, precisely defining the angle (35–45°), depth, and direction. This takes longer with the Choi Pen technique than with classic FUE, but the result is denser and more natural. For a detailed DHI vs. FUE comparison, see our dedicated overview.

7. Aftercare, Healing, and Growth Phase

Days 1–3: Slight redness of the scalp, minimal swelling is normal
Days 10–14: Transplanted hairs shed (Shock Loss) — this is not a setback, but a biological process
Months 3–4: First new hairs begin to grow
Months 6–8: Visible density increase, approximately 60% of the final result
Months 12–18: Complete result, natural texture and density

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DHI vs. FUE: Which Is Better for You?

What sets it apart: DHI is the more precise technique — especially for hairline design and for patients who do not want a complete shave.

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Why Istanbul for the DHI Process?

Istanbul is the city with the highest concentration of certified hair transplant clinics worldwide. The reason: Turkish surgeons perform tens of thousands of procedures every year — gaining a level of routine that far exceeds what is achieved in clinics in Germany or Austria. The Hair360 hair clinic in Istanbul combines this expertise with European hygiene standards and German-speaking patient support.

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Newsletter: Your Personal DHI Preparation Plan

Free Download: The Hair360 DHI Checklist (PDF)
12 steps to complete in the 30 days before your procedure — from pausing medication to preparing your accommodation.

> Your email address → Download now and stay informed

No spam. Only relevant content about hair transplantation, aftercare, and real patient experiences.

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Three Helpful Next Steps

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What Our Patients Say

> «I was anxious about the process — but every question was answered clearly from the very first consultation. 14 months later, I barely recognise myself.»
> — *Marcus T., 38, Zurich, 3,200 grafts DHI*

More than 2,400 patients have already completed the Hair360 DHI process. The recommendation rate stands at 94% (internal survey 2025, n=312).

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FAQ — DHI Hair Transplant Process

Further reading: Hair Transplant: The Complete Guide

How long does the DHI hair transplant process take in total?
The surgical part takes 6–9 hours depending on the number of grafts. The visible final result appears after 12–18 months.

Is the DHI method painful?
During the procedure, you feel nothing due to local anaesthesia. Mild sensitivity and tension are normal in the first days afterwards.

How many grafts are possible with the DHI process?
Typically 2,500–3,500 grafts per session. For larger areas, we recommend a second session or the FUE method.

Do I need to be completely shaved for the DHI procedure?
No — only a partial shave in the donor area is needed. The recipient area generally remains unshaved with DHI.

Does the hair fall out after the DHI process?
Temporary Shock Loss around days 10–21 is normal. The follicles remain in the scalp and regrow after 3–4 months.

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DHI Hair Transplant Process: 7 Steps from First Consultation to Full Hair Growth