Beard transplantation has become a highly sought-after procedure among men who want a fuller, well-defined beard. Two of the most advanced and commonly used techniques for beard restoration are DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). While both methods can produce excellent results, they differ in technique, tools, recovery, and outcome. If you’re considering beard transplantation and wondering which method suits you best, this detailed comparison will help you understand the pros and cons of each.

FUE is a minimally invasive hair transplant method in which individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area—typically the back of the scalp—and implanted into the beard area. A small punch tool is used to remove follicles, which are then manually implanted into the recipient area one by one. FUE allows for natural-looking results with minimal scarring and a relatively short recovery period.

DHI is a more recent innovation based on the FUE technique. In DHI, hair follicles are also extracted one by one from the donor area, but implantation is done using a special tool called the Choi implanter pen. This pen allows the surgeon to insert the follicles directly into the skin without creating recipient incisions beforehand. As a result, DHI offers more precision in angle, direction, and depth, which is especially important in facial hair aesthetics.

When it comes to achieving a natural-looking beard, precision is key. DHI allows for better control over the placement of hair follicles, which helps in designing symmetrical and well-aligned beards. The Choi pen makes it easier to match the natural angle and density of beard hair. While FUE also produces excellent results, DHI is often favored for beard transplants due to the extra precision it offers.