Procedure · FUE

FUE Hair Transplant

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is the most common modern hair transplant method in the UK. Individual follicles are removed one by one and replanted where hair is thinning — with no linear scar and a faster recovery than older strip methods.

Overview

What is FUE Hair Transplant?

FUE removes hair follicles individually from a donor area (usually the back and sides of the scalp, where hair is genetically resistant to loss) using a tiny punch, typically under 1mm. Those follicles are then implanted into the thinning or balding area, following the natural angle and direction of your existing hair.

Because no strip of skin is removed, FUE leaves only tiny dot scars that are hard to see even with short hair, and most people return to normal activities within a few days. A session can take several hours depending on the number of grafts.

Who it's for

Men and women with stable donor hair on the back and sides
People who want to keep their hair short (no linear scar)
Receding hairlines, thinning crowns and general density loss
Those who prefer a shorter recovery than FUT

Good to know

Carried out by regulated UK clinics in our vetted network.
Your Hair Score helps estimate suitability before you book.
Consultations through HairJourney are free and no-obligation.
This page is information only, not medical advice.
2026 UK pricing

How much does fue hair transplant cost?

Typical UK range (2026)
£4,500 – £9,000
Priced per graft, typically £3–£7. A common 1,500–3,000 graft session lands in this range; London clinics run 30–40% higher. Always get pricing in writing.
How it works

Start with a free Hair Score

STEP 01
Score your hair
3 photos, 8 questions, a score out of 100 in 2 minutes.
STEP 02
See if it's right
Understand whether fue hair transplant suits your situation.
STEP 03
Get matched
A free, no-obligation consult with a vetted UK clinic.
FUT (strip) transplantDHI transplantHair transplant cost calculatorTurkey vs UK
FAQs

FUE Hair Transplant — common questions

How long does FUE take to grow?
Transplanted hair sheds within a few weeks (this is normal), then regrows from around months 3–4. Most of the final result is visible by 9–12 months, with full maturity by 12–18 months.
Is FUE permanent?
The transplanted follicles are taken from areas resistant to hair loss, so they generally keep growing for life. Existing non-transplanted hair can still thin over time, which is why a clinic may also recommend maintenance treatment.
Does FUE hurt?
It's done under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is largely painless. Mild soreness, swelling or tightness for a few days afterward is common.
How many grafts will I need?
It depends on your stage of loss and goals — anywhere from a few hundred to 3,000+. A consultation (and your Hair Score) helps estimate this before you commit.

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