Istanbul Unshaven DHI Choi Implanter Pen · No Shaving
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600+ Reviews
5.0/5
Established
15+ Years
2010
DHI Pen
Choi Pen + Selective FUE
U-DHI
Our Expert Team
MD
Languages
International
10
Unshaven DHI: Direct Implantation Without Cutting Your Hair
The unshaven DHI technique (U-DHI) is a specialised sub-protocol of standard DHI. In classic DHI the donor area at the back of the head is trimmed to 0.5-1 mm; in the unshaven technique no area is cut at all — neither donor nor recipient. You arrive for surgery with your hair at its normal length and return to social life the next day with a recovery nobody can see.
At Veneta Clinic the unshaven DHI protocol is carried out entirely by our expert team. Selective graft harvesting between your existing hairs with a Cole Instruments 0.7 mm titanium punch, follicle separation under a stereoscopic microscope, and direct placement in the recipient area without cutting anything using the Choi Implanter Pen. Maximum 2,500-3,000 grafts. The gold standard for working professionals, female patients and people in the public eye.
Equipment
Harvesting single follicles from between existing hairs demands unusual precision from both hand and instrument. Veneta Clinic uses only premium equipment for this procedure.
Selective FUE punchCole Instruments (US) titanium 0.7-0.8 mm — micro-punch access between existing hairs
Choi Implanter PenOriginal Korean — single-step unshaven placement in the recipient area (0.6-1.0 mm calibre)
Precision scissors (spot trim)Used only on the single hair or group directly above the punch point — microscopic trimming
Stereoscopic microscopeOlympus / Leica 10-40x — more precise preparation of grafts carrying long hair
HypoThermosol FRS5°C preservation — especially critical for long-haired grafts, which dry out faster
Maximum graft count2,500-3,000 in a single session — lower than standard DHI because harvesting is selective
Who is unshaven DHI for?
Working professionals
Executives, doctors, public speakers — anyone whose recovery simply cannot be visible.
Female patients
Transplantation with hair length preserved — most women do not want a short cut.
Around social commitments
Periods before or after a wedding, a presentation or a photo shoot that call for discretion.
First hair transplant
People anxious about surgery — nothing visibly changes, which is a real psychological advantage.
Limited graft requirement
Hairline repair or filling a small area — cases where 2,500 grafts are enough.
Covering a donor scar
Patients with an older FUT scar — the surrounding hair keeps it covered throughout.
Norwood II-IV
A limited density target is sufficient — younger to middle-aged men with longer hair.
Ludwig I-II (women)
Diffuse thinning pattern — hair-sparing, selective placement between existing hairs.
How the procedure runs
01
Consultation & donor suitabilityOur expert team measures donor follicle density by trichoscopy. The unshaven technique needs at least 80 follicles/cm². The graft count is then set, up to a maximum of 2,500-3,000.
02
Selective donor harvestingGrafts are taken one at a time from between your existing long hairs with a Cole 0.7 mm titanium punch — micro-access that leaves neighbouring hairs undamaged. This stage takes 3.5-4 hours, longer than standard DHI.
03
Graft preparation (long-hair version)Long-haired grafts are separated under the stereoscopic microscope. The hair shafts are not cut — follicle structure stays intact. Grafts are held in HypoThermosol FRS.
04
Implantation in the recipient area (unshaven)Single-step placement between your existing hairs with nothing cut, using the Choi Implanter Pen, controlling natural angle, direction and depth. The full procedure runs 10-13 hours.
Advantages
— A recovery nobody can see — back to work and social life the next day
— Hair length preserved — for many female patients this is the deciding factor
— Selective technique carried out under the control of our expert team
— Natural camouflage — your existing hair conceals the new grafts
— Peace of mind — knowing that nobody can tell you had a transplant
Safety
Unshaven DHI carries the same safety profile as standard DHI. Its real limits: 1) a maximum of 2,500-3,000 grafts, because harvesting is selective; 2) donor follicle density must exceed 80/cm²; 3) the procedure runs 2-3 hours longer than standard DHI, at 10-13 hours; 4) it costs more; 5) in advanced thinning (Norwood V-VI) it may not deliver enough coverage, and standard DHI or FUE is the better choice. Contraindications: active scalp infection, coagulopathy, insufficient donor supply, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, and isotretinoin use within the past 6 months. The side-effect profile is identical to standard DHI.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between unshaven DHI and standard DHI?
Standard DHI: the donor area at the back of the head is trimmed to 0.5-1 mm while the recipient area stays unshaven. Unshaven DHI: neither area is cut — your hair stays at its normal length. The result is that the day after surgery nobody can tell you had a transplant. The trade-off: a maximum of 2,500-3,000 grafts against 3,000-5,000 for standard DHI, a higher price, and a longer day in theatre.
Who is the unshaven technique suitable for?
Working professionals who need the recovery hidden, women who do not want their hair shortened, cases with a limited graft requirement such as a hairline or small area, men at Norwood II-IV, and women with a Ludwig I-II diffuse pattern. Donor follicle density has to exceed 80/cm² — below that, the standard technique is required.
Do I need to grow my hair first?
Yes. Plan on growing your hair for at least 4-6 months before surgery. The donor hair at the back needs to be 3-5 cm long for selective punch access. In the recipient area the rule is simply that the longer your existing hair, the better it camouflages the new grafts.
When will I see the result?
The timeline is exactly the same as standard DHI: shock loss at 4-8 weeks, when the transplanted hairs temporarily shed — this is normal; regrowth begins around month 3; a clear result at 6 months, roughly 70-80%; and the final result at 12 months. One difference: there is no visible change in the first week, because your existing long hair covers the new grafts completely.
How many grafts can be placed?
Up to 2,500-3,000 in one session. Standard DHI can reach 3,000-5,000; selective harvesting is what sets the lower ceiling here. If you need more, the options are a second session after 8-12 months, or switching to standard DHI.
How much longer does the unshaven technique take?
Standard DHI takes 8-12 hours; unshaven DHI takes 10-13. The difference is the selective harvesting — accessing follicles one by one from between existing hairs is more precise and therefore slower. The day passes with breaks for meals, music and films.
Can I go back to work straight away?
Yes — this is the strongest argument for the technique. After 24 hours of rest you can return to normal social life and work the following day. Only sport, sauna and heavy bending are off limits, for 7-10 days. Your existing hair provides the camouflage.
Is unshaven DHI more expensive?
Yes — selective harvesting and the longer procedure put it 20-30% above standard DHI. For working professionals and female patients, an invisible recovery is usually worth the difference. For detailed pricing we invite you to a free consultation.
