FUE vs. DHI for Afro‑Textured Hair in Turkey
A practical comparison of FUE and DHI for Afro/curly/coily hair: techniques, costs, survival rates, recovery timelines, and how to pick the right clinic in Turkey. Includes checklists, tables, and FAQs.
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Why Afro hair transplants are different
Afro follicles follow a curved or corkscrew path under the skin. That subdermal curve is what creates tight coils and volume—but it also raises transection risk during extraction if the team lacks Afro experience. Implantation angles must respect the natural curl direction to avoid “spiky” or flattened results. The right technique matters, but the operator’s skill matters most.
Key challenges
- Curved follicles → higher risk of graft damage
- Angle control needed for natural curl direction
- Potential keloid tendency in predisposed patients
What good teams do
- Use tailored punch sizes (≈0.9–1.0 mm)
- Control torque & depth; slower extraction pace
- Surgeon-led design and slit/pen angle planning
What to ask
- Show 10+ Afro cases from the same operating team
- Explain punch/implanter choices for your donor
- Outline keloid prevention & aftercare plan
Technique overview
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
Follicles are extracted one by one with a hollow punch, then placed into recipient sites. For Afro hair, FUE requires curvature-aware punches and careful depth/angle control.
- Efficient for larger areas
- Widely available; typically lower cost
- Flexible planning for coverage
- Higher transection risk if rushed
- Recipient sites created separately (more trauma)
- Healing can be slightly longer than DHI
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
Grafts are loaded into implanter pens and placed directly without pre‑made incisions. This can improve survival and angle control—useful for defining curl direction.
- Precise angle/depth control for natural curls
- Potentially higher graft survival
- Smaller incisions → gentle on scalp
- Usually higher cost
- Session size may be smaller
- Requires elite, well‑coordinated team
FUE vs DHI: side‑by‑side comparison
| Criteria | FUE (Afro hair) | DHI (Afro hair) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2025 cost in Turkey | $2,400–$3,600 | $3,000–$4,800 |
| Session size | Medium–large coverage feasible | Usually small–medium per day |
| Graft survival rate (operator‑dependent) | ~85–90% | ~90–95% |
| Angle control for curls | Good (depends on site creation) | Very good (pen‑guided) |
| Healing timeline | ~7–12 days | ~5–9 days |
| Best fit | Larger areas, budget‑conscious | High density, hairline detail |
Numbers are indicative; outcomes vary with donor quality and team experience.
Costs in Turkey (what drives the price)
| Driver | How it affects cost | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon involvement | Higher if surgeon designs & supervises closely | Ask who designs hairline and who implants |
| Technique & tools | DHI pens / sapphire blades increase price | Why this tool for your curls? |
| Case complexity | Curved follicles & prior scars take longer | Operator’s Afro portfolio |
| Package scope | Hotel, transfers, meds raise package price | Compare what’s truly included |
Choosing the right clinic (Afro checklist)
Must‑haves
- 10+ Afro before/after cases from the same team
- Named surgeon & team; not generic marketing
- Clear plan for angle, density, and donor limits
- Transparent pricing; no “X,000 grafts for all”
- Written aftercare with check‑ins
Red flags
- Won’t show Afro‑specific cases
- Rushed consults, vague answers
- Pressure discounts “today only”
- No surgeon oversight on surgery day
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Recovery & aftercare (Afro‑focused)
| Timeline | What to expect | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Days 0–3 | Swelling; tenderness; sleep elevated | Saline sprays; cold compress (not on grafts) |
| Days 4–10 | First washes; scabs soften & shed | Gentle foam; no scratching; pat dry |
| Weeks 3–8 | Shock loss; normal shedding | Avoid tight styles; gentle moisturizers |
| Months 3–6 | Early regrowth; curls forming | Low‑tension styles; follow clinic advice |
| Months 9–12+ | Maturation; density & curl definition | Review progress with the clinic |
FAQs: FUE vs DHI for Afro hair
Is DHI always better for Afro hair?
No. DHI excels at angle control and density in smaller areas, but experienced teams can achieve excellent results with FUE for larger coverage at lower cost.
Will my curl pattern stay the same?
Yes. Transplanted follicles retain their genetic curl; proper angle placement helps curls sit naturally.
How many grafts do Afro patients typically need?
Common plans range 2,000–3,500 grafts depending on hairline and crown needs. Coil volume can create coverage with fewer grafts than straight hair.
How long until visible results?
Early growth by 3–4 months, visible density by 6–9, and maturation by 12+ months.
Can I do the surgery unshaven?
Unshaven options exist (especially with DHI), but session size is usually smaller and the procedure takes longer.