Hair loss affects millions of men and women around the world, and one of the oldest and most proven hair restoration techniques is the FUT strip method. Also fut strip transplant known as Follicular Unit Transplantation, this technique has been widely used for decades and is still chosen by many patients and surgeons today. In this article, we’ll explore what FUT strip is, how it works, its pros and cons, and whether it’s the right option for you.

What Is FUT Strip? FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), or the "strip method", is a surgical hair restoration technique where a strip of scalp is removed from the donor area (usually the back of the head). The strip is then dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units, which are implanted into the balding or thinning areas.

How FUT Strip Works: Step-by-Step Consultation & Planning The surgeon evaluates the patient's hair loss pattern, scalp elasticity, and donor area to determine suitability.

Local Anesthesia The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, making it painless.

Strip Harvesting A thin strip of scalp (usually 1 to 1.5 cm wide) is surgically removed from the donor area.

Dissection of Follicular Units Technicians carefully dissect the strip into individual grafts (containing 1–4 hairs each).

Recipient Site Creation Small incisions are made in the recipient area where the grafts will be placed.

Graft Placement The grafts are inserted into the incisions, following a natural growth pattern.

Closure The donor area is sutured, often leaving a linear scar that can be hidden by surrounding hair.

Pros of FUT Strip Higher Graft Yield: Ideal for patients needing a large number of grafts in a single session.

Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than FUE in high-graft cases.

Proven Technique: Decades of successful results and data.

Cons of FUT Strip Linear Scar: Leaves a visible scar if hair is cut too short.

Longer Recovery Time: Healing from the incision may take 10–14 days.

More Invasive: Involves sutures and a surgical wound.

Who Is a Good Candidate for FUT Strip? Patients with advanced hair loss who need a high number of grafts.

Those who typically wear their hair long (to cover the scar).

Individuals with good scalp laxity (flexibility).

FUT vs FUE: What’s the Difference? While FUT strip involves removing a strip of scalp, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) extracts individual follicular units one by one. FUE has no linear scar and faster recovery, but may require multiple sessions for large areas.

Final Thoughts The FUT strip method remains a reliable and effective option for hair transplantation. It offers high graft survival and density, especially in large sessions. However, it may not be suitable for everyone—especially those who prefer to keep their hair very short or want a less invasive procedure.

If you're considering hair restoration, speak to a qualified hair transplant surgeon to determine if FUT is the best solution for your needs.