Long FUE (No Shave FUE) Hair Transplant: Guide in 2025

No shave (Follicular Unit Extraction) is the most advanced hair transplant technique, allowing patients to get hair transplants without needing to shave the donor or recipient areas.

This innovative method preserves the patient’s existing hairstyle throughout the entire process by using specialized punches to extract follicular units with their long hair shafts intact. The surgeon then creates recipient incisions between existing hairs, often using ultra-sharp sapphire blades. 

Long Hair FUE provides immediate cosmetic coverage as the transplanted long hairs instantly fill in thinning areas, while concealing any signs of surgery. 

Though more technically demanding than standard FUE procedures, Long Hair FUE achieves comparable graft survival rates exceeding 90% and delivers highly natural-looking results by maintaining each graft’s orientation and growth direction.

The long FUE procedure is also known as “long FUE”, “long hair FUE”, “U FUE” and other similar names. 

Here are some key points from the article:

• Long Hair FUE does not require shaving at all
• Costs range from $2,400-$5,000 in Turkey to $7,000-$10,000 in the US
• Success and survival rates are above 90%, comparable to shaved techniques
• Specialized tools like the UGraft Zeus System with Intelligent Punch technology enable extraction without shaving long hairs
• The procedure takes 5-10 hours, depending on the number of grafts
• Maximum grafts per session are typically 1,500-2,000 due to the complexity
• Requires 24% fewer grafts than shaved FUE for the same visual coverage
• No downtime in your appearance – perfect for those with public-facing roles
• Results are permanent with proper aftercare

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a type of plastic surgery procedure that moves hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp, sometimes beard or body hair) to thinning or bald regions. 

The two traditional methods of hair transplant are FUT, which removes a strip of scalp and leaves a linear scar, and FUE, which extracts individual follicular units and leaves tiny dot scars.

Transplanted follicles retain their genetic resistance to hair loss, so once implanted, they continue their normal growth cycle, providing a permanent, natural-looking restoration when done correctly.

What is No Shave FUE hair transplant?

No shave FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is an evolution of the standard FUE hair transplant in which neither the donor nor the recipient area is shaved. Instead of trimming hair to 1–2 mm, the surgeon uses specialized punches (or a flared “Intelligent Punch” like UGraft Zeus) to extract follicular units with their long hair shafts intact, and makes recipient incisions between existing hairs, often with ultra-sharp sapphire blades.

This technique lets patients keep their hairstyle throughout surgery and provides immediate cosmetic coverage (the transplanted long hairs fill in thinning areas). This way, patients can continue their everyday life without the appearance of having undergone surgery. This makes the Long FUE procedure a popular choice among men and women with public-facing lifestyles. 

Although more time-consuming and technically demanding than shaved FUE, long-hair FUE yields comparable graft survival rates (90% +) and high patient satisfaction by concealing signs of surgery and aligning each graft’s natural direction.

How much does Long FUE hair transplant cost?

Unshaven FUE (U-FUE) procedures typically cost $2,400–$5,000 per session in Turkey, $7,000–$10,000 in the United States for 2,000 grafts, and around £10,000 and €11,500 in the UK and Europe. 

Why is Long FUE hair transplant so expensive?

Long Hair FUE takes 40–100% more time than shaved FUE due to the complexity of working around existing hair, requires advanced tools, and highly skilled teams, often involves multiple smaller sessions for extensive balding. While more expensive, is valued by patients for preserving their hairstyle and providing instant cosmetic coverage.

What is the success rate of Sapphire FUE hair transplant?

The success rate of Long FUE is similar to other hair transplant techniques, with a success and survival rate above 90%

100% of patients were satisfied, and 57% described themselves as “very happy” with the Long FUE procedure​ in a 2023 study by Dr. Sanusi Umar. 

In a 2020 research article published in Hair Transplant Forum International,  Marie A. Schambach compared shaved vs. unshaven FUE and found no significant difference in total transection rates between the two techniques, meaning the overall integrity of grafts can be preserved equally well.

How does Long FUE hair transplant work?

In Long FUE, the donor area is not shaved but instead sectioned by parting the long hair. 

The surgeon uses a specialized punch, such as the flared “Intelligent Punch” from the UGraft Zeus system, to gently extract each follicular unit with the full-length hair shaft intact. This punch features a widened, textured tip that both protects the hair from being sheared and helps center the instrument around the follicle. 

To preserve the integrity of the long hairs, the grafts are carefully lifted, reducing the risk of tangling or damage.

In the recipient area, implantation is performed without shaving by creating micro-incisions between the patient’s existing hairs using ultra-sharp sapphire blades. These V-shaped channels are crafted to match the graft diameter, minimizing tissue trauma and the risk of visible scarring. 

The long-hair grafts are then inserted at angles that align precisely with their natural growth direction, guided by the orientation of the attached hair shafts. 

While the transplanted hairs typically shed within a few weeks, the follicles remain in place and begin producing new hair in the transplanted area, achieving permanent and natural-looking results.

The Long FUE hair transplant process follows these steps:

1. Pre-op tests, hair, and scalp analysis
2. Hairline design & surgical planning
3. Local anesthesia administration
4. Follicular unit extraction from the donor area
5. Graft preparation and sorting
6. Creating incisions with sapphire blades
7. Implantation into the recipient area
8. Recovery and post-op instructions
9. First wash and healing

How Long does Long FUE hair transplant take?

On average, a long FUE hair transplant can take 5 to 10 hours, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. 

Can Long FUE be done with body hair?

Yes, Long Fue hair transplant can be done with body hair to replace areas of hair loss in the body. 

Does Long FUE work for beard transplants?

Yes, the Long FUE technique works for beard transplants and facial hair.

Does Long FUE work for eyebrow transplants?

Yes, the Long FUE technique works for eyebrow transplants. 

What is the Dr. UGraft® Zeus System?

The Dr. UGraft® Zeus System is an advanced motorized FUE device designed specifically to simplify unshaven (“Long Hair”) follicular unit extraction, designed by Dr. Sanusi Umar. 

Its proprietary “Intelligent Punch®” features a flared, textured tip and widened inner lumen that automatically accommodates long hair shafts without shearing, eliminating the need for notched punches or precise alignment around each follicle.

Beyond its punch design, Zeus incorporates automated depth control and gentle traction mechanisms. These features maintain optimal penetration depth, minimize the stress on grafts, and use fluid irrigation to eject follicles intact. This results in very low damage rates and high-quality grafts even with challenging hair textures.

At MedArt Hair, our head surgeon, Dr. Aykut Sümer, utilizes the Dr. UGraft® Zeus System for Long FUE and has been trained in the Long FUE technique by Dr. U (Dr. Sanusi Umar) himself.

How is the Dr. UGraft® Zeus System different from a regular micro-motor punch?

A regular motorized FUE punch is a straight-walled, cylindrical cutter that relies on precise alignment and sometimes notches or grooves to avoid shearing hair shafts. It works well on average skin types but can have higher transection rates on very thick or very soft skin, and it usually requires separate punch designs for different hair textures or long-hair extraction. 

By contrast, the UGraft Zeus’s Intelligent Punch has a flared, hybrid-textured tip with a widened inner lumen that adapts automatically to any hair type and skin texture. The intelligent punch has no groove or indent, so long hair shafts slip inside without being cut, and the punch self-centers around the follicle. 

This design dramatically reduces transection and eliminates the need for multiple punch types or meticulous orientation for each extraction, making it highly efficient.

What angles are used for Long Fue incisions?

Long-hair grafts are implanted at roughly a 45° angle to the scalp surface to match the patient’s natural hair pattern and ensure seamless blending.

How deep are Long FUE hair transplant incisions?

Long Hair FUE recipient incisions are made approximately 4 mm deep into the scalp, into the dermis, between the epidermis and subcutaneous fat tissue to accommodate the full follicular unit without damaging the bulb. 

Can Long FUE hair transplant be combined with other hair transplant techniques?

Yes, Long Hair FUE can be combined with other methods to leverage their strengths:

• DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): After harvesting long-hair grafts via FUE, follicles can be placed with a Choi implanter pen (DHI), enabling finer control over angle and density without shaving the recipient area.
  
• Sapphire FUE + DHI Hybrid: Clinics often create the hairline with sapphire‐blade FUE (for precise micro-channels) then switch to DHI for crown/vertex placement, combining minimal trauma with high-density packing, all while keeping hair long

What makes Long FUE different from other hair transplant techniques?

Long Hair FUE differs from other transplant methods primarily in its no-shave approach.  Both donor and recipient areas retain full-length hair throughout the procedure. 

Specialized punches (like the UGraft Zeus Intelligent Punch) extract follicular units with long shafts intact, and ultra-sharp sapphire blades create micro-channels between existing hairs. 

This preserves the patient’s hairstyle, provides instant visual results, and conceals surgical signs, advantages not possible with any other hair transplant technique. 

Additionally, Long Hair FUE demands greater technical precision and time. Harvesting around uncut hair requires advanced punch designs or notched tips, meticulous graft handling to prevent tangles, and slower, more careful implantation. 

While standard FUE or FUT can move hundreds of grafts per hour on a shaved scalp, Long Hair FUE sessions are smaller and longer, relying on physician’s expertise and specialized tools to achieve comparable graft survival and natural orientation without altering the patient’s existing hair.

How does Long FUE compare to Sapphire FUE hair transplant?

Long Hair FUE and Sapphire FUE address different stages of the transplant, extraction versus recipient‐site creation, but can be used together or separately. 

Long Hair FUE focuses on harvesting and implanting without shaving, using specialized punches to extract follicles with intact long shafts. Sapphire FUE instead refers to using ultra‐sharp sapphire blades to create recipient channels, typically on a shaved scalp, to minimize trauma and enhance healing.

Long Hair FUE does not require shaving the donor or recipient areas, while Sapphire FUE typically involves shaving both for better blade visibility. 

Long Hair FUE uses flared or notched punches to protect the full-length hair shafts during extraction, whereas Sapphire FUE relies on sapphire-crystal blades to create precise incisions. 

In terms of results, Long Hair FUE provides immediate visual fullness as the long hairs cover thinning areas, while Sapphire FUE offers faster healing and reduced scarring, though it requires time for the transplanted hair to regrow.

How does Long FUE compare to FUE hair transplant?

Long Hair FUE is a more complex variation of standard FUE that avoids shaving both the donor and recipient areas, allowing patients to maintain their hairstyle but significantly increasing procedure time. 

While standard FUE involves trimming the donor area to 1–2 mm and often the recipient area as well, enabling the surgeon to extract over 2,000 grafts per day with low transection rates, Long Hair FUE slows the pace to about 150–450 grafts per hour. 

When performed with advanced punches, it achieves similar precision but conceals all surgical signs under existing hair. 

Standard FUE is faster and results in a buzzed donor area and visible stubble in the recipient zone, whereas Long Hair FUE leaves the appearance virtually untouched immediately after surgery. 

Due to the extended time and specialized tools involved, Long Hair FUE typically costs 20–50% more than its shaved counterpart.

How does Long FUE compare to DHI hair transplant?

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) uses a Choi implanter pen to create and place each graft in a single step, typically on a shaved or partially shaved recipient area, allowing precise control over angle and density. 

In comparison, Long Hair FUE involves two separate steps: extraction of full-length grafts using specialized punches, followed by implantation into micro-channels created with sapphire blades or placed manually with forceps. This preserves the natural hair length on both the donor and recipient areas. 

While DHI is slower per graft due to the pen-based method, Long Hair FUE offers faster extraction with a motorized punch, though it still lags behind the speed of fully shaved FUE techniques.

How does Long FUE compare to FUT hair transplant?

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) involves surgically removing a strip of scalp, which is then dissected into grafts, leaving a linear scar and requiring 2–3 weeks of recovery, but it’s efficient for large sessions of 3,000+ grafts. 

In contrast, Long Hair FUE leaves only tiny dot scars hidden beneath long hair and allows patients to resume normal activities within 1–2 days. However, Long Hair FUE sessions are typically smaller, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 grafts per day, due to the added complexity and time required to preserve hair length during extraction and implantation.

What is the maximum number of grafts possible with Long FUE hair transplant?

The maximum grafts in a single-day Long Hair FUE session are typically 1,500–2,000 grafts, due to the added time required for unshaven extraction and implantation. On average, Long Hair FUE requires about 24% fewer grafts to achieve the same visual coverage as a shaved FUE procedure.

How are Long FUE hair transplant grafts counted?

Grafts in Long Hair FUE are counted by tallying each extracted follicular unit, whether containing 1, 2, 3, or 4 hairs, as one graft, the same unit-based system used in standard FUE.

How is donor area capacity calculated for Long FUE hair transplant?

Donor capacity for Long Hair FUE is assessed by measuring the donor zone’s follicular density (follicles/cm²) via microscopic counts, then multiplying that density by the usable donor area (cm²) to estimate the total available grafts.

H3 How is the hairline designed for Long FUE hair transplant?

In Long Hair FUE, hairline design begins with detailed facial analysis to determine an age-appropriate, gender-specific placement based on proportions and key landmarks like the frontal zone and temporal points.

The hairline is drawn with soft, irregular patterns to replicate natural hair growth, with single-hair grafts placed at the front for a refined look and thicker grafts behind towards the crown for gradual density. 

Thanks to the preserved long shafts, the surgeon can preview the hair growth direction in real-time and adjust the design to match natural arcs, ensuring seamless blending with the patient’s existing hair.

Who is a good candidate for Long FUE hair transplant?

You are a good candidate for a Long FUE hair transplant if you:

• Are in public-facing roles or cannot shave their hair for personal or professional reasons
• Are between the ages of 18 and 65
• Have mild to moderate hair loss
• Have sufficient hair length (more than 5 cm) in the donor zone
• Have good donor-area density
• Have realistic expectations
• In general good health

Do you need to shave your hair for Long FUE hair transplant?

No, you don’t need to shave any of your hair for a Long FUE hair transplant. 

What is the best age for Long FUE hair transplant?

The best age range for a Long FUE hair transplant is between 25 and 60 years old. Most people who get the Long FUE hair transplant are between 25 to 45 year olds with public-facing roles. 

Which hair loss types can Long FUE hair transplant work for?

Long Hair FUE can work for most non-scarring and stable scarring alopecias, where follicular units remain viable in the donor zone. Key indications include:

• Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)
• Traction alopecia from chronic tension
• Alopecia areata is in a stable, non-active phase.
• Scarring (cicatricial) alopecia, like burn or surgical scars.
• Facial and body hair restoration (beard, eyebrows, chest)

Does Long FUE hair transplant work for curly hair?

Yes, Long Hair FUE can successfully harvest and transplant curly or coily hair textures while preserving natural curl pattern, with specialized punches that accommodate curved follicles and long shafts. 

Does Long FUE hair transplant work for women?

Yes, women with a stable pattern of thinning benefit especially from Long FUE, as keeping their existing long hair conceals the extraction and implantation sites, thereby avoiding any disruption to their hairstyle during recovery.

Can Long FUE hair transplant be done with thin donor hair?

Long FUE hair transplant with thinning hairs is not preferred, as thin or miniaturized donor follicles yield lower graft survival and offer less camouflage of extraction points. 

What are the alternatives to Long FUE hair transplant if it is not for you?

All surgical alternatives to Long FUE hair transplant (Sapphire FUE, FUE, DHI, FUT) require the shaving of either the donor area, the recipient area, or both.

Non-surgical alternatives include finasteride, minoxidil, PRP therapy, mesotherapy, or stem cell hair transplant. 

H2 What should you do before a Long FUE hair transplant?

Before undergoing a Long FUE hair transplant, keep these four guidelines in mind:

1. Only take medications approved by your doctor.
2. Refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, or using any recreational drugs for at least 2 days, ideally for 2 weeks.
3. Stop using Finasteride 7 and Minoxidil 10 days prior to the procedure.
4. If you are on blood thinners, consult your doctor about pausing them for a week before surgery.

How to find the best Long FUE hair transplant clinic?

When selecting a Long  FUE clinic, start by evaluating the clinic’s credentials, the surgeon’s experience, and documented success rates. Look for authentic patient reviews on platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, and Reddit, and pay close attention to before-and-after photos of cases similar to your own. 

Choose a clinic that offers transparent pricing, all-inclusive packages, and performs a limited number of surgeries per day to maintain high standards. The surgeon should be actively involved, provide a detailed treatment plan, and have clear protocols in place for managing complications or unsatisfactory results. 

Ensure the clinic provides strong aftercare support and avoid clinics promoting outdated techniques or exaggerated claims. Consulting multiple clinics before making a decision can also be helpful. Choosing a clinic in an accessible location is important for convenience after surgery.

What questions to ask during a Long FUE hair transplant consultation?

You can ask the following questions during a Long FUE hair transplant consultation to gain more insight into the procedure: 

• Which tools do you use for recipient-site creation (e.g., sapphire blades, Choi implanter), and how do you manage placement between existing hairs?
• How do you ensure proper hair-shaft orientation and curl alignment during implantation when the hairs remain long?
• Given my donor density and desired coverage, how many Long Hair FUE grafts will you recommend per session, and will that require multiple days?

What should you avoid after Long FUE hair transplant?

After a Long FUE hair transplant, avoid caffeine for the first two days and stop smoking for at least two weeks. To minimize inflammation, limit your intake of salty and spicy foods. For the first ten days, wash your hair and body separately and avoid shaving the transplanted area. Sleep with your head elevated using a neck pillow, and wear loose-fitting clothing, such as button-up shirts, to avoid disturbing the scalp. Protect your head from direct sunlight for at least two months and avoid exercise, heavy physical activity, and sweating for a minimum of one month to support proper healing.

What is the recovery process after Long FUE?

After a Long Hair FUE transplant, you’ll see only minimal redness or swelling, usually resolving within 3–5 days. Your existing long hair will conceal all micro-dots from extraction and implantation. 

During weeks 2–4, the transplanted shafts shed, but the follicles remain intact under the scalp. Between months 3 and 4, new fine hairs emerge and gradually thicken, with your long native hair continuing to mask any residual signs. 

By months 9–12, you enjoy full natural density as the transplanted follicles complete their growth cycle, all without ever having had to shave your donor or recipient areas.

How long does the donor area take to heal after Long FUE hair transplant?

Long Hair FUE donor sites typically heal in about 7–10 days, with the tiny extraction micro-dots becoming fully concealed by surrounding hair within that period.

Does Long FUE hair transplant heal faster?

No, Long Hair FUE heals on a similar timeline to standard FUE, with donor and recipient micro-wounds resolving in about 7–10 days, though existing hair better conceals healing sites.

When can you get a haircut after Long FUE hair transplant?

You can safely trim or clip your donor-area hair about 2–3 weeks after a Long Hair FUE procedure, and wait 3–4 months before using clippers on the recipient area. Use scissors only until then to protect newly implanted follicles.

What are the side effects of Long FUE hair transplant?

Common side effects of Long Hair FUE mirror those of standard FUE: temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort in the donor and recipient zones that typically subside within a week. 

You may experience “shock loss” (shedding of transplanted shafts) in the recipient area around weeks 2–4, but this is normal, and follicles remain viable. 

Tiny scabs form at the extraction and implantation sites, falling off by day 7–10, and long hair conceals any signs of surgery throughout the healing process.

How long does swelling last after Long FUE?

Swelling after a Long Hair FUE transplant generally lasts 3–5 days

Does a Long FUE hair transplant leave scars?

Long Hair FUE leaves only tiny dot-scars (micro-wounds) in the donor and recipient areas, which are fully concealed by the surrounding long hair and become virtually invisible once healed.

Does Long FUE cause shock loss?

Yes, like any FUE procedure, Long Hair FUE can cause shock loss of surrounding native hairs in 5–10% of patients, but these hairs typically regrow within 3–4 months.

When will you see Long FUE hair transplant results?

You’ll notice initial cosmetic fullness immediately from the transplanted long shafts, which then shed by week 4; new hair begins emerging around month 3, with substantial visible growth by month 6 and full mature results by months 12–18.

Does Long FUE transplanted hair grow faster?

No, the transplanted follicles in Long Hair FUE follow the same growth cycle as standard FUE grafts, so new hair emerges at the typical rate (about 1–1.5 cm per month) after the initial shedding phase.

How thick does Long FUE transplanted hair grow?

Long-hair FUE grafts grow with the same shaft thickness as your native donor hair. 

Can transplanted hair go grey after Long FUE?

Yes, because transplanted follicles carry their original genetic programming, they will age and lose pigment just like your native donor hair.

Is Long FUE hair transplant permanent?

Yes, once a follicular unit is successfully implanted and the graft takes, it retains its donor-site resistance to androgenic miniaturization, providing a permanent restoration that does not fall out over the long term.

Can you lose transplanted hair after Long FUE?

You may experience early “shock loss” shedding of the transplanted shafts (and some surrounding native hairs) in the first 2–4 weeks, but the follicle bulbs remain intact and regenerate hair; permanent loss of grafts beyond that is uncommon if proper technique and aftercare are followed. 

Can Long FUE be repeated if needed?

Yes—because Long Hair FUE uses only a portion of your donor reserve each session (typically ≤2,000 grafts), you can undergo additional unshaven FUE sessions in the future, provided there is sufficient remaining donor density and scalp laxity.

What are the pros and cons of Long FUE hair transplant?

The pros and cons of Long FUE hair transplant are shown in the table below: