FUE hair transplant for men

Male hair loss: androgenetic alopecia and the Norwood scale

The majority of male hair loss is caused by androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss. It results from follicle sensitivity to the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which gradually miniaturises follicles and shortens their lifespan. This is a hereditary process, not a skin disease.

The extent of male hair loss is described using the Norwood scale, which classifies patterns into stages NW2–NW7:

• NW2 – mild recession at the temples.
• NW3 – clearer temple recession, often with crown thinning.
• NW4 – more extensive loss at the front and crown.
• NW5–NW6 – large thinning areas, where the donor area becomes a limiting factor.

Identifying the exact cause and your individual stage requires diagnostics of hair-loss causes. Not every type of hair loss is suitable for a transplant, so the doctor assesses your situation at the consultation.

Is FUE right for you?

FUE is suitable for many men, but candidacy is always determined individually. At the consultation the doctor evaluates factors such as:

• Donor area quality – the back and sides must have enough stable follicles.
• Stability of hair loss – with active, rapidly progressing loss the doctor may first recommend treatment and monitoring.
• Age and expectations – for very young men the result is planned so it stays natural as future loss continues.
• General health – certain conditions may affect the procedure.

An alternative to FUE is the DHI method, where follicles are placed using a special implanter. Where appropriate, the doctor may suggest PRP treatment as an adjunctive measure; its evidence base is still developing.

Hairline design for men

A natural result depends on hairline design. A man's hairline is not a straight line – it follows facial proportions and age. When designing it, the doctor considers:

• face shape and the angle of the temples;
• an age-appropriate hairline height (a line set too low may look unnatural later in life);
• the direction and growth angle of follicles so the hair grows naturally;
• a gradual density transition at the front edge, where single follicles are used.

The design is agreed with you before the procedure so the result matches your expectations and remains natural over time.

How the FUE procedure works

The FUE procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and usually takes one day (depending on the number of grafts). The main steps are:

• Preparation and anaesthesia – the donor area is prepared and local anaesthesia is administered.
• Follicle extraction – with manual FUE the follicles are extracted one by one, leaving no long scar.
• Channel creation and implantation – micro-channels are created in the designed area and follicles are placed with the correct direction and density.
• Recovery – you go home (or to your hotel) the same day and receive written aftercare instructions.

Manual FUE is scar-free in the sense that it does not leave a long linear scar like the older strip method. An Estonian-speaking coordinator helps arrange your visit and answers questions.

Results and timeline

Transplanted hairs shed in the first weeks (so-called shock loss) – this is a normal part of the process. New growth then begins. The general timeline (individual):

• 1–3 months – transplanted hairs have shed, follicles are in a resting phase.
• 3–6 months – visible new growth begins.
• 6–9 months – thickening and increased hair density.
• ~8–12 months – the final result becomes visible; the timeframe differs for each person.

The final result cannot be guaranteed in advance, as it depends on your follicles, health and adherence to aftercare. To help slow further loss of existing hair, the doctor may recommend additional measures.

FUE price for men

At Rubenhair the price is calculated per graft, approximately 2–3 € per graft. The number of grafts needed depends on your Norwood stage and desired density. Indicative price bands:

• NW2 – from ~€1,600–3,600
• NW3 – from ~€2,400–4,800
• NW4 – from ~€3,200–6,000
• NW5 – from ~€4,000–7,500

The final price is set at the free consultation after assessing the donor area and your needs. See the hair transplant cost page for details. The general method is explained on the hair transplant page.