Single follicular unit grafts produce the most natural hairline appearance, while multi-unit grafts produce denser coverage in crown and mid-scalp zones. Most hair transplant procedures use a mix of both graft types, placed strategically across different scalp zones. myhairline.ai tracks density outcomes per zone so you can document which graft configuration delivers the best result for each area.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional for treatment decisions.
Understanding Graft Types
A follicular unit is a naturally occurring grouping of hair follicles. The human scalp produces follicular units containing 1 to 4 hairs each, with an average of 2.2 hairs per graft. Surgeons select and place graft types based on the target zone:
| Graft Type | Hairs per Graft | Best Zone | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (1-hair) | 1 | Hairline border | Natural, soft appearance |
| Double (2-hair) | 2 | Hairline, temples | Balance of density and naturalness |
| Triple (3-hair) | 3 | Mid-scalp, crown | Coverage and density |
| Quad (4-hair) | 4 | Crown | Maximum density per graft |
A Norwood 4 patient receiving 2,500 to 3,500 grafts might get 400 to 600 single-unit grafts at the hairline, 800 to 1,200 double-unit grafts in the frontal zone, and 1,000 to 1,500 triple and quad grafts in the crown.
Step 1: Record Your Graft Distribution From the Surgical Report
Every reputable clinic provides a post-operative report detailing the total graft count and placement strategy. Before starting your tracking, document:
- Total grafts placed
- Graft count per zone (hairline, frontal, mid-scalp, crown)
- Graft type distribution per zone (singles, doubles, triples, quads)
- Procedure type (FUE, FUT, or DHI)
This information creates the reference map for all future density comparisons. FUE procedures can place up to 5,000 grafts per session, FUT up to 4,000, and DHI up to 3,500. All three achieve graft survival rates of 90% to 95%.
Step 2: Establish Zone Baselines by Graft Type
Take your first myhairline.ai scan within the first week after surgery. Label each zone with its graft type:
Hairline zone (single-unit grafts): The first 1 to 2 centimeters of the restored hairline. These grafts create the natural, feathered edge that makes a transplant look realistic. Target density: 35 to 45 FU/cm2.
Transition zone (double-unit grafts): The area immediately behind the hairline. These grafts build density without the coarse appearance that multi-unit grafts would create at the front. Target density: 30 to 40 FU/cm2.
Mid-scalp and crown zones (triple and quad grafts): These areas prioritize coverage volume. Each graft contributes more hairs, so fewer grafts cover more area. Target density: 25 to 35 FU/cm2 for mid-scalp, 50 to 70 FU/cm2 for the crown.
Step 3: Track Density Growth Per Zone at Key Intervals
Scan at months 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18. At each interval, record density readings for every zone and compare:
Month 3 comparison: All zones will likely show below-baseline density due to shock loss and dormancy. Shock loss affects up to 50% of patients. The key metric at month 3 is whether density has stabilized, not whether it has grown.
Month 6 comparison: Single-unit hairline grafts often show regrowth earlier than multi-unit crown grafts. Expect 40% to 60% of final density in hairline zones, and 30% to 50% in crown zones.
Month 9 comparison: This is where graft type performance differences become measurable. If multi-unit zones lag single-unit zones by more than 20 percentage points, the data suggests a potential issue with those grafts specifically.
Month 12 comparison: Most grafts have matured. Single-unit zones should show 85% to 95% of target density. Multi-unit zones should show 75% to 90% of target.
Month 18 comparison: Final assessment. All zones should reach their maturation ceiling. Compare the density-per-graft efficiency: divide zone density by the number of grafts placed in that zone.
Step 4: Calculate Density-Per-Graft Efficiency
This metric reveals which graft type delivered the best return. The calculation:
Density achieved / Number of grafts placed = Density per graft
For example:
- Hairline zone: 40 FU/cm2 from 500 single-unit grafts = high efficiency
- Crown zone: 55 FU/cm2 from 1,200 multi-unit grafts = expected efficiency
Multi-unit grafts inherently produce more hairs per graft (average 2.2 hairs per graft overall), so raw density numbers in those zones should be higher. The efficiency metric normalizes the comparison.
Step 5: Use Comparative Data in Future Procedure Planning
If you need a second procedure (common for Norwood 5 through 7 patients requiring 3,000 to 7,500 total grafts across sessions), your zone-specific data informs the surgical plan:
- Zones where single-unit grafts outperformed expectations can be maintained
- Zones where multi-unit grafts underperformed may benefit from a different approach in the second session
- Overall graft survival data helps set realistic expectations for the next round
This data also helps you choose between FUE (7 to 10 day recovery) and FUT (10 to 14 day recovery) for the follow-up procedure. If your first procedure used FUE and certain zones underperformed, the surgeon might recommend FUT for the second session to access a different section of the donor area.
Procedure Costs by Region
The cost of your graft type distribution depends on procedure type and location:
| Region | Cost per Graft | 3,000 Grafts (Mixed) |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $1 to $2 | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| India | $0.50 to $1.50 | $1,500 to $4,500 |
| USA | $4 to $6 | $12,000 to $18,000 |
| UK | $3 to $5 | $9,000 to $15,000 |
| Europe | $2.50 to $4.50 | $7,500 to $13,500 |
Most clinics charge per graft regardless of the type (single vs multi-unit), so the cost per hair is actually lower for multi-unit grafts.
Start Tracking Your Graft Type Outcomes
Whether you are planning a procedure or already recovering from one, zone-specific density tracking reveals which graft types perform best on your scalp. Visit myhairline.ai/analyze to begin documenting your density per zone.
Use the hair transplant progress tracker to set up zone labels and graft type tags, and see our FUE recovery tracking guide for procedure-specific recovery benchmarks.