FUT Hair Transplant London: Strip Method Cost and Scar

FUT was the standard hair transplant technique before FUE became widespread, and it is still used by surgeons around the world because it has specific advantages. Instead of extracting grafts one by one, the surgeon removes a thin strip of scalp from the back of the head, where hair is permanent, and the strip is divided into individual follicular units under microscopes. These are then implanted into the thinning areas. We discuss FUT with patients when it is likely to give them a better outcome than FUE, and explain the trade-offs clearly.

How does FUT work?

1. Planning: the recipient area and graft numbers are agreed.
2. Anaesthetic: local anaesthetic is applied to the donor strip and recipient area.
3. Strip removal: a thin strip of scalp is removed from the back of the head.
4. Closure: the donor wound is closed with stitches or staples, often with a trichophytic edge so hair grows through the scar.
5. Dissection: technicians divide the strip into individual grafts under microscopes.
6. Implantation: grafts are placed into the recipient area.

Estimate your own graft count and typical London price with our hair graft calculator.

Who is FUT best for?

FUT tends to suit people who:

• Need a large number of grafts in one session
• Want to keep the hair at the back of the head longer and avoid a full donor shave
• Have good scalp laxity
• Have had FUE before and need to make the most of the remaining donor area
• Do not plan to wear a very short haircut at the back

FUE is usually a better choice for people who want very short hair at the back, have a tight scalp, need a smaller session or are prone to stretched scars. See FUE vs FUT vs DHI for a full comparison.

How much does FUT cost in London?

FUT is typically priced similarly to, or slightly below, FUE for the same number of grafts. Typical London FUE prices are about £4,900 for 1,200 grafts, £5,900 to £6,900 for 1,800 to 2,500 grafts, about £7,900 for 3,500 and £8,900 to £11,900 for 4,500 to 6,000. Ask any clinic for a per-graft breakdown so you can compare like with like. See hair transplant costs in the UK and hair transplant cost per graft.

What does the FUT scar look like?

When healed well, the scar is a fine line across the back of the head, typically hidden by hair of a modest length. Scar width depends on your skin, scalp laxity and how the wound was closed. Our guide to hair transplant scars compares FUT and FUE scarring and explains ways to camouflage a scar, including FUE into the scar and scalp micropigmentation.

FUT recovery

Most people return to desk work after about a week. Heavy lifting and exercise that strains the neck and back of the head should be avoided for longer than after FUE, often around four weeks, to protect the scar. See our hair transplant aftercare instructions and the recovery timeline.

Is FUT outdated?

No, although it is less commonly offered than FUE. Some clinics offer only FUE because it is easier to market and does not require a dissection team. FUT remains a valid technique, and for some patients it is the better choice, particularly those needing large sessions or wanting to preserve donor capacity for the future.

Combining FUT and FUE

Some plans combine techniques: FUT to harvest a large number of grafts, then FUE in a later session to take more from areas the strip could not reach, or to place grafts into the FUT scar. This can maximise the total number of grafts available over a lifetime.

FUT for advanced hair loss

At Norwood 5 to 7, graft needs are high and donor supply is the limiting factor. FUT can help by yielding many grafts in one session. See the Norwood scale for typical graft numbers at each stage.

Who should avoid FUT?

• People who want to wear the back and sides very short
• People with a very tight scalp, where the strip would close under tension
• People with a history of wide or raised scars
• Those who need only a small number of grafts

FUT and pain

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Afterwards, the donor area usually feels tight and sore for the first week, and many patients find sleeping on the back of the head uncomfortable for a few nights. Pain relief is provided, and the tightness eases as the wound heals. Numbness around the scar is common and normally improves over several months.

What should be included in a FUT quote?

• Consultation and design
• Local anaesthetic and the full procedure
• Microscopic dissection of the strip
• Stitch or staple removal appointment
• Medication and aftercare products
• Follow-up reviews to assess growth

FUT for women

Women often prefer to keep their hair long and avoid shaving. FUT harvests from a narrow strip that is hidden by surrounding hair, which can make it a practical choice for women with enough scalp laxity. See female hair transplants in London.

Common questions about FUT

Can I wear my hair short after FUT? A short scissor cut or a longer clipper length usually covers the scar. Very short buzz cuts are where the line is most likely to show.

Will the back of my head look thinner? The strip is closed so the surrounding hair comes together; most people do not see a change in density at the back.

Can I have FUT more than once? Sometimes, depending on scalp laxity. Each further strip is usually taken through the same scar.

Recovery after FUT compared with FUE

FUT recovery has a few differences from FUE. The strip donor area is closed with stitches or staples, which are usually removed after about 10 to 14 days. The back of the head may feel tight and a little sore for a couple of weeks. Most people return to desk work within a week or so, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are avoided for longer while the donor wound heals.

Get advice on FUT vs FUE

At an assessment we check your scalp laxity, donor density and future graft needs, and recommend the technique most likely to give the result you want. Request an assessment through our online form.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Hair Transplant Cost UK: Prices per Graft and Package (2026)
• DHI vs FUE vs FUT: Which Hair Transplant Method Is Better?
• Harley Street Hair Transplant Cost: What to Know Before You Book
• Hair Transplant for Women in the UK: Suitability, Cost and Alternatives
• 2,000 Grafts: Coverage, Cost and Results
• Hair Graft Calculator: How Many Grafts Do I Need?
• Hair transplants in London: FUE, DHI and FUT
• Areas of London we cover