Hair Transplant Growth Timeline
The hair transplant growth timeline is a vital component of your hair restoration journey. Unfortunately, it is also one of the more common misconceptions. A lot of people are surprised that hair transplants actually take time to grow and have unrealistic timelines for their hair growing back. However, there is a fairly definitive (albeit lengthy) process your hair will go through once your hair has been transplanted, and these processes need to be followed to see the full coverage on your head.
Initially, when hair is transplanted it will go through an initial shedding period. After this period of time, the hair follicles will be placed into a state of dormancy where they will remain in this state for approximately 2 months. At this point in time, the hair follicles will begin to gradually regenerate at a rate of roughly half an inch per month.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the hair transplant growth timeline from day one (surgery) until one month after surgery so that you understand what you can expect during each stage of the timeline.
Days 1–14 (Immediately Following Surgery / Post-Operatively)
The hair transplant growth timeline begins at the moment of surgery completion. You will not (however) begin to see any actual hair growth for several months (typically 3 months on average). The first 14 days after having a hair transplant will be spent focused primarily on healing and graft survival.
Healing and Graft Survival
Because the grafts do not have a firm attachment yet, they will also be susceptible to being dislodged—so it is important to treat your newly transplanted grafts with care and follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
Patients will also have swelling and redness during this time period and will experience mild discomfort (this is expected and manageable).
Washing Your Scalp After Surgery
During the first 3 to 5 days after the hair transplant has been completed, the patient will be instructed to start gently washing their scalp using a mild shampoo.
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions will be beneficial, although it typically should take 7 to 14 days for the scabs surrounding the newly transplanted follicles to fall off naturally and for the small (but visible) transplanted hairs to be seen.
In this current phase, the hairs will have started to increase in length, providing patients with a glimpse at what the future may hold; however, this early growth should be considered temporary since the hair shafts will all soon be lost (i.e., shed).
Avoid Picking the Scabs
The removal of any scabs from the scalp must be undertaken carefully because if a patient picks out or scratches these scabs, it may compromise the grafts from successfully staying in place and therefore negatively impact the end result.
Returning to Daily Activities
By the conclusion of the second week, most patients will be able to resume their normal day-to-day activities again, but strenuous exercise and direct exposure to the sun will still be prohibited.
Weeks 2–4: The Shedding Phase
For many patients, the second to the fourth week after their surgery represents the most mentally challenging and difficult period that they will endure.
Understanding Shock Loss
This stage, commonly referred to as the “shock loss” or “shedding phase,” may surprise those who weren’t ready for it.
The hairs that were transplanted are falling out during this period because the hair follicles have entered into a resting phase, known as telogen, due to the trauma associated with being transplanted.
The hair is still firmly attached to the scalp but the hair shaft has detached from the hair follicle and is shedding, with only the hair follicle remaining intact and healthy under the scalp.
Is Hair Shedding Normal?
The suddenness of the hair shedding can cause many patients to experience feelings of anxiety and may cause them to have doubts about their decision to have their hair transplant surgery performed.
Hair shedding is a natural phenomenon during hair growth and not an indication of the failure of hair transplant. The shedding phase indicates that the hair follicles are functioning normally.
At normal times, the transplanted hair will stop shedding within four weeks of the operation creating the illusion of the original thin hair that will go through the so-called “ugly duckling” stage before the person goes through their patience test.
Months 1–3: The Dormant Period
The months right after having hair transplants (months 1 through 3) are known as the “Dormant Period” and will likely lead most patients to have concerns about possible failure since there probably will be absolutely no visible egress of newly formed hair.
Patients may notice residual “pink” in the recipient area which is easily concealed with make-up or keeping other hairs longer than normal; however, beneath the surface you can be confident that newly transplanted hair follicles are growing and will continue to do so as they grow in through an active phase during this “Dormant Period.”
The only visible difference to the patient will be the residual bleeding from the procedure will be gone along with all of the swelling and bruising; thus giving them a reminder of why they are having this experience.
Supporting Healthy Recovery
Having a healthy lifestyle will assist in reduced recovery time and provide proper nutrition. Proper proteins, vitamins, hydration, and stress management all play a vital role.
Both smoking and drinking too much alcohol should be avoided because they interfere with blood circulation, causing recovery time to be longer.
Months 4–6: New Hair Growth Begins
By month 4 after surgery most transplanted hair follicles will be visible; however, for most patients they will notice the egress of very fine wispy-like hairs starting. The majority of hair transplant patients see their first visible hair growth after the fourth month, on average.
Month 4: First Signs of Growth
The first real signs of hair return will be seen from month four up until month six. Month four is the start month for the hair transformation, when the first visible signs of hair rejuvenation appear in the transplanted area.
You will have new hairs grow from the scalp; however, they will start off very thin, light, and hold less color than your eventual full-grown hair. These are often referred to as “peach fuzz.”
Month 5: Hair Becomes Thicker
By month five, you should begin to see your hairs thicken, increase in quantity, and start to gain some color.
There will be areas without hair—or with only very few straggly hairs—which is normal as the hair follicles begin to grow in succession. Therefore, different areas may have different amounts of hair.
Month 6: Improved Density and Appearance
The hair that has grown longer, thicker, and has a more pronounced color by month six will provide you with a very different appearance than when you first started your hair transplant process.
Patients generally experience significant increases in their overall hair density, and their new hair will begin to blend more uniformly with their existing hair.
Most patients can expect previously bald patches to fill in, and the overall appearance will have developed into the original shape of your pre-transplant hairline.
By the six-month mark, most patients feel comfortable styling their hair as they used to.
As for the donor site, there shouldn’t be any residual redness or healing issues remaining from the original hair transplant.
During this time frame, most patients are satisfied that the procedure met their expectations, but improvement will continue since at the end of month six, transplanted hair will only have reached approximately 60% of its target density.
Months 7–11: Continued Growth and Natural Results
Based on the last half of the first year, surgeons and patients will have similar assessments regarding the quality and density of the hair transplant.
Many patients will have their hair styled by the end of the seventh month, and as a result, they will frequently receive compliments about their hair.
By the end of month nine, the transplanted hair will have reached approximately 80% of its final appearance.
By month ten, the hair will have grown sufficiently that most patients will be able to style their hair without concern about hiding the transplanted areas or scars.
The result will look and feel much more natural, with the texture, color, and density of the newly transplanted hair closely resembling that of the patient’s own hair.
Throughout the last half of the year, there will be incredible growth in the transplanted hair, and by the end of month eleven, approximately 90% of the final appearance will be reached.
Months 12–18 and Beyond: Final Maturation
Even though the majority of patients consider the twelve-month mark to be the conclusion of the process, many patients will see some degree of additional improvement in the hair’s overall appearance through the second year and even beyond.
The thickness and general density of the hair will continue to improve as additional hair follicles enter their cycles of growth.
The texture of the transplanted hair will undergo improvement as well, and any wispy appearance will be replaced by hair that will be similar in texture to the hair that is currently present on the patient’s head.
By the end of month eighteen, the full maturation process of the hair transplant procedure will have been reached, and patients will enjoy the maximum benefits of their hair transplant for the rest of their lives.
Transplanted hair will not fall out as a result of the influence of DHT, making it a permanent and long-lasting solution.
Although the transplanted hair will be permanent, the patient’s native hair surrounding the transplanted area may continue to thin over time; therefore, in order to maintain the overall aesthetic results of the hair transplant, many surgeons recommend patients continue with medical therapy to preserve their overall hair.
In order for their hair transplant to be successful, patients should expect to remain committed to a long-term maintenance plan. This will include returning for regular follow-up visits with their doctor, as well as using any prescribed medications as recommended.
Patients who maintain their overall health, protect their scalp from sun exposure, and adhere to their surgeon’s postoperative instructions should expect excellent and lasting results from their hair restoration surgery.
Start Your Hair Restoration Journey Today
Understanding the hair transplant growth timeline helps set realistic expectations and gives you confidence throughout the recovery process. If you’re considering a hair transplant or have questions about your recovery, book your consultation today and the experienced team at Powell Medical Center is here to help.
