What Are the Stages of Hair Growth After a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant provides gradual results. The transplanted follicles are implanted at one surgery, but the new hair doesn’t appear instantly. The skin on top of the head has to heal, that is, most of the hair that was transplanted will fall away, the follicles will go dormant and restart growing new hair. Most patients see early growth in 3 to 4 months. The improvement is often seen within 6 to 9 months, and it may take 12 to 18 months to get the final results. The growth speed will depend on the treated area, the technique, the health of the scalp, the age, the aftercare, and the natural hair cycle.

Quick Hair Transplant Growth Timeline 

Results of a hair transplant process take place over the following timeline:

• Days 1 to 10: Healing, redness and scab formation
• Weeks 2 to 8: Shedding or shock loss.
• Months 2 to3: Lesser growth rate, resting phase.
• Months 3 to 4: The first new hairs appear.
• Months 5 to 6: Hair grows more noticeable.
• Months 7 to 9: density and cover increase.
• Months 10 to 12: Thick hair with maturity begins to grow.
• Months 12 to 18: Last growth, particularly crown growth

What Are the Stages of Hair Growth After a Hair Transplant?

Stage 1: Healing During The First 10 Days 

The first stage starts right after FUE hair transplant surgery or DHI hair transplant surgery. At the location of the grafts there might be small scabs. Mild redness, swelling, tightness, or tenderness can also occur.

The grafts require special precaution during this time. The patients should listen to the surgeon’s instructions regarding sleep position, medication, washing and activity of the hair. 

Stage 2: Shedding Between Weeks 2 and 8

When a patient’s transplanted hair falls, it can worry them. But hair falling off after a transplant is generally a normal recovery process. The hair shaft that is seen will drop off, but most of the follicles will stay under the skin. This is a temporary process and is known as shock loss. The existing hair on the sides of the face can also fall off temporarily due to the stress to the scalp.

Stage 3: The Resting Phase During Months 2  and 3

After a hair transplant, the scalp might look like it did before the transplant. Some patients might even think that their hair looks thinner. No growth may be seen during this period. But there are changes happening under the skin as follicles grow and are ready to create new hair.

Stage 4: Early Hair Growth During Month 3 and 4

After a hair transplant, the initial signs of new hair growth may be noticed around the third or fourth month. The new strands may start to be thin, light, uneven or soft. There may be a few hairs that grow before others, making it patchy. This is usually temporary. They might also appear slightly different from the rest of your hair, or a little curly.

Stage 5: Improvement During Months 5 and 6

Many patients will see a better change in coverage at about the 5th or 6th month. New strands will grow and old thin spots will begin to resemble more fullness. Transplanted hair might remain less thick than “real” hair. Patients should be continuing with their follow up appointments. The doctor can monitor the speed of the graft growth, the condition of the hair on the scalp and any ongoing hair loss.

Stage 6: Increase Density During Months 7 and 9

Transplanted hair tends to get stronger, darker and easier to style between 7-9 months after the procedure. The hairline might be more pronounced, and the treated area may have better coverage. Patients can now see how the hair will be directed and distributed at this point in the process. 

Stage 7: Mature Results During Months 10 to 12

Patients notice a significant improvement at 10 to 12 months. Generally, the transplanted strands appear thicker and more natural in the hair. For patients with a hairline transplant, mature results can be achieved earlier compared to another hair transplant, such as a crown hair transplant. 

Stage 8: Final Results Between 12 to 18 Months

The last may last up to 18 months, if a crown restoration is performed or larger transplant sessions are carried out. During this time, the hairs can grow thicker, longer, thicker and more dense in appearance. Follicles may be transplanted to yield long lasting growth if they come from a stable donor area. But, if you have untreated natural hair, it will not cease to be thin after transplant. 

What Can You Support Healthy Hair Transplant Growth?

Following care is crucial in order to ensure healing and help to save the hair grafts.

• Only use shampoos and medicines recommended by the surgeon.
• Do not smoke during recovery.
• Always keep the scalp out of direct sunlight.
• Rest until medically cleared, do not engage in strenuous exercise.
• Increase your protein, iron, zinc and vitamin intake
• Go to all follow up appointments
• Never commence minoxidil or other products without permission

If pain becomes more severe, pus, fever, heavy bleeding or spreading redness is experienced, contact our clinic from Monday to Saturday. The symptoms described above must be evaluated by a professional.

Meet Hair Transplant Expertise in Islamabad

Dr. Adnan Bashir is the ideal doctor to consult at Enfield Royal Clinic, Islamabad for patients who are looking for treatment for hair fall. Dr Adnan Bashir is an ABHRS certified hair transplant surgeon who has over 15 years experience in providing hair transplant services.

He performs FUE, FUT hair transplant, DHI hair transplant, crown restoration, natural hairline design, beard restoration and corrective procedures. A professional consultation involves a checkup of the donor area, hair loss pattern, scalp condition and future thinning.

Final Thoughts!

Hair transplant growth happens in stages. Then there is early healing followed by temporary shedding, resting phase, new growth, increased density and maturity. It takes at least 12 months for most patients to fully appreciate the result and up to 18 months for the crown growth. Dr. Adnan Bashir at Enfield Royal Clinic Islamabad offers a hair transplant consultation to those who are thinking of getting a hair transplant in Islamabad, Pakistan. Get a professional review of your scalp, a suggested number of grafts, a detailed recovery outline of results.