Also known as "shock loss", it is normal to shed your transplanted hair following an FUE hair transplant. This process starts at 1-2 weeks after surgery and is completely normal. Your new hairs will grow in their place in the next 8-12 months.
There are 3 instances of hair shedding that patients need to know about:
- Hair shedding of transplanted hair
- Hair shedding of non-transplanted hair
- Hair shedding in the donor area
Why does hair shed after surgery?
Hairs have a growth cycle, split into 3 stages- growth, transition and resting phases. The resting phase is the time when the roots shed their hairs. Hairs can move into the resting phase following the trauma of surgery. The main traumatic events the hairs goes through during the course of hair transplant surgery are:
- The hair follicle being cut away and disconnected from blood supply
- The hair follicle being re-implanted back into the scalp
- Surrounding hairs being affected by incisions and anaesthetic
Hair shedding of transplanted hair
After a hair transplant, the implanted follicles and the attached hairs will stay in their new place for 1- 2 weeks. The follicles in this period will start to switch into a resting phase and will then begin to shed their hair. This shock loss can start as early as 10 days following transplantation. It can last up to 12 weeks.
This process of hair shedding is expected and does not represent the scalp "rejecting" the implanted hairs.
Hair shedding of non-transplanted hair
Some patients may notice that hairs that haven't been transplanted can shed after a hair transplant. The risk of shedding non-transplanted hairs is increased if someone has a large number of thin or miniaturised hairs that sit in-between newly implanted hairs. Like transplanted hairs, these native non-transplanted hairs shed because their follicles also move into a resting phase following the trauma of surgery.
Shock loss of non-transplanted hair can occur from 2 weeks following surgery but can also occur months later. This process, although rare, self-resolves. And all hair that has shed should regrow.
Hair shedding in the donor area
Rarely, patients can notice shock loss in the donor area. This phenomenon is rare especially when a patient has been operated on by an experienced hair transplant surgeon. Donor hair shedding is temporary and the hair should grow back.
When will hair grow back after shock loss?
Hair grafts tend to shed between 2-12 weeks following surgery. After they have shed, the hairs should start to grow back over the next 4-12 months.
From 12-18 months following surgery the hairs should start to thicken, making the end result even better. The above patient has now grown his hair following his shedding phase. His results are demonstrated below.
Can you reduce the risk of hair shedding after surgery?
Unfortunately, there is no proven way to reduce the risk of shock loss following surgery.
However, patients can safeguard against future loss by taking either Finasteride (men only) or Minoxidil (men and women).
Finasteride
Finasteride reduces the level of dihydrotestosterone in the scalp. This prevents hair loss and thickens hair in many men. Finasteride is a tablet you can take everyday or as advised by our Surgeons. You can read more about this medication here: Finasteride and Hair Transplant Surgery
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a solution or a foam you can apply to thicken areas of thin hair. It also helps to prevent hair loss and can be used to help quicken the growth of hairs that have shed during shock loss. You can read more about this medication here: Minoxidil and Hair Transplant Surgery
Get in touch
If you'd like to find out more about the cost involved, take a look at our hair transplant cost page or try our hair graft calculator. If you are interested in speaking to one of our surgeons then get in touch, we're on hand to help.
Authored by
Dr Roshan Vara
Full Medical Member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) Associate Member of International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
Reviewed by
Dr Dilan Fernando
Royal College of Surgeons
Full Medical Member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) Associate Member of International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT REVIEWS
★★★★★
I had a brilliant hair transplant experience with Dr Fernando and the team at The Treatment Rooms, and I've been recommending them to my friends who are considering future hair procedures! From the early meetings, to the procedure itself, to the excellent aftercare, I felt looked after throughout thanks to their exceptional service. Dr Fernando took me through the entire process, explaining each step in detail which really put me at ease. I was amazed that they had thought of everything, and were on hand whenever I had a question to ask, even months after the procedure! It may seem an overwhelming process to start with, especially when searching online, but Dr Fernando and the team really made it such an easy and comfortable experience for me - friendly, professional, approachable, and they deliver great results, I couldn't be happier with mine!
SC
★★★★★
LOOK NO FURTHER for your hair restoration needs! The Treatment Rooms London are the BEST IN THE GAME. Dr Fernando and his team gave an EXEMPLARY level of patient care from start to finish. Dr Fernando took the time to meet me personally pre-op, answer all of my questions with clarity and MEDICAL GROUNDING. I was pleasantly surprised at how PAIN FREE the whole procedure was. I did not feel a thing! The only regret I have is not getting it done sooner! If you are considering a hair transplant or are unhappy with thinning, just give The Treatment Rooms a call. You will not regret it!
G V
★★★★★
I am really delighted with the results of my hair transplant and very highly recommend The Treatment Rooms! I have had a great experience throughout the whole process. I recently had my 12-month review post-surgery and was really pleased to find out The Treatment Rooms had won the award, Hair Restoration Clinic of the Year 2023, thoroughly deserved and many congratulations!
Dr Fernando, Dr Vara and the whole team provided a really excellent, warm and personable experience. The whole process from start to finish was well informed and supported. The outcome of my surgery was excellent and exactly what I was hoping for, a testament to Dr Fernando and Dr Vara.
J G
★★★★★
I found the whole experience of having a hair transplant at The Treatment Rooms to be comfortable and straightforward. Communication was excellent, everything was explained clearly (from the first consultation through to the post-op review), and the day of the operation was meticulously organised with great attention to detail. I felt in very good hands and would not hesitate to recommend The Treatment Rooms wholeheartedly.
SCL
★★★★★
I went in for my 12 month review today (couple months overdue) and I couldn't be happier with the results it exceeded all my expectations. I can't thank Dr Fernando, Dr Vara and the entire team of the treatment rooms enough for there professionalism and caring nature. I've looked at many clinics over a good few years and none made me feel more welcome and cared for than the treatment rooms.
DG
★★★★★
I felt compelled to leave a review after just 4 months. After many years of research, deliberation, chats with turkish clinics, UK clinics, Iranian clinics it was The Treatment Rooms london that won me over. I had been using disguise sprays and fibres for years to the point it was ruining my life (couldn’t swim) get caught in rain etc and i really couldn’t see a way out. After research i couldn’t see how this would work. 4 months in and i’m beyond ecstatic, my hair is thick, covering and i’m so so excited. Even after 4 months i would be happy as it is they are that good. My whole frontal area was thin and now after 4 months it’s thick (see images). if i can help anyone make the right decision then i’m happy with that. Trust me, i don’t do things by halves and always look for quality. To say the work is natural
is an understatement. Dr Vara, thank you so so much for changing my life.
H
★★★★★
Great friendly and personable consultation with Dr Vara, with no pressure on taking surgery. On the day the team made me feel
super at ease and supportive with no real pain experienced at all. Results were fantastic and were better than could have been expected. Highly recommend the Treatment Rooms as a place for your hair transplant in the UK. This has hugely helped my confidence overall which I am very grateful for!
SE
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