A hair transplant can offer a permanent solution for reversing hair loss, but a hair transplant isn’t an instant solution and a result can take over a year to grow. Following a hair transplant procedure, it is important to be patient and follow the hair transplant aftercare and recovery guidelines set by your surgeon. In this article, we provide a detailed hair transplant timeline of what growth you can expect after having a hair transplant.
Full results within 12-18 months
Consultation
Treatment
1 Day
Recovery
1 Week
New hair growth
3 - 4 Months
Final results
12 - 18 Months
Stages of hair growth
Before we describe the recovery timeline following a hair transplant, it is important to understand hair growth. Hair grows in stages – there are four key phases that comprise the cycle of hair growth and loss. These are:
- Anagen (growth phase)
- Catagen (transition phase)
- Telogen (resting phase)
- Exogen (hair shedding phase)
Let’s look at the four phases in more detail:
Anagen – anagen is the growth phase and the longest of the four phases. Hairs are in anagen for approximately three to five years. However, some hairs can keep growing for seven years. During anagen, hairs are pushed out by the hair follicles and grow until they have reached the end of their lifespan. Scalp hairs have a longer anagen phase than facial or pubic hairs.
Catagen – this is the transitional phase that follows the anagen phase. Over a ten-day period, growth slows and the hair follicles shrink. The hair separates from the hair follicle but stays in place on the scalp for its final days of growth. Around 3-5% of hairs are in the catagen phase at any one time.
Telogen – telogen is the resting phase that follows the transitional catagen phase. For approximately three months after a hair has stopped growing, it will remain in place. During this time, new hairs are being formed in the hair follicles. At any given time, around 10-15% of hairs are in the telogen phase.
Exogen – the exogen phase can be seen as an extension of the preceding telogen phase. It lasts from two to five months. During exogen, hair that is separated from the follicle and isn’t growing will fall out. Hair shedding can happen when you sleep, wash, or brush your hair. As old hairs fall out during the exogen phase, new hairs are already growing in the hair follicles.
Hair transplant after 7 days
We will now begin the hair transplant timeline, starting with what you can expect straight after a transplant, leading up to the seven-day mark.
Following your hair transplant, the donor (where the hair grafts are taken from) and recipient (where your new hair will grow) areas will go through a healing process. These areas will be bandaged, and it is normal to experience a degree of ache, and then itchiness as scabs form and fall off. During this time, it is important that you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your clinic as your focus is on your hairline transplant recovery.
In the first seven days after your hair transplant, you should use over-the-counter pain medication if you experience discomfort or have trouble sleeping, and wear a hat (or headwear provided to you by your clinic) when you go outside to protect yourself from environmental factors to assist with the recovery stage.
You also shouldn’t wash your hair until instructed to do so (this is typically after five days following your hair transplant), rub your hair with towels, scratch your scalp, or engage in any intense physical activity for two weeks.
Hair transplant after 2 weeks
Two weeks after your hair transplant, you’ll have experienced some more changes.
The healing process will be well underway, but while swelling should have subsided, you may still have some redness and itchiness as scabs fall off naturally. This is a normal part of any hairline transplant recovery. There will be less risk of irritating your scalp by exercising and you should be able to sleep in any position without much discomfort.
Around this time, you can start to see some hair shedding from the recipient area, and that’s an entirely normal part of the hair growth cycle. New hair is forming in the follicles, and will eventually begin to grow.
During this time, you should resume your everyday activities, take some exercise, and you can soak your head in the bath to help the scabs wash away. You shouldn’t attempt to pick any remaining scabs off.
For more information about exercising during the recovery period of the hair transplant timeline, please read our in-depth guide on when to exercise after a hair transplant.
Hair transplant after 1 month
At the recipient area, more hair will enter the resting (telogen) phase and will eventually fall out (exogen). This is the main underlying process that drives shedding after a hair transplant. As hairs in the recipient area are in different stages of the growth cycle, this part of your scalp may appear patchy in growth, and this is no cause for concern. At the donor site, new hair should have already grown and covered the area.
You should contact your clinic if you see any signs of persistent inflammation (skin remaining very red and hot touch) at this point in the hair transplant timeline. You shouldn’t worry about your transplanted hair falling out – this is a natural part of the recovery process.
Hair transplant after 2 months
In two months, you will see the continuation of the hair growth cycle and shedding process described in the section above. The speed at which this takes place will vary from person to person.
You should remain patient, and you shouldn’t be concerned about any patchiness in your scalp, as different parts of the recipient area will be in different phases of the hair growth cycle. This is a normal part of the hair transplant recovery process, even if it may be a worry for you.
Hair transplant after 3 months
At month 3, you can expect to see your new hairs emerge. These new hairs are likely to be ‘wispy’ in appearance, being thin and almost transparent. This is due to their lack of maturity.
You should continue to be patient as your new hair slowly grows. You shouldn’t panic at the appearance of these new hairs, which can be similar to body hair in appearance. As time goes on, your hair will become thicker and stronger.
4 months after hair transplant
By month 4, more hair should have grown. The growth can still be patchy at first before becoming more uniform.
If you want to learn more about this stage in recovery, read our blog post on ‘Hair Transplant At 4 Months: What To Expect’.
Hair transplant: 6 months
You are now past what some refer to as the ‘ugly duckling stage’. You’ll notice a significant growth spurt from your new hairs, with hairs becoming thicker and stronger. This will continue over the next few months.
You should remember that growth rates are affected by many factors, including the location of the recipient area and the hair transplant technique. You shouldn’t expect to see the final result of your hair transplant by this stage.
Hair transplant 9-12 months
As your new hair continues to grow at a rate of around 1-2cm per month, it will carry on thickening.
You can have your hair cut and styled as you wish especially if you have grown it to a good length.
Hair transplant 12-18 months
Between 1 year and 18 months after your hair transplant is when you can expect to see the final result. All your transplanted hairs should have penetrated through the scalp and matured, having thickened and darkened fully.
You can treat and enjoy your new hair as you would do in any normal situation.
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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