Hair Transplant Timeline: Hair Growth Stages After Transplant

After a hair transplant procedure, several natural changes occur in the scalp. As the side effects subside, hair begins to grow again. In the following article, we will illustrate — with pictures — hair growth stages after transplant and explain the expected timeline for new hair to appear, along with the most important post-transplant care instructions.

Natural Hair Growth Cycle

To understand the stages of hair growth after transplantation, it’s important to first know the natural hair growth cycle, which consists of four phases:

• Anagen (Growth Phase): Lasts 2–7 years, during which hair actively grows.
• Catagen (Transition Phase): Lasts a few weeks; hair growth stops and the follicle shrinks.
• Telogen (Resting Phase): Lasts about 3 months; the follicle remains dormant.
• Exogen (Shedding Phase): Old hair falls out as new hair begins to grow.

After a hair transplant, the implanted follicles enter this same cycle, though the surgical stress may temporarily affect its timing.

Hair Growth Stages After Transplant

The following video demonstrates the stages of post-transplant hair growth in one of Dr. Sherif Hegazy’s actual cases:

Immediate Post-Operative Period (0–7 Days)

• What Happens: The transplanted hair appears to be growing, but this is a temporary effect caused by the procedure itself. The follicles are adjusting to their new position.
• Scalp Condition: Small scabs and redness appear in the transplanted areas, sometimes accompanied by mild swelling.
• Care Tips:

1. Keep the scalp clean and wash gently as per your doctor’s instructions.
2. Avoid scratching the scabs or sun exposure.
3. Use prescribed medications to reduce inflammation.

• Common Concern: Redness and scabbing may cause worry, but these are normal healing signs.

Initial Shedding Phase (1–4 Weeks)

• What Happens: Transplanted hair begins to fall out in what’s known as shock loss, as follicles enter the resting phase due to surgical stress.
• Scalp Condition: Scabs disappear, redness subsides, and the scalp returns to a nearly normal appearance.
• Care Tips:

1. Continue gentle washing.
2. Avoid heat styling and harsh chemical products.
3. Do not panic—hair shedding is normal; follicles remain intact beneath the skin.

• Common Concern: Some patients mistake this for failure of the procedure, but it’s a normal part of recovery.

Resting Phase (1–3 Months)

• What Happens: The transplanted follicles remain dormant in the telogen phase, and no new hair growth is visible. Some remaining old hair may still shed.
• Scalp Condition: The scalp is fully healed and looks as it did before the surgery.
• Care Tips:

1. Maintain a protein- and vitamin-rich diet (especially biotin and vitamin D).
2. Minoxidil may be used if recommended by your doctor.

• Common Concern: Patients may feel discouraged due to the lack of visible results, but patience is essential.

Early Growth Phase (3–4 Months)

• What Happens: Follicles re-enter the anagen phase; new, fine, and thin hairs begin to appear. Growth may be uneven.
• Scalp Condition: Transplanted areas start to look denser, though hair remains soft and light.
• Care Tips:

1. Avoid harsh styling or alcohol-based products.
2. Continue gentle scalp care to encourage growth.

• Common Concern: Uneven or thin hair is temporary and will improve.

Active Growth Phase (4–6 Months)

• What Happens: Hair becomes thicker and longer, and growth is more noticeable.
• Scalp Condition: Transplanted areas begin to fill out but haven’t yet reached the final result.
• Care Tips:

1. Light styling products can be used.
2. Avoid dyes or chemical treatments.

• Common Concern: Some may expect final results at this point, but growth is still in progress.

Full Growth Phase (6–12 Months)

• What Happens: Hair achieves substantial density, becoming stronger and more consistent with surrounding hair.
• Scalp Condition: Transplanted areas appear fuller and blend naturally with original hair.
• Care Tips:

1. Style hair freely using gentle products.
2. Consult your doctor about supportive treatments such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma).

• Common Concern: Minor variations in density may still exist but usually improve over time.

Final Results (12–18 Months)

• What Happens: The final outcome is visible—transplanted hair is dense, natural-looking, and fully integrated.
• Scalp Condition: No surgical signs remain, and the hair appears naturally grown.
• Care Tips:

1. Maintain a regular hair-care routine.
2. Consult your doctor for long-term maintenance options.

• Common Concern: In rare cases, an additional session may be required to achieve optimal density.

Post-Transplant Care Instructions

• You may begin washing the transplanted area 2–3 days after surgery, but avoid getting it wet before that.
• Take all prescribed medications on schedule, including pain relievers, antibiotics, and anti-itch medications.
• Scabs usually form around day 3; apply the recommended moisturizing medical lotion to aid their removal.
• Avoid touching, scratching, or sleeping directly on the transplanted area. Do not use hot water or salt to prevent swelling.
• Stay moderately active, but avoid strenuous exercise for at least 3 months post-surgery.

Hair Transplant Cost

At Sherif Clinic, the average cost of a hair transplant ranges from $800 to $2,000 USD, while other clinics in Egypt may charge up to $4,500 USD. In Gulf countries, costs can reach $7,500 USD, depending on the technology used and the number of follicles transplanted.