Getting a hair transplant is an exciting step towards having the hair you’ve always wanted. But, just like planting a garden, it takes time for everything to grow and flourish.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through what to expect during the first year after your hair transplant. We’ll cover everything from the initial recovery to when you can expect to see those new hairs making their debut.
Whether you’re curious about the early days or wondering when you’ll be able to style your hair again, we’ve got you covered!
Immediate Post-Operative Period (First Week)
The first week after your hair transplant is all about taking it easy and letting your scalp begin to heal. Right after the procedure, you can expect your scalp feels a bit sore or tender. This is completely normal and should start to improve within a few days.
First 24-48 Hours
During the first couple of days, it’s super important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. You’ll need to be gentle with your scalp, avoiding touching the transplanted area as much as possible. You might also notice some swelling, especially around your forehead or eyes. Don’t worry, this goes away on its own in 5-7 days.
Your doctor will give you special instructions on how to wash your hair without disturbing the transplanted hairs. This might mean using a gentle spray or dabbing the area lightly instead of rubbing. Your doctor may also prescribe medication like pain relievers or antibiotics. This will help with comfort and prevent infections. Dr. Krejci likes to send patients home with the meds they will need straight from her office to save you the expense and a trip to the pharmacy. Just one of the ways we take extra special care of our patients.
Days 3-5
As you move into the middle of the week, you’ll probably start feeling more comfortable. The swelling should begin to go down, and any redness around the transplanted area will start to fade.
It’s important to continue being careful with your scalp. You’ll notice small scabs forming where the hairs were transplanted, these are a normal part of the healing process. Leave them alone during this early healing time and avoid picking at them!
Days 6-7
By the end of the first week, you should be able to return to light daily activities, but it’s still a good idea to avoid anything too strenuous. The scabs will likely begin to fall off naturally, and your scalp will start to look and feel more like itself again. Just keep following your doctor’s instructions to ensure everything continues to heal properly. Dr. Krejci has her patients gentle scrub the grafted area with your fingers on day 7 to help remove most of the small crusts.
Weeks 2-4: Shedding Phase
Around two to three weeks after your transplant, you might notice that some of the transplanted hairs start to fall out. This can be a bit alarming, but don’t panic, this is completely normal. The grafts are not lost, the root or bulb of the hair remains behind and the small shafts that were implanted naturally shed at this time.
Some people experience “shock loss” where some of the surrounding native hairs also shed which can also send patients into a panic. We think this happens simply by your hairs reacting to the mild trauma or “shock” of the newly implanted grafts. Think of your native hair as innocent bystanders to the surgery. Even though shock loss can cause your hair to look thinner than before surgery, this is temporary. Don’t worry, your hair will regrow. It will just take time to recover.
Hair Care Tips
During this phase, it’s important to continue being gentle with your hair and scalp. Washing your hair should still be done carefully, following the method your doctor recommended. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or scratching your scalp but you do want to get it clean and free of any remaining debris as the new hair follicles are still settling in.
For the first 10 days, you need to avoid any what Dr. Krejci calls “the big 5”: anything upside down (pilates), extreme sports (Crossfit/power lifting), underwater (swimming/scuba), helmets (mountaing biking/rock climbing), swinging (golf/tennis). But after 10 days, your grafts are pretty firmly in place. By 2-4 weeks you can resume most activities without much worry about losing your precious grafts. However, if you are worried about harming your hair, stick to light activities and give your scalp the time it needs to heal and get ready for the next stage of growth.
Patients can get their first hair cut as early as 2 weeks, but some feel more comfortable waiting for about 1 month post-op to brave the barber’s chair. It’s up to you if you want to disclose this information to your barber or stylist and some may be very curious about your experience. It can be helpful to have them guide you on the next hair cuts as your hair is growing in.
Months 2-3: Early Regrowth Phase
As you enter the second and third months after your hair transplant, you may start to notice some exciting changes. This is when the early signs of new hair growth begin to appear, though it might not look exactly how you imagined, yet!
What to Expect
During this phase, you’ll likely see some fine, thin hairs starting to sprout in the transplanted areas. These new hairs might be lighter or softer than your original hair, but don’t worry, as time goes on, these hairs will thicken and become more like the rest of your hair.
It’s important to remember that hair growth can be a bit uneven at this stage. Some areas might seem to be growing earlier than others, and that’s perfectly normal. Some people remain in a dormant phase during this time and worry that the transplant failed but hang tight, the grafts will grow! Every person’s hair grows at its own pace, so try not to compare your progress with anyone else’s.
Common Concerns
It’s natural to feel a bit impatient or concerned if your hair isn’t growing as quickly as you’d like. Keep in mind that the early regrowth phase is just that, early. The full results will take time, and the best thing you can do is be patient and gentle with your scalp.
If you notice anything unusual, like severe redness, pain, or signs of infection, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor. But in most cases, what you’re experiencing is just part of the normal recovery and growth process.
Months 4-6: Noticeable Growth
Now that you’ve made it to months four through six, you’re likely to start seeing some real progress. This is when the new hair really begins to show itself, and you’ll notice more significant changes in your appearance.
Visible Changes
During this period, you’ll see a noticeable increase in the density and thickness of your hair. The fine, thin hairs will start to thicken and darken, looking more like the rest of your hair.
While your new hair is not at full density just yet, you should have about 1 inch of hair visible. You might find that the areas that were once thin or bald are now filling in with new growth as things progress.
Styling and Haircuts
By this stage, you can start thinking about styling your hair a bit more. As we stated before, it’s safe to get a haircut as early as 1 month but during this period, you may still feel the need to be cautious. When getting your first post-transplant haircut, let your barber or stylist know about the procedure so they can handle your hair with care.
Stick to simple styles that don’t require a lot of tugging or pulling, as your new hair is still maturing. Avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails or braids that might put too much pressure on the new follicles. As your hair continues to grow, you’ll have more styling options to choose from.
Continued Care
Even though you’re well into your recovery, it’s important to continue caring for your hair and scalp properly. Use gentle shampoos and conditioners, avoid harsh chemicals, and protect your scalp from excessive sun exposure.
Months 7-9: Maturation Phase
As you move into the seventh to ninth months after your hair transplant, you’ll notice that your new hair is really starting to look great. This is the phase where the transplanted hair begins to look more like your natural hair, both in texture and density.
Hair Texture and Density
By now, your new hair should be noticeably thicker and fuller. The hairs that started out fine and light are likely becoming darker and more robust. You may find that the overall density of your hair has increased significantly, making it easier to style and manage.
During this phase, you might also notice that the texture of your new hair is beginning to match the texture of your existing hair. Whether your hair is curly, wavy, or straight, the new growth should start to blend in more naturally with the rest of your hair. Sometimes your hair may start out a little wiry or wonky but that usually works itself out over the coming months as the hair matures.
Continuing Care and Maintenance
Even though you’re nearing the end of your first-year journey, continuing to care for your scalp and hair is still important. Stick to a healthy hair care routine, avoid overly harsh treatments, and protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling or harsh environmental factors.
By now, you should be enjoying the results of your hair transplant, with a fuller, healthier head of hair that feels much more like your own.
Month 12-14: Final Results
As you reach the final stretch of your first-year journey after a hair transplant, this is when you’ll see the full results of your procedure. By now, your new hair should be fully grown in, and you can treat it just you like you would when you were younger. The grafted hair is your hair, there’s no special treatment required other than continuing your medical treatment as usual if you are taking things like minoxidil or finasteride.
Full Maturation of Transplanted Hair
By the twelfth to fourteenth months, the transplanted hair should have completed its growth cycle. This means that the new hair will have fully matured, matching the texture, thickness, and density of your natural hair. You’ll notice that the transplanted areas blend seamlessly with the rest of your hair, giving you a more natural and fuller appearance.
It’s also during this time that any lingering concerns, like uneven growth or thinner areas, should have resolved themselves.
Styling and Maintenance
With your new hair fully grown in, you have the freedom to style it however you like! Whether you want to try a new haircut, experiment with different styles, or just enjoy having a fuller head of hair, the choice is yours. The transplanted hair can be treated just like your natural hair, so you can wash, cut, and style it without worry.
To keep your hair looking its best, continue following a healthy hair care routine. This includes using gentle products, avoiding excessive heat styling, and protecting your hair from environmental damage. If you’re using any hair growth products or medications, your doctor can advise you on whether to continue or adjust your regimen.
You Made it Through the First Year with a Hair Transplant!
As you look back on the past year with your hair transplant, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to move forward with it in the first place! With the right expectations and experienced surgeon, the results can be incredibly rewarding.
Now it’s time to enjoy the confidence that comes with having a fuller head of hair. And remember, regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon can help ensure that your results stay on track for the long term.
