The Journey To Luscious Locks: Tracking Hair Transplant Growth Over Time

• 5 October 2023
• Dr Malay Mehta

After undergoing a hair transplant, it’s completely natural to be excited to see results. However, it is crucial to understand that recovery and growth can take time. In fact, it can take 6 months to over a year before you even see the final results of your hair transplant.

However, don’t let that put you off. Although you may not see the final results for quite some time, you will notice month by month differences to your hair growth. The experts at the Malay Mehta Aesthetics Clinic have put together this handy hair transplant growth chart so you know what to expect in the months after hair transplant surgery.

This hair transplant timeline is the best guide to what you can expecte over the months after your transplant.

Understanding the hair growth cycle after a hair transplant procedure.

Your natural hair growth cycle consists of four different phases:

• Anagen (growth)
• Catagen (transition)
• Telogen (resting)
• Exogen (shedding)

Thinning, hair loss or baldness occurs when there is a disruption of the natural growth cycle, whether that’s hormones, genetics, illness, ageing or medications. The hair transplant is designed to extract healthy and functioning hair follicles from areas of the scalp and transplant them to these affected areas. The transplanted hair follicles are usually taken from areas such as the back of the scalp, that are resistant to disruptions to the growth cycle. This means that once you have fully healed, these transplanted hair follicles will follow a healthy hair growth cycle and you will soon have a head full of thick, luscious hair.

A hair transplant growth chart guide.

Rather than rushing to the mirror every morning and looking for new hair growth, read through this hair transplant growth timeline. It sets out hair transplant results month by month so you know exactly what to expect, and when.

Week 1 to 2:

In the first week or two following your surgery, it’s important to manage your expectations regarding immediate hair growth. Understandably, you might be eager to see results, but the process takes time.

This stage is all about ensuring optimal healing and hair transplant recovery. You won’t see any new hair growth, however it is essential you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions for washing and brushing your scalp and new hair, sleeping, exercising, and any medications. This aids in your recovery and ensures the donor area plus the recipient area heal properly, which ultimately means the hair transplant is successful and permanent.

Week 2 to 3:

During weeks 2 to 3 after hair transplant surgery you may notice some hair loss, or what is otherwise known as the “shock loss” stage. This is a normal part of the transplant process and won’t impact the long term success of your transplantation. The roots of the transplanted hair follicles remain healthy and intact, only the hair strands shed.

Months 1 to 3:

You may still be in the shock loss stage over the next few months. This is the stage where many people become frustrated at the thinning, irregular patches on the scalp and the hair loss. However, it is important to know this is a normal part of the healing process.

Months 3 to 6:

Months 3 to 6 is where you will begin to notice new hair growth. It is usually fine, soft and wispy, but over time the density and strength will improve.

Months 6 – 8:

6 months after the procedure many people will start to see noticeable improvements in hair density, texture and thickness.

Months 8 – 12:

By months 8 to 12, or the “maturation period”, follicles have healed and settled into the natural hair growth cycle. You should notice significant growth, with thicker, natural-looking locks.

Beyond a year:

At this point after the transplantation you can expect to achieve your desired results. The new transplanted areas and the donor area should be fully healed and functioning as normal. You can step out with confidence and a healthy, strong, thick head of hair.

It can be up to a year after your procedure for the final results to be really noticeable. And then the new hair will be strong, thick and healthy.

Can you make hair grow faster after a hair transplant surgery?

The natural cycle of hair growth is influenced by many different things, from genetics and age to hormones and illness. Whilst you may not be able to grow your hair faster, there are plenty of things you can do to support healing and healthy growth after the transplantation:

• Follow your surgeon’s advice, which will include what products to use to wash your scalp and hair.
• Your surgeon may also advise you to take biotin, minoxidil or use PRP injections.
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in Vitamins C, E and B12, as well as zinc, iron and antioxidants.
• Avoid smoking.
• Supplements or herbal remedies (with approval of your surgeon).

Your hair transplant journey.

Your journey to thick, healthy locks is one of patience and steady progress. It will be frustrating at times, as you want the results to be noticeable immediately. However, with some time and nurturing you will soon see some healthy regrowth.

FAQs

Here are the commonly asked questions about the growth of hair after a hair transplantation.

How fast does hair grow after transplant?

The pace of hair growth post-transplant varies. The first signs of growth might appear within a few months, but substantial results usually take about 6 months. Patience is key as the hair gradually thickens and lengthens.

Does hair transplant grow after 12 months?

Growth absolutely continues well beyond the 12-month mark. While significant progress can be observed by this time, it’s important to remember that full results, particularly in the case of crown hair transplants, might take up to 18 months.

What is the hair transplant growth chart?

The growth chart for after a hair transplantation outlines the various phases of hair regrowth over time. Your surgeon will discuss this timeline with you prior to your surgery so you know what to expect month to month.

Why does hair take time to grow back after a hair transplant?

After a hair transplant, the transplanted grafts undergo a natural growth cycle that includes phases of shedding, rest, and eventual regrowth. This cycle, combined with the healing process, contributes to the gradual timeline of visible new growth.