Hair Transplant Recovery Timeline - What To Expect
Understanding what to expect after a hair transplant is key to managing your recovery properly. At My Hair UK, we see patients eager for results but often unsure about what the healing journey really looks like. The process unfolds gradually and varies slightly from person to person, but the broad timeline remains consistent. Knowing when to expect shedding, itching, regrowth, and visible results helps reduce anxiety and sets realistic expectations.
This guide outlines each stage of the recovery process, from the day of surgery to six months later, so you can follow your progress confidently.
Immediately After Surgery
Above is a photo from immediately a crown transplant procedure at the My Hair UK Clinic in London.
The grafts have just been transplanted and a bandage applied to the donor area.
Once your FUE procedure is complete, you’ll be discharged with detailed aftercare instructions and medication. The scalp may look red and dotted, particularly in the areas where grafts have been placed. Small crusts form around each follicle, and there may be minor oozing or slight bleeding. This is normal in the first 24 hours.
Some patients experience swelling in the forehead or around the eyes. This typically appears between day two and day four, then subsides without treatment. You’ll be advised to keep your head elevated while sleeping and to avoid bending over or straining. Pain is usually minimal and controlled with standard paracetamol. You’ll also be given a saline spray to keep the grafts hydrated, along with a short course of antibiotics to reduce infection risk.
Avoid wearing hats or helmets in the first few days. It’s important not to disturb the grafts during this fragile stage.
1 Week After
Days 1 to 7: Healing and Protection
Above picture is 1 day after surgery, the grafts have just scabbed over.
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The first week is crucial for graft survival. During this time, the grafts are not yet rooted and can be dislodged by touching, scratching, or even aggressive washing. It’s important to avoid any physical activity that causes sweating, as moisture may compromise the healing process.
You’ll be guided on how to wash your hair safely, usually by dabbing with water or using a gentle stream. As the days pass, small scabs will form around each graft. Itching may increase, particularly towards the end of the week, but it’s vital to avoid scratching or trying to pick off the scabs. Most patients find this phase manageable, though some feel self-conscious, and the scabs will start to loosen and most will fall off in the first 7-10 days.
Sleep remains slightly elevated to help reduce residual swelling. At this stage, the redness will start to fade gradually, but the scalp may still appear pink, especially in lighter skin types.
More Detailed Guide: Day 1-7 After A Hair Transplant
2 Weeks After Surgery
Days 7-14: Scabbing and Itching
Above picture is 10 days after surgery - the scabs have healed and fallen off, but some redness remains in the skin.
By the second week, the scabs begin to flake off naturally. It’s important to let this happen on its own — do not try to speed up the process by rubbing or picking at the scalp. Around day 10, you’ll be able to start washing your scalp more normally using mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
This is also the time when most patients experience the start of "shedding." The hairs that were transplanted may begin to fall out, sometimes in noticeable amounts. This can be unsettling if you’re not prepared for it, but it’s entirely normal. The follicles remain intact under the skin and will begin producing new hair in the coming months.
Itching usually intensifies before it starts to subside. This is a positive sign that the skin is healing. The donor area may feel tight or mildly numb, especially if a large number of grafts were taken.
More Detailed Guide: 10 Days After Hair Transplant
Month 1: Shock Loss Phase
Above picture is 1 month after surgery, the grafts have shed and the skin redness faded.
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The first month after surgery is often the most emotionally challenging. Most of the transplanted hairs will have shed by now, and the scalp may look much like it did before the surgery — or sometimes even thinner. This phenomenon is known as shock loss and can also affect some of your existing native hair near the transplant area.
While it may feel like a step backwards, it is a normal part of the process. Under the surface, the follicles are alive and beginning the early stages of new growth. Any redness or scabbing should now be gone, and you can resume more of your daily activities. You’ll still be advised to avoid heavy exercise or activities that risk trauma to the scalp.
The donor area, usually located at the back or sides of the head, should now be healing well. If numbness was present, it may persist but should begin to fade slowly.
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Detailed Guide: Hair Transplant After 1 Month
Month 2: Dormant But Active Beneath the Surface
Above picture is 2 months after surgery - new grafts still dormant, not much change
Although there are few visible changes in month two, this is a vital time for follicle development. The transplanted hairs are in a resting or "telogen" phase. You may feel frustrated by the lack of external progress, but inside the skin, the follicles are transitioning into the growth phase.
By this point, most patients are back to their normal routines. Itching and redness have resolved, and the scalp usually feels and looks completely healed. Some patients still report occasional tingling or sensitivity in the donor or recipient areas, which is normal and not a cause for concern.
It’s important not to assume the procedure has failed if you don’t see growth at this stage. Visible progress begins shortly.
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Detailed Guide: Hair Transplant After 2 Months
Month 3: First Signs of Regrowth
Above picture is 3 months after surgery, the first few grafts start to come through
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Around 12 weeks post-op, fine new hairs begin to appear. These early hairs are usually thin, light in colour, and soft in texture. You might need to look closely in the mirror to see them. Growth tends to be uneven at first, and some areas may look patchy. This is expected and not an indication of a problem.
Haircuts are generally allowed at this stage, though it’s best to avoid shaving the transplanted area too closely. You can begin using gentle styling products and return to most forms of physical activity, provided your scalp feels comfortable.
Many patients find reassurance during this phase. Seeing those first signs of regrowth confirms that the follicles are healthy and active.
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In-Depth Guide: Hair Transplant After 3 Months
Month 4: Growth Gains Momentum
Above picture is 4 months after surgery - first noticeable growth visible
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By month four, you can expect to see more consistent and noticeable growth. The new hairs begin to thicken and darken. Coverage starts to improve, and the patchiness of the earlier phase usually begins to even out.
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Most patients describe a sense of growing confidence as the transplanted area becomes easier to style and manage. While the new hairs are still maturing, the change in density and texture can already make a significant visual impact.
Your scalp should feel completely normal at this stage. Any residual numbness is usually resolved, and the donor area blends naturally with the surrounding hair.
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More Detailed Guide: Hair Transplant After 4 Months
Month 5: Visible Change and Density Improvement
Above picture is 5 months after surgery, real improvements in density visible
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This is when many patients report a genuine transformation. Around 50–60% of the final result is typically visible. The hair continues to grow at about 1 cm per month, and the shafts become stronger and more pigmented. Styling options expand, and many people feel comfortable going to social or professional events without explaining their procedure.
There may still be some variation in growth speed between different areas of the scalp. The hairline, crown and mid-scalp often grow at slightly different rates, but overall density continues to improve.
Detailed guide: Hair Transplant After 5 Months
Month 6: Noticeable Cosmetic Results
Above picture is 6 months after surgery - more improvements but not the end result yet.
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At the six-month mark, the hair transplant begins to show clear cosmetic improvement. Most patients see 40-50% of their expected final result. The transplanted area typically looks natural and blends well with existing hair. You’ll likely be able to style your hair freely, and it may no longer be obvious that you had surgery at all.
The hair is now more resistant to damage and can be washed, dried, and styled without any special precautions. Some patients choose to schedule a follow-up review around this time to assess progress and discuss whether further treatment is necessary.
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Detailed guide: Hair Transplant After 6 Months