Transplanted-shaft shedding
The short implanted hairs fall while the follicles prepare for a new growth cycle.
Why transplanted hairs fall out
The operation moves living follicles with short hair shafts attached. After surgery, many shafts enter a resting phase and fall out while the follicles remain beneath the skin. The visible loss is therefore not automatically graft failure.
Do not judge the result during the shedding phase.
The scalp may temporarily look similar to, or thinner than, it did before surgery.
Three different types of shedding
Recipient shock loss
Existing native hairs around the treated area may temporarily shed after surgical stress.
Donor shock loss
Some hairs around extraction sites may also shed temporarily during recovery.
A typical growth pattern
- Weeks 2–8: shedding can become noticeable.
- Months 2–3: the quiet phase may show little visible change.
- From month 4: early new hairs often begin to appear.
- Months 6–9: coverage usually becomes more noticeable.
- Months 10–18: density, calibre and texture continue to mature.
What not to do
- do not pick crusts or pull loose hairs;
- do not start or stop medication without clinical advice;
- do not compare daily photographs under different lighting;
- do not book corrective surgery before the result has had time to mature.
When shedding needs review
- rapidly worsening redness, pain, heat, pus or fever;
- heavy bleeding or significant wound breakdown;
- smooth expanding patches outside the expected treatment pattern;
- persistent donor thinning or symptoms that are not improving;
- any medication reaction or symptom that concerns you.
Supporting existing hair
Transplanted follicles and surrounding native hair are different issues. Some patients discuss evidence-based treatment for ongoing pattern loss, but suitability, contraindications and timing must be reviewed by a clinician.
Read about hair-loss medication →