How Long Does it Usually Take to See Noticeable Results After a Hair Transplant?

Aside from the cost, the most common question we get during consultations is how long does it take to see noticeable results after a hair transplant? This is THE thing patients want to know and we get it – you want to know when that amazing new hair will start to materialize so you can say goodbye to your hair loss.

So you are under no delusions, we answer this question fully below and provide a complete timeline with the 6 expected phases of your hair development after a successful hair transplant.

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Phase 1 – Post-Surgery Recovery

Immediately after a Turkey hair transplant your scalp must recover and you won’t see any noticeable hair growth. At this point, the transplanted hairs are healing and establishing in your scalp.

You may experience some swelling and redness, and eventually, scabs will form around the hair follicles. This is standard and nothing to worry about – they will fall off eventually of their own accord.

There may also be a little pain but this can be easily controlled with painkillers and a recovery plan from your surgeon. The recovery process for surgeries like FUE and DHI is usually between 3-10 days.

Phase 2 – Potential Shock Loss After 1 Month

The next phase can be surprising for patients but it is not guaranteed to happen. After a successful hair transplant, you can experience a type of short-term hair loss known as shock loss.

This is a process where your newly transplanted hair falls out due to tissue trauma. The process doesn’t happen to everyone and the surgeon will give advice and treatment if necessary to limit any long-term loss.

This includes scalp massages to improve blood circulation and medication like Minoxodil. Shock loss typically happens after 3-4 weeks.

Read Next: Is Hair Transplant Permanent?

Phase 3 – Initial Regrowth After 3-4 Months

So, you’ve recovered fully and avoided any shock loss, what happens next? Next is the good stuff and the start of your hair growth. Initially, the transplanted hair will start to grow back after 3-4 months and it will be fine.

As time progresses, the thickness will improve and in most cases, the growth rate is around 1cm per month. This varies from person to person depending on your health and the quality of your transplanted hair.

Some people may experience initial growth much quicker and faster, while with others it may take longer to see the beginnings of your new hairline.

Phase 4 – Improved Density and Growth After 6 Months

Usually after 6 months things really start to kick in and you often see a noticeable improvement in the thickness and growth of your hair.

At this point and usually until the 1-year mark, your hair will flourish and really start to grow. The coverage will improve and it will start to blend in more with your existing hair. At this point, depending on how you like to have your hair, you may even be able to start styling it.

Also Read: What Factors Affect the Cost of Hair Restoration Procedures?

Phase 5 – Full Growth and Natural Results After 12 Months

In most cases, the final results are apparent after 12 months up to 15 months. At this point, there should be no distinguishable difference between the transplanted hair and your old hair. You will have a fantastic new hairline and a much denser head of hair to boost your confidence.

The transplanted hair will behave exactly like your other hair and you can look at properly styling and cutting your hair to really get the benefit of your hair transplant.

Phase 6 – Your Hair Goes Through the Normal Life Cycle and Ages

The long-term prognosis is also excellent and unless something unexpected happens, your hair transplant is permanent. The transplanted hair will simply act like normal hair (it is normal hair after all – just implanted in a new location!).

This also means that it will age like the rest of your hair. As you get older, the transplanted hair will eventually become thinner and lose its color in a natural manner. The underlying point is that you shouldn’t need another hair transplant providing you are happy with the original results.

Although Results are Not Immediate, The Wait is Worth It

Please don’t be disheartened that the results are not instant – this is just how hair transplants work. The amazing thing is, is that after the initial year, you will see an incredible change in your hairline and can benefit from the renewed confidence and fantastic feeling you get. Additionally, for all intents and purposes, a hair transplant is permanent so it will hopefully be the only treatment you ever need.