Hair transplant recovery takes 7 to 10 days before most patients can return to work, with full cosmetic results visible at 12 to 18 months. The first two weeks involve redness, scabbing, and swelling that gradually resolve. The transplanted hairs shed around weeks 2 to 4 before new permanent growth begins at month 3 to 4.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline
Recovery follows a predictable pattern whether you choose FUE or FUT. FUE recovery is slightly faster because there is no linear incision to heal. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Days 1 to 3: Immediate Post-Surgery
The first 72 hours are the most critical for graft survival. Your scalp will have visible redness across the recipient area, and tiny scabs form around each transplanted graft. Swelling is common, typically starting on the forehead and potentially moving down toward the eyes by day 2 or 3.
You should sleep with your head elevated at 45 degrees to minimize swelling. Most surgeons provide a saline spray to keep the grafts moist. Avoid touching, scratching, or rubbing the transplanted area. Pain is typically mild, managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
The donor area (back of the head) may feel tight and tender. FUE patients have small dot wounds that begin closing within 24 hours. FUT patients have a sutured incision that requires more careful attention.
Days 4 to 7: Early Healing
Swelling subsides by day 4 to 5 for most patients. The small scabs around grafts remain but become less prominent. Itching often begins during this phase as the scalp heals. Resist scratching because dislodging a graft during this window reduces your survival rate.
By day 7, the transplanted grafts are firmly anchored in their new locations with a survival rate of 90 to 95%. You can typically begin gentle hair washing following your surgeon's specific instructions. Most patients feel comfortable returning to desk work by the end of this week.
Weeks 2 to 4: Shock Loss Phase
This phase catches many patients off guard. The transplanted hair shafts fall out between weeks 2 and 4. This is called shock loss, and it happens to nearly every transplant patient. The hair shafts shed, but the follicles remain alive beneath the skin.
Your scalp may temporarily look similar to or slightly thinner than before surgery. This is completely normal and not a sign that the transplant failed. The follicles need time to establish blood supply and enter a new growth cycle.
Existing non-transplanted hair near the surgery site may also experience temporary shock loss. This hair grows back within 2 to 3 months in the vast majority of cases.
Month-by-Month Growth Progress
After the initial recovery phase, the waiting game begins. Understanding the growth timeline prevents unnecessary anxiety.
Months 1 to 3: The Dormant Phase
Very little visible change occurs during this period. The transplanted follicles are in a resting phase (telogen), establishing new blood supply connections beneath the skin. Some patients notice a few thin, wispy hairs beginning to sprout toward the end of month 3.
This is the hardest phase psychologically. You have gone through surgery, endured recovery, watched your transplanted hair fall out, and now see minimal improvement. Stay patient. The follicles are working beneath the surface.
Months 3 to 6: Early Growth
New growth becomes visible around month 3 to 4. The hair comes in thin and fine at first, often with a slightly different texture than your native hair. This normalizes as the hairs thicken over subsequent growth cycles.
By month 6, most patients see 40 to 50% of their final result. The coverage is enough that the transplant starts looking like a genuine improvement. Hair may grow at different rates across the transplanted area, creating temporarily uneven density.
Months 6 to 12: Significant Progress
This is when results accelerate. Hair shafts thicken, coverage becomes more uniform, and the transplant starts to look genuinely full. By month 9, most patients have 60 to 70% of their final density.
The hair can be styled normally during this phase. Trimming, light product use, and regular hair care resume. Many patients report that friends and family start commenting on how good their hair looks without knowing a transplant occurred.
Months 12 to 18: Final Results
Full maturation happens at 12 to 18 months. The transplanted hair reaches its final caliber, the scalp has completely healed beneath the surface, and the overall density stabilizes. Crown grafts often take the full 18 months, while hairline grafts typically mature faster.
Your Norwood scale stage and the number of grafts transplanted determine how dramatic the final result looks. Patients who maintain existing hair with finasteride (1mg daily) alongside their transplant see the best overall outcomes.
Track Your Recovery With AI
Monitoring your transplant progress helps you stay informed and identify any concerns early. Upload progress photos at myhairline.ai/analyze to track your density changes over time and compare your recovery against typical timelines for your graft count and procedure type.