Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure used for individuals with thinning hair or baldness. This method transfers hair from areas with high density to areas with thinning or hair loss. Typically, the procedure is performed in a clinic, where the surgeon first cleans and numbs the donor area, usually the back of the head between the ears, which is selected as the donor site and known as the hair bank because it is more resistant to hair loss than other areas. Then, using specialized tools, the surgeon extracts the required grafts from the scalp. This area is immediately concealed by surrounding hair and heals over time.
After preparing the grafts, the surgeon cleans and numbs the recipient area, creates holes or slits using a small surgical knife or needle, and places each graft into one of these openings. The number and type of grafts depend on the hair type, quality, color, and the size of the recipient area. Depending on the number of grafts, the procedure takes approximately 4 to 8 hours.
Tips for Hair Transplantation
To achieve better results with hair transplantation, you should first consult a professional doctor to assess your condition. The transplantation process and post-surgical care are also crucial for optimal results. Before proceeding with hair transplantation, consider the following factors:
- Between 10 to 70 percent of transplanted hair grows within about four to six months.
- Depending on various factors, 60 to 80 percent of lost hair may be replaced in the best-case scenario.
- Like natural hair, transplanted hair may thin over time and take on its characteristics.
- The health of the hair follicles in the donor area significantly impacts the final results.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for hair transplantation, and not all will achieve optimal results. This method is used to restore hair if you naturally experience hair thinning or baldness in parts of your scalp or have lost hair due to injury. Since hair transplantation uses the individual’s existing hair, it is not effective for treating the following cases:
✔ Widespread thinning and baldness
✔ Hair loss due to illness, chemotherapy, or other medications
✔ Thick scalp scars from injuries
The Growth Process of Transplanted Hair
The growth and results of transplanted hair depend on two distinct factors: *popping* and *maturation*. *Popping* refers to the emergence of new, transplanted hair breaking through the scalp, while *maturation* refers to the thickening, darkening, and normalization of these hairs. Hair transplantation reaches its final growth stage when all hairs have emerged through the scalp and each hair has fully matured by thickening, darkening, and achieving a normal texture. After transplantation, hair follicles enter a natural resting phase, and the small hairs in the follicles shed within 2–4 weeks post-procedure. New hair growth is typically not visible until around the third month when the follicles awaken and begin producing new hair.
When hairs first emerge from the scalp between the third and fifth months, they are very fine, translucent, short, and thin; this appearance is referred to as immature hair. By the sixth month, the results are considered about 40–50% mature. At this stage, patients can cut and style their hair and see the new transplants blending with their existing hair. However, the transplanted hairs are still immature at this point, appearing thinner than the original hair and somewhat coarse or frizzy—a temporary change in texture that gradually resolves. This stage is only halfway, with about 70% of the transplanted hairs having emerged from the scalp, appearing thinner and slightly frizzy compared to the rest of the hair. By the eighth month, the transplanted hairs may still look somewhat coarse and thin. Then, between the ninth and twelfth months, the final results of the hair transplant become visible. At this stage, nearly all new hairs have emerged, becoming fully dark and thick, with a normal or smooth texture that matches the rest of the hair.
Stages of Hair Growth After Natural Hair Transplantation
The stages of hair growth are the same for everyone, and even those who undergo natural hair transplantation experience four stages of hair growth in the following order:
Telogen Stage
Hair shedding is the first stage after hair transplantation. This shedding typically occurs due to the stress experienced during the extraction and reinsertion of each follicle, which promotes the growth of healthy, new hair. This stage usually lasts up to two weeks, depending on the individual’s hair growth rate, though in some cases, the telogen stage may continue for up to four months.
Anagen Stage
The anagen stage, commonly known as the growth stage, is when new hairs begin to grow, and the surgeon can determine whether the individual needs an additional hair transplant session. The follicles start producing hair, and the transplanted hairs grow at varying rates, with an average growth of up to 1.5 centimeters per month. This stage may last from 2 to 6 years for each hair strand, varying from person to person.
Catagen Stage
The catagen stage is when hair growth essentially stops, but the hairs do not shed as they are in a transitional phase. This stage is part of the process of generating new hair and typically lasts about 2 to 4 weeks.
Second Telogen Stage
This is the final stage after a hair transplant procedure. Although it shares the same name as the first telogen stage, it is slightly different. Unlike the first telogen stage, the second one lasts about 3 to 4 months, depending on the hair follicles. During this stage, hair shedding occurs, but it is not significant, so there’s no need to worry.
Time to See Final Hair Transplant Results
In many patients, hair growth from a transplant fully manifests by the 12th month, with 100% of the hairs emerging from the scalp, all of which have become fully dark, thick, and normal in texture. It’s important to note that the timelines mentioned are only approximate averages. Many patients’ hair grows faster, while others experience slower growth, often taking up to 18 months after a natural hair transplant. Seeing your hair growth progress faster or slower than others does not indicate a better or worse outcome; it simply means it may take less or more time to reach the final result.
Every individual has a unique physiology, so the growth of transplanted hair varies among patients. This is why many hair transplant doctors wait up to 18 months to evaluate the final results. Many individuals indeed notice changes up to the 18th month post-transplant, so don’t be discouraged if your doctor believes your transplanted hair is still immature and has room for growth beyond 12 months. This is particularly true for patients who have hair transplants in the vertex or crown area (back of the head), as these areas have slower growth and maturation compared to other regions. Most doctors believe that seeing the final results of a hair transplant in these areas takes about 18 months.
Timeline of Hair Growth After Natural Hair Transplantation
✔ One Day After the Natural Hair Transplant Procedure
The day after the hair transplant is a critical time for influencing the results. With your doctor’s approval, you can remove the bandage from the donor area and gently clean the recipient area with a damp cloth or sponge to remove dried blood. The transplanted grafts are vulnerable at this stage, so it’s essential to protect the transplant site from rubbing, scratching, or irritation. It’s best to avoid daily activities and rest the day after the procedure. Any swelling, flaking, or redness that occurs post-transplant typically resolves completely within 5 to 7 days.
✔ 7 to 10 Days After the Hair Transplant Procedure
During this period, post-transplant care is crucial as it protects the transplanted grafts. The donor area heals, and the transplanted hairs begin to grow. A scab forms around each follicular unit, and by the end of 10 days, these scabs typically disappear.
✔ 2 to 3 Weeks After the Hair Transplant Procedure
Approximately two weeks after the procedure, the newly transplanted hairs may start to shed, which is a completely normal part of the healing process and does not mean the grafts have failed to take root. This is a natural step in the hair growth cycle where old hairs shed. The hair shaft itself falls out, but the follicular units remain intact and, over time, begin to grow new hair.
✔ 1 to 4 Months After the Natural Hair Transplant Procedure
A few months after the hair transplant, the growth phase of newly transplanted hairs begins. During this stage, the new grafts appear as fine strands on the scalp.
✔5 to 9 Months After the Hair Transplant Procedure
During this period, a significant portion (about 60 to 70 percent) of the transplanted hairs grow, and by the end of this phase, the hairs start to thicken. You should wait until this stage to dye or cut your hair. By the end of this period, the results of the hair transplant will be highly noticeable, providing a clear indication of the final outcome.
✔ One Year After the Hair Transplant Procedure
One year after the natural hair transplant, the hair growth process is typically complete. In some individuals, new hair growth may continue even after a year, but for most people, the final results of the transplant are evident by this time.
