Hair transplant recovery & results timeline

Week one

Expect some swelling, scabbing, and redness around the grafts. Most people go back to desk work within a few days. Follow the clinic's washing and sleeping instructions closely — the grafts are most delicate now.

Weeks 2–4: the shed

The transplanted hairs usually fall out — shock loss. It looks alarming but it's normal; the follicle stays and regrows later.

Months 3–6: growth returns

New hairs start coming through, thin at first and thickening as they go. This is when you begin to see real progress.

Months 9–12: the result

By nine to twelve months you're near the final look, with 90–95% graft survival in skilled hands. Most surgeons keep you on finasteride/minoxidil to protect your untransplanted hair so the result lasts.