Shedding is a normal part of the recovery process after a hair transplant. Referred to as shock loss, most clients see some follicles shedding around two to four weeks post-procedure, which paves the way for fresh follicles to grow as the hair enters its natural growth phase.
There are three potential types of hair shedding you might experience: shedding of transplanted follicles, shedding in the area from which donor hairs have been extracted, and shedding follicles around the transplant site.
During your initial consultation with one of KSL Clinic’s specialist hair transplant surgeons, and when recapping the aftercare guidance, we’ll detail exactly what to expect and how to care for your freshly transplanted follicles to expedite recovery and the thickness of your regrowth.
However, this guide provides insights into the hair transplant shedding phase, why it occurs, and why it is simply part of the healing process rather than a cause for alarm.
Explaining Hair Transplant Shedding
- Hair follicles naturally pass through growth, rest, and transition phases, which is why some hair loss and shedding are entirely normal. It impacts everybody when washing, brushing, or styling their hair.
- During the resting phase, roots contract, and the hair sheds, enabling the follicles to move into the transitional phase and onto growth when new, fresh hair begins to appear.
- After a hair transplant, the stress on your scalp means some follicles may move swiftly into the resting phase, although a precise, minimally invasive and skilful hair transplant procedure can keep shedding to a minimum.
Understanding What to Expect From the Hair Transplant Shedding Phase
Shock loss or post-transplant shedding is nothing to worry about. Once your scalp has healed and the follicles have entered their next growth phase, you’ll see new follicles. Shedding usually occurs two to 12 weeks after a transplant, with regrowth over four months to one year.
In the months after your transplant, you’ll see new hairs appearing, which become thicker and denser with time. This replenishes both the original area affected by hair loss or thinning and any other locations around your scalp impacted by shedding.
Clients can usually see the difference between ongoing hair loss and shedding, although you may see extra hairs on your brush or pillow.
If you have any concerns, it is well worth speaking with your nearest KSL Clinic, who can provide reassurance or schedule a quick follow-up to verify your scalp is healing nicely.
The Appearance of Your Hair During the Shedding Phase
Clients normally see shedding primarily around the transplant area or potentially in partings, the crown or the hairline, depending on the transplant area. Shedding means the follicle has transitioned into the resting phase, which means the hair should not have a follicle root but consist only of the shaft of the hair.
Proper aftercare will ensure that your follicle roots remain unaffected and are safely healing within the scalp.
However, itching or irritation of the scalp, returning to your normal washing routines, exercising too soon, or exposing not-yet-healed transplanted follicles to chemicals or direct sunlight could potentially damage the follicle and cause unnecessary shedding.
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Shedding Impacting Non-Transplanted Hair After a Transplant
In some cases, follicles that have not been transplanted can potentially shed, which usually happens because those hairs are entering the resting phase naturally or as a side effect of the impacts of the transplant procedure.
For most clients, shock loss impacting non-transplanted hair is minimal, and most will not see any shedding across the locations on their scalp not affected by the procedure.
Low-level shedding, when this occurs, usually happens around two weeks after the procedure, with proper aftercare key to ensuring those hairs will regrow in good time.
Post-Transplant Shedding Affecting Donor Areas
Donor follicles are typically extracted from areas to the back of the scalp where most people have thicker, denser hair. The selection of the donor location is key since we need to verify there are sufficient healthy donor hairs and that we can extract these without any visible impacts on your hair in this part of your scalp.
Although not impossible, shedding is less common around the donor area and is more likely when a client has had a lower-quality hair transplant procedure.
If you have concerns about shedding, would like more information about the recovery process after a hair transplant, or want to speak with our experienced team to discuss your suitability for a hair transplant, you are welcome to book a private consultation at your convenience.
Our accomplished hair restoration specialists offer zero-cost, no-obligation consultations across our UK network of clinics and can answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Way to Lower the Chance of Hair Shedding After a Transplant?
There is no surefire way to guarantee that you will not experience any shedding since, as we’ve explained, this is a normal way that follicles transition into a growth phase, which is how the transplanted grafts will start to produce new, healthy hair.
However, the FUE hair transplant process creates as little stress and trauma as possible without stitches, large incisions, or unnecessary damage to the scalp tissue. This can mean FUE hair transplant clients see less severe shedding than people opting for alternative hair transplant procedures.
Our surgeons may also recommend medication as part of your aftercare, such as finasteride or minoxidil—the latter of which is suitable for both men and women—to boost hair growth and scalp health during recovery.
What Can I Do to Manage the Hair Transplant Shedding Phase?
Following the instructions provided by the KSL Clinic team is essential. You should take care to avoid chemicals, contaminants, and pressure on your scalp, which can dislodge or disturb follicles as they embed and heal.
We provide comprehensive aftercare guidance covering washing, exercise, head coverings, and caring for your skin during residual redness and soreness. This furnishes you with all the information you need to manage shedding and prevent damage to your follicles.
If you experience itching or irritation, it is important to avoid scratching or vigorous rubbing. We can suggest antihistamines to control discomfort without negatively impacting your hair regrowth.
