The ‘ugly duckling’ stage is a natural part of the recovery process following a hair transplant. During this phase, the transplanted follicles shed, usually two to three months after the procedure, and enter into a new active growth phase.
Hair transplant clients find that the short time between shedding and regrowth can mean their hair looks slightly thinner than previously or that there are areas with different thicknesses.
Fortunately, there are many ways to manage this, such as wearing your hair shorter, which can minimise the appearance of patchier growth, or using a post-transplant therapy to speed up recovery. This can ensure that your hair looks normal during the ugly duckling stage and will grow seamlessly and uniformly afterwards.
Key Facts About the Ugly Duckling Stage After a Hair Transplant
- The ugly duckling phase is so-called because it represents a short-term period of time when the full results of a hair transplant are not yet visible but when the transplanted follicles have begun to shed.
- For most clients, this happens up to three months after their transplant. However, we always clarify that exact recovery and regrowth timings can vary between people depending on the area and extent of their transplant and natural growth speeds.
- Temporary thinning due to shedding, where follicles enter a growth phase and the old follicle is shed, lasts up to two weeks, with multiple potential strategies to conceal uneven hair growth.
Average Timings for the Ugly Duckling Post-transplant Phase
Here at KSL Clinic, we endeavour to ensure that every prospective hair transplant client goes into the procedure with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect, how to manage their recovery process, and the varied phases that follow the transplant.
After the transplant itself, which is completed within one day under local anaesthetic on a walk-in/walk-out basis, the initial 14 days should be dedicated as much to recovery as possible, with anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications available to minimise any discomfort, redness and swelling.
New follicles may grow at different rates up to around three months. When they shed, this is a positive sign that the follicle is passing into a growth stage where new, thick, healthy hair will become visible.
The downside is that this is called the ugly duckling phase, although, within a week or two, the hair will begin to grow and progress over the four to six-month mark, during which new growth is normally rapid.
Transplanted follicles mature until around 12 months after your hair transplant. The results are seen from 12 to 18 months when the ugly duckling phase will be a distant memory, replaced with youthful, thick hair.
Understanding the Causes and Factors Behind Ugly Duckling Recovery Phases After a Hair Restoration Procedure
Our hair follicles pass through a series of phases, including hairs that haven’t been involved in the transplant process. This is why seeing a few hairs in the shower, on your pillow, or when brushing is typical. It simply means that the follicle has shed and is growing new hair in its place.
After a hair transplant, newly transplanted follicles will shed at different points, a sign that the follicles have entered the next part of the growth cycle.
This is nothing to worry about. It indicates that the follicle is healthy, active, and producing new thick hair that is consistent with the texture, thickness, and colour of your existing hair, and that will grow in a consistent direction with your other growth.
It is called the ugly duckling phase because, depending on the length and characteristics of your hair and the location where you have had a hair transplant, there can be differences in the lengths of hair, or you could see variances that look a little like patches where the follicles have been transplanted.
Continuing to follow the aftercare guidance provided by our specialist hair restoration teams remains essential. If you see any hair loss, follicle shedding, or ugly duckling signs within the first two weeks, it is important to avoid wearing a head covering or doing anything that could interfere with the hair’s growth cycle.
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How to Conceal Hair Transplant Sites During the Ugly Duckling Stage
If you are concerned about the ugly duckling phase or want to be proactive about maintaining a polished and professional appearance, there are numerous options which can minimise the noticeability of patchy growth or conceal it altogether.
These include:
- Wearing your hair longer, which can cover up the donor site or hide the transplant area – or having a shave or shorter cut before the transplant, with a similar impact.
- Topical hair loss concealers and sprays can be effective, although it’s important to verify that they are suitable for your scalp and permitted depending on your stage of post-transplant recovery.
- Using a supplementary therapy like platelet-rich plasma therapy to expedite new growth and contribute to better overall scalp and hair health. This can shorten the duration of the ugly duckling stage and activate dormant follicles to promote quicker and thicker growth.
Clients well beyond the first two weeks of recovery could also consider a head covering or alternative if they wish, although, as always, it is wise to speak with your hair restoration surgeon or consultant.
Professional Guidance About Hair Transplant Recovery Phases
If you’d like to learn more about what to expect from the recovery after a private, minimally invasive hair transplant, you are welcome to contact the expert hair restoration teams at KSL Clinic.
We can advise you on the initial and longer-term recovery, how to minimise the ugly duckling stage and ways to augment the speed and completeness of your recovery. We can also recommend treatments and therapies to ensure your scalp and hair return to full health as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do People Refer to Aspects of Hair Transplant Recovery as the Ugly Duckling Stage?
The phrase comes from the fairy tale, where the ugly duckling is actually a signet that transforms into a beautiful swan. This is a reference to the fact that, as some transplanted follicles shed and new hair grows, the contrasts in hair length can look less visually appealing, replaced quickly by youthful, thick, and rich hair growth.
Can I Wear a Hat During the Ugly Duckling Phase After a Hair Transplant?
You can wear a head covering or cap if you have passed the initial recovery stage and your hair transplant surgeon is happy that a hat won’t damage the follicles.
Why Do People Refer to Aspects of Hair Transplant Recovery as the Ugly Duckling Stage?
The phrase comes from the fairy tale, where the ugly duckling is actually a signet that transforms into a beautiful swan. This is a reference to the fact that, as some transplanted follicles shed and new hair grows, the contrasts in hair length can look less visually appealing, replaced quickly by youthful, thick, and rich hair growth.
Can I Wear a Hat During the Ugly Duckling Phase After a Hair Transplant?
You can wear a head covering or cap if you have passed the initial recovery stage and your hair transplant surgeon is happy that a hat won’t damage the follicles.
