Recovery after a hair transplant: day by day, month by month

Days 1–3: the critical attachment period

The grafts attach to the recipient area within the first 72 hours. In that period the head must not be knocked, you should sleep with the pillow raised to about 45 degrees, and the area must not be touched at all.

Mild swelling can start at the forehead and descend to around the eyes; this is normal and recedes in 4–5 days. The first wash is done at our clinic on day 2 or 3, with a nurse.

Weeks 1–2: crusting and shedding

The washing routine continues daily. Between days 7 and 10 the crusts soften and shed. Crusts must not be forced off; they are allowed to separate on their own with lotion and warm water.

By the end of day 10 most patients return to social life. The donor area has fully closed by then.

• First 15 days: no sport, sauna, sea, pool or alcohol.
• First month: direct sun exposure and pressure from hats are limited.
• Smoking should be postponed for at least a month, as it affects graft nourishment.

Months 1–3: shock loss

Most of the transplanted hairs shed from weeks 3–6 onwards. That does not mean the graft is lost; the follicle stays in place and enters a new growth cycle.

Shock loss is an expected and temporary stage. To avoid despair in front of the mirror during this period, we recommend archiving your before and after photographs at the same angle and in the same light.

Months 4–8: the growth phase

From month four, fine, colourless hairs begin to appear. By month six roughly 50–60% of the coverage is complete; the hairs thicken and gain pigment.

Haircuts are unrestricted in this period; scissors are preferred and very short clipper settings are not advised.

Months 9–12: the final result

At month twelve, 90% of the result has appeared. In thick, wavy hair maturing can continue to months 15–18.

At our clinic the month 1, 3, 6 and 12 reviews are planned from the outset; for patients from other cities and from abroad that follow-up continues digitally through the same coordinator.