Phase 1: The Exogen Phase
After a hair transplant, the first stage of the hair growth cycle you’ll likely experience is the exogen stage. After approximately two weeks, hair falls out of the transplanted follicles. This event is known as shock loss and completely normal after a hair transplant. The follicles temporarily lose their blood supply and undergo stress after grafting. This shedding period may last 3-4 months.
Phase 2: The Anagen Phase
Once the transplanted hair sheds and the hair follicle rests in its new location, the anagen phase begins again. In this phase of hair growth, the transplanted follicles should start producing hair. The hair is fine or thin at first and will thicken over time. Just like the other hair follicles on your scalp, transplanted follicles will continue to produce healthy hair strands for 2-6 years. The new hair will continue to grow as it did in the original location at a rate of approximately a 1/2 inch per month. Once the hair starts growing, you’ll get a sense of the amount of fullness (or density) the hair transplant has provided. In some cases, another hair transplant may be needed to reach the desired density of hair. Most patients will see full results one year after hair transplant surgery.
Phase 3: The Catagen Phase
The third phase of the hair growth cycle after a hair transplant is the catagen phase. Similar to other hair growth, this phase lasts two weeks or more and is the transition phase when active hair growth ends and slows considerably. The hair detaches from the hair follicle but remains attached to the scalp.
Phase 4: The Telogen Phase
This final phase after a hair transplant surgery occurs as it does with normal hair. Known as the resting phase, hair stops growing and prepares to shed. A new hair strand begins to grow over the old hair strand in the follicle.
Hair transplant surgery is a permanent solution to hair loss, and the transplanted hair will continue to the hair growth cycle for the rest of your life!