Hair Transplant Shedding Phase: Does Transplanted Hair Fall Out?

Getting a hair transplant is an exciting step toward regaining confidence and achieving a fuller head of hair. However, many patients feel concerned when they notice their newly transplanted hair falling out just a few weeks after the procedure. This stage, known as the hair transplant shedding phase or shock loss, is completely normal and plays an essential role in the hair restoration process.

If you’re experiencing this shedding phase, there’s no need to panic! It’s simply part of your hair’s natural cycle and a sign that your scalp is adjusting to the transplant. In this guide, we’ll explain why shedding happens, how long it lasts, and what you can expect in the months following your hair transplant.

What Is the Hair Transplant Shedding Phase?

The hair transplant shedding phase, also referred to as shock loss, is a temporary stage where the transplanted hairs fall out before new growth begins. This typically starts 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure and lasts for several weeks. While seeing hair fall out might be alarming, this is actually a good sign; it means your follicles are resetting and preparing to produce new, healthy hair.

During this phase, only the hair shafts detach from the scalp, while the follicles remain intact beneath the skin. These follicles enter a brief resting period before re-entering the active growth cycle, ensuring that stronger and thicker hair grows back.

Why Does Shedding (Shock Loss) Happen After a Hair Transplant?

Shock loss occurs as a natural reaction to the surgical process. When hair follicles are extracted and transplanted into a new area, they undergo stress and temporarily pause their growth cycle. This results in hair shedding, which occurs because the follicles have entered the telogen (resting) phase.

The hair growth cycle consists of three stages:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase): The hair actively grows from the follicle.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase): Growth slows down, and the follicle begins to shrink.
3. Telogen (Resting & Shedding Phase): The hair falls out, making room for new growth.

A hair transplant temporarily disrupts this cycle, causing the follicles to enter the telogen phase sooner than usual. As a result, the old hair sheds before the follicles restart the anagen phase and begin growing new strands.

When Does the Shedding Phase Start After a Hair Transplant?

The shedding phase usually begins around 2 to 4 weeks post-transplant. However, the exact timing may vary based on factors like:

• Healing speed (some people heal faster than others)
• Scalp condition (oily or dry skin can affect how hair reacts)
• Post-op care (following proper aftercare can help optimize the recovery process)

Some patients may notice shedding as early as 10 days post-surgery, while others may experience it closer to 4-5 weeks after the procedure. Regardless of when it happens, shedding is a universal part of the recovery timeline and should not be a cause for concern.

Shock Loss Timeline: How Long Does the Shedding Phase Last?

The shedding phase typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks. After this period, the follicles gradually enter the growth phase, and new hair starts to emerge within 3 to 4 months.

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect:

For a detailed overview of the hair transplant recovery timeline, including the shedding phase and subsequent growth stages, you can refer to our comprehensive guide: Hair Transplant Timeline: A Guide to Hair Transplant Recovery & Growth Chart.

Do All Patients Experience Shedding?

Most hair transplant patients go through the shedding phase, but the amount of hair loss can vary. Some patients experience minimal shedding, while others see a more significant amount of hair falling out.

In rare cases, some patients do not experience noticeable shedding at all. This does not mean that the transplant has failed, it simply means that the transition from the resting phase to the growth phase is more gradual.

Additionally, different hair transplant techniques can impact the shedding phase:

• FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Typically results in moderate shedding.
• DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): May cause less shedding since the grafts are implanted directly into the scalp, reducing trauma to the follicles.

For more insights into common side effects after a hair transplant, including shock loss, you can read our article: 7 Common Hair Transplant Side Effects.

What Happens After the Shedding Phase?

Once the shedding phase is over, the real transformation begins.

• Around 3 to 4 months post-transplant, new hair starts emerging. It may be thin and soft initially, but this is completely normal.
• By 6 months, the hair becomes thicker and stronger.
• Between 12 and 18 months, full results are achieved, with natural-looking density and volume.

How to Manage the Shedding Phase

Although shedding cannot be prevented, there are ways to promote healthy regrowth and take care of your scalp during this phase:

Follow Proper Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is essential to protect your newly transplanted follicles and ensure a smooth healing process. The first few weeks after your procedure are critical, so taking the right precautions will help prevent complications and support healthy hair growth.

• Avoid touching or scratching the transplanted area to prevent irritation.
• Use gentle shampoos recommended by your surgeon.
• Do not expose your scalp to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

Be Gentle with Your Hair

Your scalp will be sensitive after the procedure, and any unnecessary strain on the grafts can affect their survival. Making small adjustments to your daily routine will help preserve the transplanted follicles and promote optimal healing.

• Avoid harsh styling products or chemical treatments during the first few months.
• Do not use tight headwear that might put pressure on the scalp.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

What you eat plays a vital role in your hair transplant recovery. A nutrient-rich diet can strengthen hair follicles, improve circulation, and create the ideal conditions for new hair to grow strong and healthy.

• Eat foods rich in vitamins and proteins to support hair regrowth.
• Stay hydrated to promote healing.

Trust the Process

Seeing hair fall out after a transplant can be unsettling, but it’s a normal and temporary stage of the journey. Staying patient and focusing on long-term progress will help you stay confident as your new hair starts to grow.

• Shedding is temporary, and your new hair will grow back stronger.
• Stay patient and focus on long-term results rather than short-term changes.

Restore Your Hair with MCAN Health: Expert Care for Long-Lasting Results

Choosing the right clinic for your hair transplant is crucial to ensuring a successful and natural outcome. At MCAN Health, we provide expert medical care, advanced techniques, and a patient-centered approach to help you achieve the best possible hair restoration results. Whether you are in the early stages of hair loss or require a high number of grafts, our all-inclusive pricing per session allows you to receive the necessary grafts without worrying about hidden costs.

Our internationally accredited clinic specializes in cutting-edge procedures such as FUE, Sapphire FUE, and DHI, offering precise graft placement and natural density. With over 15,000 satisfied patients and a 4.8-star rating, our team of experienced surgeons and multilingual staff is committed to delivering high-quality care and support throughout your journey.

From the moment you arrive in Istanbul, we take care of every detail, including VIP airport transfers, luxury accommodation, and daily nurse visits to ensure a comfortable recovery. Our best price guarantee means you receive world-class care at competitive rates.

If you’re ready to take the next step in restoring your hair and confidence, book your free consultation today and discover why MCAN Health is the trusted choice for hair transplant in Turkey.