At almost three weeks post-op, I’m noticing that my newly transplanted hair is becoming quite brittle and dry, even though I’m using a Nioxin conditioner every day. Is this normal? Maybe a sign that it’ll soon be shedding?

After a hair transplant surgery the transplanted hairs shed roughly three weeks post op. In all, anywhere from 80% to 95% of the hairs fall out, leaving the follicles behind to lie dormant for anywhere from three to eight months. There are rare cases where the hairs do not shed immediately and the patient seems to keep almost all of the transplanted hairs throughout the post-op process. However, most patients will shed almost all of the hairs. Before they shed, the hairs can feel dry, brittle, and lifeless.

It can be disconcerting to see the hairs shed after a hair restoration procedure, but try to remember that this is a good sign – a sign of progress. In just a few short months, the follicles will revive from their dormant state and new hair will sprout. The patient can expect this to begin at around four months post-op, with the hair transplant fully maturing at around 12 or 13 months after the procedure.

-Robert

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Bill - Seemiller

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  • Baz,

    Between post-operative days 7 and 10, your grafts will be fully implanted and normal scalp activity will not affect final yield. Because of this, wearing a hat (or beanie) 12 days after the procedure should be fine. However, please double check with your clinic, as you should always follow the physician's post-operative instructions as closely as possible.

    Hope this helps!

    Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
    Editorial Assistant

  • hi there!
    i would like to know after my FUE hair transplant, is it be ok to wear the beenie hat 12 days after the day of transplant, look forward to hear from you,
    thank you

  • Steve,

    Normally, by 7-10 days after the procedure, the grafts are fully anchored and any shedding is normal. However, shedding at 2 days is too soon, and it's possible that these grafts could be permanently lost.

    It's difficult to tell what's causing this, but if you're concerned and notice a significant shed, I would contact the clinic and ask what you should do.

    Following the clinic's post-operative instructions is always very important, and your physician may very well know what's happening; so I would call and seek his/her advice.

    I hope this helps!

    Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
    Editorial Assistant

  • I had a transplant 2 days ago and today was my first in home shampooing. after doing everything by the book, using luke warm/cool water and patting not scrubbing I noticed that more then half of my grafts had raised out of my scalp 1-2mm and some fell out! I don't think this is normal given the transplants haven't had time to root in 2 days! It's the weekend and and I'm from out of town where I got the procedure done. What should I do? Any thoughts would help. I can send pictures to anyone too. Thanks.

  • Hi Robert / David,

    I just wanted to thank you for the great information you have provided here. It answered my questions regarding air falling off around 10 days post op and crust removal.

  • Logan,

    What you are describing sounds perfectly normal. Ten days after hair transplant surgery, the follicular unit grafts are firmly anchored and protected below the scalp. However, the short follicles remaining in the grafts will shed during this time and many will be lost along with the scabs as they fall off.

    I'm sure there is nothing to worry about but it's always a good idea to discuss any concerns with your hair restoration physician.

    David

  • I had a hair transplant 16 days ago and at 13 days as i gently massaged the scalp i was getting hairs as in 2's and 3's along with the scabs on my hands and finger tips when doing this is this normal?

  • Luan,

    By “blood crust” I assume you are referring to the scabs that form shortly after surgery. Your hair restoration physician should have provided you with aftercare instructions including how best to remove the scabs.

    Typically, patients are instructed to carefully massage the scabs off with the fingertips in the shower between five and seven days after hair restoration surgery. It is not advisable to pick them off. However, it is perfectly normal for some of the transplanted hair follicles to dislodge along with the scabs. I’m sure you have not damaged the grafts.

    David

  • Luan,

    By "blood crust" I assume you are referring to the scabs that form shortly after surgery. You hair restoration physician should have provided you with aftercare instructions including how best to remove the scabs.

    Typically, patients are instructed to carefully massage the scabs off with the fingertips in the shower between five and seven days after hair restoration surgery. It is not advisable to pick them off. However, it is perfectly normal for some of the transplanted hair follicles to dislodge along with the scabs. I'm sure you have not damaged the grafts.

    David

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