Hair transplant growth follows a predictable five-phase pattern: implantation, shock loss, dormancy, regrowth, and maturation. The entire cycle spans 12 to 18 months, and most patients see their final result between months 14 and 18. myhairline.ai documents each phase with density data so you know exactly where you stand at every point in the journey.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional for treatment decisions.
The 5 Phases of Hair Transplant Growth
Every transplanted follicle follows the same biological cycle after being moved from the donor area to the recipient site. Understanding what to expect at each phase prevents unnecessary anxiety and helps you identify genuine problems early.
| Phase | Timeline | What Happens | Density Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Implantation | Days 1 to 10 | Grafts settle, scabs form | Baseline established |
| 2. Shock Loss | Weeks 2 to 6 | Transplanted hairs shed | 10 to 30% decline |
| 3. Dormancy | Months 2 to 4 | Follicles rest beneath skin | Flat, no growth |
| 4. Regrowth | Months 4 to 10 | New hairs emerge | 30% to 70% of target |
| 5. Maturation | Months 10 to 18 | Hairs thicken and mature | 80% to 100% of target |
The timeline varies by procedure type. FUE recovery in the acute phase takes 7 to 10 days. FUT recovery takes 10 to 14 days. DHI recovery mirrors FUE at 7 to 10 days. All three procedures achieve 90% to 95% graft survival rates when performed by experienced surgeons.
Phase 1: Implantation (Days 1 to 10)
The implantation phase begins the moment your surgeon places the last graft. During the first 10 days, the transplanted follicular units establish blood supply connections with the surrounding tissue.
What you will see
Tiny scabs form around each graft site within 24 to 48 hours. The recipient area appears red and slightly swollen. The donor area (back and sides of the head) shows small dot scars for FUE or a linear scar for FUT.
What your density data shows
Your first myhairline.ai scan during this phase captures the immediate post-operative density. This reading represents the maximum density of transplanted hair before any shedding occurs. Consider it your "day one" reference point.
What to do
Avoid touching, scratching, or washing the recipient area for the first 48 to 72 hours (follow your surgeon's specific instructions). Sleep at a 45-degree elevation to reduce swelling. Do not expose the area to direct sunlight.
Scan frequency: one scan at day 3 to 5, and another at day 7 to 10.
Phase 2: Shock Loss (Weeks 2 to 6)
Shock loss is the most psychologically difficult phase. Transplanted hairs fall out, and in some cases, native hairs near the transplant zone shed as well. This is temporary and expected.
What you will see
Starting around week 2, transplanted hairs begin falling out. This is not graft failure. The hair shafts shed while the follicles remain alive beneath the skin. Up to 50% of patients experience noticeable shock loss. The degree varies from mild thinning to near-complete shedding of transplanted hairs.
What your density data shows
Density readings drop by 10% to 30% below your day-one baseline. In severe shock loss cases, density may drop as much as 40%. This decline is entirely normal and does not predict final results.
The most important data point in this phase is the "floor," the lowest density reading before stabilization. Mark this reading in your tracking history. Every future density measurement should be compared against both your baseline and your shock loss floor.
What to do
Continue scanning weekly to document the decline trajectory. Do not start any new treatments without consulting your surgeon. Avoid stress and excessive physical activity, both of which can worsen shock loss.
Scan frequency: every 5 to 7 days.
Shock Loss vs. Graft Failure
How do you tell the difference? Shock loss is:
- Gradual (happens over weeks, not overnight)
- Bilateral (affects both sides roughly equally)
- Self-limiting (stabilizes by week 6 to 8)
Graft failure looks different:
- Patchy (affects specific areas, not a uniform pattern)
- Accompanied by signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus)
- Progressive beyond week 8 with no stabilization
If your density data shows an asymmetric decline concentrated in one zone, or if density continues dropping after week 8, contact your surgeon immediately.
Phase 3: Dormancy (Months 2 to 4)
The dormancy phase is uneventful but important. The transplanted follicles rest in the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle while establishing robust blood supply connections.
What you will see
Very little visible change. The recipient area looks similar to week 6. Some patients describe this period as "the ugly duckling phase" because the transplant area appears thin while the surrounding native hair looks normal.
What your density data shows
Density readings stay flat, hovering near the shock loss floor. A well-tracking recovery shows stable readings with no further decline. If density continues dropping during months 2 to 4, that pattern warrants medical attention.
What to do
Continue monthly scans to confirm stability. This is the phase where many patients consider starting adjunct treatments:
- Minoxidil: 40% to 60% of users experience moderate regrowth. Some surgeons recommend starting minoxidil at month 2 to support both native and transplanted hair.
- Finasteride: 80% to 90% halt further loss, and 65% experience regrowth. If you are not already on finasteride, discuss starting it during dormancy to protect native hair.
- PRP: Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy costs $500 to $2,000 per session and can increase density by 30% to 40%. Some surgeons recommend PRP at months 2 to 3 to boost graft survival.
Do not start any treatment without your surgeon's approval. Side effects for finasteride occur in 2% to 4% of users and are reversible on discontinuation.
Scan frequency: every 2 to 3 weeks.
Phase 4: Regrowth (Months 4 to 10)
This is the phase patients wait for. New hair begins emerging from the transplanted follicles, and density readings start climbing.
What you will see
Fine, wispy hairs appear first. They may be lighter in color and thinner than your native hair. Over the following months, these hairs thicken and darken. By month 8 to 10, the new growth begins blending with native hair.
What your density data shows
Density readings increase steadily from the shock loss floor toward your target. Expected density at key milestones:
| Month | Expected Density (% of Target) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 10% to 25% | First visible hairs |
| 5 | 20% to 35% | Fine hairs becoming noticeable |
| 6 | 40% to 60% | Significant visible improvement |
| 7 | 45% to 65% | Continued growth |
| 8 | 55% to 70% | Hairs beginning to thicken |
| 9 | 60% to 75% | Blending with native hair |
| 10 | 65% to 80% | Approaching maturation |
If your month 6 density is below 30% of target, discuss with your surgeon. If your month 8 density is below 50% of target, a second consultation is warranted to evaluate graft survival.
Growth rates by zone
Different zones grow at different rates:
- Hairline grafts typically show the earliest regrowth (month 3 to 4)
- Mid-scalp grafts follow at month 4 to 5
- Crown grafts are often the last to grow, sometimes not until month 5 to 7
This staggered growth is normal and reflects the different blood supply conditions in each zone.
What to do
Scan every 2 weeks during this phase. The biweekly data points create a growth curve that shows your rate of progress. Compare each scan to the previous one and to your shock loss floor.
This is also the phase where results start affecting daily life. Many patients begin styling their hair differently as density increases. Document these changes alongside your density data for a complete record.
Phase 5: Maturation (Months 10 to 18)
The final phase is about quality, not quantity. The number of hairs remains roughly the same, but each hair thickens, straightens, and develops its mature color and texture.
What you will see
Transplanted hairs that were thin and wispy during regrowth now match the caliber of your native hair. The overall appearance improves significantly even though density readings may only increase by 10% to 20% during this phase.
What your density data shows
Density readings reach 80% to 100% of your target between months 12 and 18. The growth curve flattens as you approach your biological ceiling. Your final density depends on:
- Total grafts placed per zone
- Graft survival rate (90% to 95% expected)
- Your natural follicular unit density (varies by ethnicity)
- Whether you use adjunct treatments (minoxidil, finasteride, PRP)
Final density benchmarks by Norwood stage
| Norwood Stage | Typical Grafts | Expected Final Density |
|---|---|---|
| N2 | 800 to 1,500 | Near-native at hairline |
| N3 | 1,500 to 2,200 | Natural hairline, moderate mid-scalp |
| N4 | 2,500 to 3,500 | Good coverage, may need second session for crown |
| N5 | 3,000 to 4,500 | Significant improvement, second session often planned |
| N6 | 4,000 to 6,000 | Visible improvement, multiple sessions may be needed |
| N7 | 5,500 to 7,500 | Improvement limited by donor supply |
What to do
Scan monthly through month 18. Compare your final density readings to your pre-op targets. If any zone falls below 85% of the planned density at month 18, that data supports a conversation about touch-up procedures.
How to Use myhairline.ai Throughout All 5 Phases
Your complete scan history creates a growth timeline that:
- Documents the shock loss phase (proves it was temporary)
- Records the dormancy floor (establishes the baseline for growth measurement)
- Tracks the regrowth curve (shows the rate and consistency of new growth)
- Confirms maturation (verifies final density against targets)
This timeline is valuable for insurance documentation, surgeon consultations, and personal peace of mind. Every data point you record during the 18-month journey adds to a comprehensive record that no single post-op photo can provide.
Start Tracking Your Growth Phases
Whether you are preparing for surgery or already in the early phases of recovery, consistent density tracking is the most reliable way to evaluate your progress. Visit myhairline.ai/analyze to take your next scan.
Use the hair transplant progress tracker to set up your phase-based scan schedule, and reference our FUE recovery tracking guide for procedure-specific benchmarks.