Statistical analysis shows month 4 post-FUE density strongly correlates with month 12 final density at r=0.76, making this checkpoint your first meaningful data point for predicting your final result. At month 4, most patients see the first visible signs of new growth as transplanted follicles exit their dormant phase and begin producing hair.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
What Happens at Month 4
After a hair transplant, the transplanted hairs typically shed during weeks 2 through 4. This shock loss is completely normal. The follicles then enter a dormant phase (telogen) lasting 2 to 3 months. Month 4 marks the point where follicles re-enter the active growth phase (anagen) and begin pushing new hairs through the scalp.
The new hairs at this stage are thin, fine, and often lighter in color than your native hair. They lack the full diameter and pigmentation that develop over months 6 through 12. Do not judge your transplant result by the thickness of month 4 growth.
Month 4 Density Benchmarks
| Zone | Expected Emergence | Hair Character |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal hairline | 20 to 35% of grafts showing growth | Fine, wispy, light colored |
| Temple points | 15 to 30% of grafts showing growth | Very fine, may be hard to see |
| Mid-scalp | 10 to 25% of grafts showing growth | Sparse, thin shafts |
| Crown | 5 to 20% of grafts showing growth | Slowest to appear |
These ranges represent averages from clinical FUE data. Individual variation is significant. A patient at 15% emergence across all zones at month 4 is not behind schedule.
How to Track Month 4 Growth
Photography Protocol
Take photos of each transplanted zone under consistent conditions. Use the same lighting (natural daylight near a window works best), the same camera distance, and the same angle as your previous tracking sessions.
Wet hair reveals new growth more clearly than dry hair at this early stage. Fine, transparent hairs that disappear when dry become visible when wet and flattened against the scalp. Take photos in both wet and dry conditions.
What Your Density Reading Means
Upload your month 4 photos to myhairline.ai for a density reading. Compare this against your surgical plan (grafts placed per cm2) and your previous tracking sessions.
| Your Month 4 Result | Interpretation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Above 30% emergence | Faster than average growth | Continue monitoring monthly |
| 15 to 30% emergence | Normal timeline | Continue monitoring monthly |
| 5 to 15% emergence | Slower than average but not alarming | Increase tracking to every 2 weeks |
| Below 5% emergence | Very slow, needs close monitoring | Consult surgeon if no improvement by month 6 |
The key insight: month 4 is too early to declare success or failure. It provides a predictive signal, not a definitive result.
Why Growth Rates Vary at Month 4
Several factors influence how quickly transplanted follicles begin producing visible hair:
Blood supply to the recipient zone. Areas with robust blood flow (frontal scalp) typically show earlier growth than areas with naturally reduced circulation (crown). This is why the frontal hairline almost always emerges first.
Graft handling during surgery. Grafts that were kept well-hydrated and spent less time outside the body tend to recover faster. This is a surgical quality factor you cannot control after the procedure.
Supportive treatments. Patients using minoxidil (40% to 60% see moderate regrowth) often report earlier visible growth because minoxidil increases blood flow to the follicles. Finasteride (80% to 90% halt further loss) protects native hair but has less direct impact on transplanted graft emergence speed.
Individual biology. Hair growth rates vary between people. Some patients are naturally fast growers who show results at month 3, while others do not see significant emergence until month 5 or 6.
The Correlation Between Month 4 and Final Results
Research data shows a strong positive correlation (r=0.76) between month 4 density and month 12 final density. In practical terms, this means:
- Patients who show above-average emergence at month 4 almost always achieve above-average final density
- Patients who show average emergence at month 4 typically achieve normal final results
- Patients who show very low emergence at month 4 still have a reasonable chance of catching up, but should monitor closely
This correlation makes month 4 valuable as an early warning system, not as a verdict.
Common Month 4 Concerns
Pimple-like bumps around grafts. Small bumps where new hairs push through the skin are normal. This is the hair breaking through the epidermis. If these bumps become clustered and pus-filled, that could indicate folliculitis requiring treatment.
Uneven growth between zones. Completely normal at month 4. Different zones grow at different rates. The frontal zone typically leads the crown by 4 to 8 weeks.
Hair growing in different directions. New hair may initially grow at unexpected angles. The final growth direction stabilizes by month 6 to 9 as the hairs lengthen and the follicles settle.
Track Your Month 4 Milestone
Month 4 is when the waiting shifts to measuring. Upload your transplant zone photos to myhairline.ai/analyze to capture your first meaningful density reading and start building the growth curve that predicts your final outcome.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified hair restoration surgeon for questions about your transplant timeline.