Shock loss after a hair transplant, what it is and why it is completely normal
Imagine you have just had a hair transplant, everything has healed nicely, and then, two to four weeks later, the new strands start falling out. It is easy to panic and think the whole treatment has failed. But relax: this is a well-known and completely normal phase called shock loss.
What actually happens
When a follicle is moved from one place to another, it is subjected to a controlled "shock". As a reaction it sheds the visible hair strand and enters a resting period (telogen phase). The important thing to understand is that it is the hair strand that falls out, not the follicle. The follicle itself stays in the skin, rests for a period, and then starts producing a new strand.
Sometimes some of your existing hair around the recipient area can also experience temporary shock loss for the same reason. That too recovers in the normal case.
The timeline
Week 2-4: the transplanted strands fall out. Month 1-3: resting period, little shows on the outside. Month 3-4: the first new, thin strands begin to grow out. Month 6: clear density. Month 12: the final result is visible. The hair does not grow in a straight line, it goes through this dip first, which is entirely according to plan.
What you should do
Really nothing in particular, just keep following the aftercare instructions and be patient. It can feel long, but shock loss is a sign that the process is going as it should. If you feel worried during healing, you are always welcome to contact us; the follow-up is included, and we track your growth throughout the first year.
Want to know more? Read about recovery and the procedure or book a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions about aftercare
What is shock loss?
Shock loss is when transplanted (and sometimes neighbouring) hairs fall out 2-4 weeks after the procedure. It is a normal part of healing, the follicle is alive and produces new hair within a few months.
Is shock loss dangerous?
No, it is expected and harmless. It does not mean the treatment failed. The follicles enter a resting period after the "shock" of being moved, and start growing again after 2-3 months.
When does the hair come back after shock loss?
The first new strands usually appear at 3-4 months, and density builds up until 12 months when the final result is visible. Patience is key during this phase.
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