If you stumbled upon this article, it's most likely because you recently had a hair transplant. Unlike other cosmetic procedures, which show instant cosmetic improvements, hair transplants grow slowly and can even make you look worse before you look better. The typical hair transplant takes twelve months to develop fully, but many patients develop earlier than twelve months, and some take longer. In this article, we'll be discussing the reasons why some hair transplants grow faster and some slower.
The Stages of Hair Growth
Hair follicles are independent organs, which enter different stages at different times. There are three stages to your hair follicle's life cycle:
*Anagen (growth phase)
*Catagen (transition phase)
*Telogen (resting phase)
The transplanted hair follicles you see when freshly transplanted are dead bulbs. The anagen growth phase starts from 3-6 months. In the beginning, the hair is vellus and very fine. It's hard to see this hair when it's first growing, but after a few months, the hair starts to thicken and mature. Also, keep in mind that hair follicles are independent and enter the anagen phase at different times. This means a small percentage of your hair can enter the growth phase at three months, while the rest of your hair may enter the growth stage at six months. If the bulk of your hair enters the growth phase at six months, it will take at least another six months to grow and mature. Hence, it takes twelve months for a hair transplant to develop fully.
Telogen Effluvium (Shock Loss)
Another reason why your hair may not look as impressive as others at seven, maybe even eight months, is because of a condition called telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium can occur during a stressful event or because of physical trauma during hair transplant surgery. Telogen effluvium can cause the native hair to fall right after surgery. It can take up to six months for the hair to regrow, so while your hair transplant may be growing, the hair that shed may be lagging.
Conclusion
Every person is different. Some people might have a hair transplant grow slowly, others grow entirely around six to seven months, and others might not even see any growth until six months. The notion that a certain percentage of your hair should be guaranteed to grow in a specific month is wrong. There are approximates and generalizations, but these approximations mean nothing to you as an individual. It takes twelve months for the results to fully manifest, and in some instances, it can take even longer. If you've recently had a hair transplant and you're anxiously waiting for the hair to grow, remember it is a marathon, not a race. Do not make any assertions until you have waited at least twelve months. If you have questions regarding the hair transplant process or want a consultation with some of the world's best hair transplant surgeons, click here to submit a complimentary virtual consultation.