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21 Days After Hair Transplant - What to Do or Not?

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Priyanka Sharma
Written by Rajath R Prabhu, last updated on 7 November 2022| min read
21 Days After Hair Transplant - What to Do or Not?

Quick Summary

Hair Transplantation: What to Expect 21 Days After Surgery Hair transplantation is a permanent solution for hair loss and not a quick fix, hence the results of hair transplant procedures take a while to show. This blog will give details about the recovery process, what to expect 21 days after a hair transplant, what to consider and what to avoid after a hair transplant.
  • The transplanted hair will start to fall out after 2-3 weeks of surgery. This is a normal process and is nothing to worry about.
  • The new hair will start to grow back in 3-4 months. The final results of the hair transplant will be visible after 1 year.
  • It is important to take care of your scalp after a hair transplant. Avoid touching or scratching the area, and use a gentle shampoo to clean it.
  • It is also important to avoid wearing tight hats or caps after a hair transplant.
With the advancement in medical technology, Hair Transplantation procedures have become the mainstay treatment option for people with baldness or hair loss.  This treatment option provides natural-looking outcomes, which is why hair transplants are gaining popularity.

A hair transplant is a permanent solution for hair loss and not a quick fix, hence the results of hair transplant procedures take a while to show. This blog will give details about the recovery process, what to expect 21 days after a hair transplant, what to consider and what to avoid after a hair transplant. 

Stages of Recovery after Hair Transplant

The journey of recovery after a hair transplant is slow but fruitful. The journey of a hair transplant recovery is presented below as following stages:
  1. 1 to 4 days: The harvest node from the base of the head heals quickly. Patients may observe slight redness and irritation at the site of implantation. It is important to rest adequately for the first few days to speed up healing and recovery. 
  2. 4 days to 3 weeks: The healing process may take a little longer for some people. The redness and discomfort will gradually diminish till the patient reaches day 21 after a hair transplant. One can start gently washing the hair and use a comb at this stage. 
  3. 1 to 3 months: The scalp might appear pink and scabbed during these months after which the hair will start to fall. After the hair fall phase, slight hair growth can be observed. 
  4. 3 to 6 months: An appreciable level of hair growth can be seen as the body's trying to grow the hair naturally.
  5. 6 to 9 months: This is the most vital stage of hair growth. Hair becomes dense and longer. One may begin trying new styling products at this stage. 
  6. 9 to 12 months: This is the phase at which most patients first observe the thickening of the hair. At least 90% of hair's growth is seen here.
  7. 12 to 15 months: After a year of hair transplant, almost the entire hair transplanted area shows robust hair growth. One may notice an increased hair density and volume.
Remember that hair growth rates vary depending on the area of the head. And the graft grows at different speeds depending on when it was transplanted in the hair growth cycle.
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What Happens 21 days after a Hair Transplant?

  1. Around 21 days after a hair transplant, the hair shafts start to fall. There's no need to worry as the hair enters the recovery process. 
  2. Soon after the hair shafts fall, one may notice new hair growth. The new hair, 21 days after a hair transplant, grows slowly, and you must be patient during this period. 
  3. You may also notice prolonged redness and inflammation at the hair transplant site. This can be managed with the help of medications. The surgeon prescribes these medicines to reduce inflammation.
  4. The doctor can prescribe painkillers or antibiotics to prevent infections depending upon the condition and needs.
  5. You will be advised to take medications for promoting hair growth around 21 days after a hair transplant or as and when directed by the doctor. These medications further augment the recovery process and speed up new hair growth.

How to Achieve a Successful Hair Transplant after 21 days?

The journey of hair transplantation is a slow and arduous one. Unlike other surgeries and procedures, hair transplantation does not show immediate results. Constant caring and patience is the key to achieving outstanding results. 

One may keep the following things in mind to achieve successful hair transplantation after 21 days:
  1. Around 21 days after a hair transplant, the scalp is less sensitive to the touch. Always use extreme caution while applying heat to the hair to avoid accidental scalp damage. Avoid using a hair dryer or curling iron. 
  2. Consume biotin daily. This vitamin helps strengthen the nails and hair. It should be consumed for at least six months after a hair transplant.
  3. One can use a derma roller to massage the scalp and improve blood circulation. However, this must be used after around 45 days of hair transplant. Use it no more than 2-3 times a week or as the doctor recommends.
  4. Avoid styling products till at least four weeks after the hair transplant. This is because the harsh chemicals in the styling products may cause damage to the newly implanted hair follicles.

Things to Do 21 days after a Hair Transplant

  1. You can engage in regular physical activities such as weightlifting, yoga, walking, and meditation.
  2. You can take steam and go to the sauna.
  3. Start combing or brushing the hair.
  4. Shave the head whenever required.
  5. Use mild shampoo to wash the scalp.
  6. Proper sleeping posture needs to be maintained. You must sleep on your back, with your head elevated by a few pillows. This helps decrease any swelling that may occur post-surgery.
  7. Consume healthy food that includes blueberries, spinach, walnuts, fish (salmon, tuna), eggs, etc., as having the proper diet provides the essential nutrients for the healthy growth of the hair.

Things to Avoid 21 days after Hair Transplant

  1. Avoid smoking as it might delay the recovery process. Smoking and tobacco products decrease blood flow to the scalp, resulting in a slowing down of hair growth.
  2. Avoid the consumption of alcohol.
  3. Avoid too much caffeine.
  4. Avoid going out in the sun without headgear. It is best to wear headgear till around six months after a hair transplant.
  5. Not taking showers after working out. Take showers to avoid the risk of infections.
  6. Avoid using derma rollers until 45 days after the hair transplant.
  7. Avoid the application or use of any hair products, hair spray, or gel.

Takeaway

The use of cutting-edge technology for hair transplant helps one get back their hair successfully and also guarantees the highest standards of safety and effectiveness. Advanced procedures, such as FUE, FUT, and other hair transplantation techniques, have helped boost patients' trust in these procedures. With the right guidance and aftercare tips, one can achieve a successful hair transplant after 21 days! 

If you're worried about your results or suffer from complications associated with a hair transplant, feel free to reach out to our excellent team of doctors at HexaHealth. The dermatologists at HexaHealth are sensitive to the needs of patients. They take great care to lead patients through the process of getting new hair. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Once the grafts have healed, you may begin exercising again. You can start combing or brushing your hair. You can even go to the sauna or steam.
 
Hair grafts from a hair transplant may actually begin to fall out anywhere from 1 to 5 weeks following the treatment. After this phase, the new hair will start to grow.
 
Yes. Typically, the grafts take between 8 to 10 days to settle. Extreme caution is warranted for the first 20 days after a hair transplant. This is because grafts need time to stabilize following transplantation.
 
No, wearing a cap for at least a month after a hair transplant is recommended, as direct sun exposure may interfere with the recovery process.
 
New hair growth in the transplanted area often begins within the first month following hair transplantation. This is very slow and may take 3-4 months to see visible changes.
 
A balanced diet high in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein can speed up hair growth. You can also consume biotin as it helps strengthen the hair.
 
Yes, the majority of the transplanted hairs fall out in the first month. Don't worry, as this is a part of the recovery process. New hair growth starts after this phase.
 
No, you cannot feel your new hair growth. You may be able to see fine hair emerging around 21 days after a hair transplant, but you won't be able to feel it.
 
The growth rate and overall health status of your hair may be improved by making dietary changes and using nourishment oils. Have a balanced diet rich in micronutrients like iron, zinc, etc. To notice the best results, consume biotin daily for at least six months after a hair transplant. 
 
The signs of new hair growth around 21 days after a hair transplant include patchy areas and thin hair growth. The hair may eventually grow to become long and thick.
 
Yes, but not always. Itchy hair most probably means that your hair is growing. A natural byproduct of this healing process is the release of chemicals (histamines) from the scalp that produce itching and the subsequent desire to scratch. However, it may also be a sign of an infection.
 
You can tell if your hair follicles are alive by examining your scalp and looking for signs of hair growth. Your hair follicles might still be alive and will continue to regenerate even if you can only see sparse patches of hair or a fuzzy texture. If your hair doesn't regrow, it probably means they are dead.
 
Yes, you might experience itching when your hair is falling out. This might be due to fungal infections or allergic reactions that cause an itchy scalp and hair fall due to damage to the hair follicles.
A sore scalp may occur due to infected hair follicles or scalp pimples that might occur 21 days after a hair transplant. It may also occur due to tension from certain hairstyles that may pull away the hair too tight. 
 

Last Updated on: 7 November 2022

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Priyanka Sharma

Dr. Priyanka Sharma

MBBS, DNB Plastic Surgery

14 Years Experience

Dr Priyanka Sharma is a well-known Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon associated with HealthPort Clinic in Delhi. She has 14 years of experience in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery and worked as an expert Plastic,...View More

Author

Rajath R Prabhu

Rajath R Prabhu

MSc. Clinical Research I PG Diploma in Public Health Services Management

3 Years Experience

His work in medical content writing and proofreading is noteworthy. He has also contributed immensely to public health research and has authored four scientific manuscripts in international journals. He was assoc...View More

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