Will the hair fall out after hair transplantation? Is hair transplantation permanent?
Will the transplanted hair fall out?
Yes. After hair transplantation, hair loss may occur 2-4 weeks after the procedure, but it is the hair follicle, not the hair follicle, that falls out. The hair follicle still remains healthy and will regrow new hair after 3-4 months.
This phenomenon is medically known as "shock loss".
The causes include:
- Re-establishment of blood circulation after hair follicle transplantation
- Tissue repair causing hair follicles to temporarily enter a dormant period
- Natural shedding of existing hair
Doctor's emphasis
It is the hair itself that falls out, not the hair follicle.
The hair follicle remains healthy and usually starts to regrow new hair 3-4 months after the procedure.
Q1. Will the transplanted hair fall out after the transplant?+
No. The hair follicles transplanted during the procedure are taken from the permanent hair area at the back of the scalp (occipital region). These follicles are naturally resistant to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and will retain their original genetic characteristics even after being transplanted to the hairline or top of the head. The transplanted hair will grow out as permanent hair and will not fall out naturally.
Q2. Why do some people still feel like they have thinning hair after hair transplantation?+
This is usually not due to the transplanted hair falling out, but rather the natural hair follicles continuing to thin and fall out due to the effects of DHT. Hair transplantation can only fill in areas that are already sparse or bald, and cannot prevent the natural aging and shrinking of the hair follicles.
Q3. Will the natural hair still fall out after the transplant?+
Yes, it's possible. If a person has a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, their natural hair may continue to thin and fall out over time, even after the transplant. This is a normal physiological process and is not related to the transplant itself.
Q4. Do I have to take medication or apply medication after the transplant?+
Yes, it's highly recommended. Post-operative medication can help protect the natural hair and maintain the overall hair density and natural appearance.
Commonly recommended medications include:
- Finasteride (Dutasteride): inhibits DHT, slowing down the shrinking of natural hair follicles
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): promotes blood circulation to the scalp and stimulates hair growth
Q5. What will happen if I don't take medication after the transplant?+
You may experience the "transplanted hair is present but the natural hair is falling out" situation, leading to an unnatural and discontinuous hairline, which may require additional transplants in the future.
Q6. How can I maintain the best hair transplantation results?+
- Correct hair transplantation procedure
- Regular medication to protect the natural hair
- Good post-operative care and scalp hygiene
- Regular follow-up appointments to track hair growth All three are essential to achieve stable, natural, and long-lasting hair transplantation results.
This article has been reviewed and medically approved by Dr. Wen-Yi Wu
Dr. Wen-Yi Wu｜Director, Mong Hair Clinic
- ●Fellow of ISHRS (FISHRS)
- ●ABHRS Board-Certified Hair Restoration Surgeon
- ●President of TSHRS (Taiwan Society of Hair Restoration Surgery)