Shock Loss: Why Your New Hair Falls Out (And Why It's Good News)
A few weeks after your procedure, you may notice shedding. This is a normal adaptation phase known as "shock loss."
[Image: Temporary Shedding After Hair Transplant - Placeholder]
Illustration showing the hair growth cycle and shock loss phase.
One of the most common concerns for patients after a hair transplant is seeing their newly transplanted hair fall out just a few weeks after the procedure. This phenomenon is known as "Shock Loss" or temporary shedding. While it can be alarming, it is actually a perfectly natural and normal adaptation phase for the follicles. New hair will typically begin to grow back healthily within 3 to 4 months.
Understanding Shock Loss
It is important to remember: Only the hair shaft falls out. The follicle (the root) remains safely embedded in your scalp. This is a normal reset phase where the hair moves from the growth phase (anagen) to the resting phase (telogen) before starting anew.
What to Expect: The Timeline
Shock loss typically occurs within the first 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. During this time, you might see small hair shafts shedding. This is no cause for concern--it shows that the grafts are successfully integrating and resetting their growth cycles.
1. The Transition Phase
After the procedure, the follicles go into a resting state. Think of it as the follicle "taking a break" before it starts producing permanent, thick hair.
2. New Growth
By the 3rd or 4th month, the follicles wake up. You will see new, fine hairs beginning to penetrate the scalp surface. Over the following months, these hairs will become thicker, darker, and more resilient.
Expert Advice for the Recovery Phase
To support your follicles during this transition, we recommend:
- Consistent Nutrition: Focus on protein, iron, and Biotin to fuel new hair production.
- Official Washing Protocol: Keep the scalp clean and healthy to provide the best environment for new growth.
- Mindset: Stay positive and patient. Your transformation is unfolding exactly as it should.
Conclusion
Shock loss is a sign of progress, not failure. It is the biological process of your body making room for the permanent, natural hair that will define your results. Within a few months, your patience will be rewarded with healthy, dense growth that lasts a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair shedding normal after a transplant?
Yes, "shock loss" is a completely normal and expected part of the recovery process. It affects nearly all patients and involves the shedding of the hair shafts, not the roots.
When does shock loss start?
It typically begins 2-4 weeks after the surgery. You may notice hairs falling out during washing or on your pillow.
Will the shed hair grow back?
Yes! The follicles remain safely under the scalp. New, permanent hair will begin to sprout from these roots around the 3rd or 4th month.
Recommended Reading
This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician.