The Most Important Thing to Know
Shock loss is normal, expected, and temporary. Nearly every hair transplant patient experiences it. The follicles are alive and healthy — they're just resting before producing new growth.
What Is Shock Loss?
Shock loss (also called "shedding phase") is when transplanted hairs fall out 2-8 weeks after surgery. The trauma of being extracted and reimplanted causes the hair shaft to shed while the follicle enters a resting phase (telogen). The follicle remains alive beneath the surface and will produce new hair in 3-4 months.
Two Types of Shock Loss
1. Transplanted Hair Shedding
The hairs you just had transplanted fall out. This happens to nearly everyone and is 100% expected.
Regrowth: Virtually all shed transplanted follicles regrow (90-95%+).
2. Native Hair Shedding
Existing native hairs near the transplant area may also shed due to surgical trauma and inflammation.
Regrowth: Most regrows within 3-6 months. Finasteride/minoxidil can help.
Timeline: What to Expect
Transplanted hairs still attached. Small scabs around grafts. Some hairs may fall out with scabs — this is normal.
Peak shedding begins. You may see hairs on your pillow, in the shower, when washing. This can be alarming but is expected.
"Ugly duckling" phase. Most transplanted hair has shed. You may look worse than before surgery. This is temporary.
New growth emerges! Fine, thin hairs start appearing. The "it's working!" phase begins.
Continued thickening and growth. Full results visible by month 12-18.
How to Cope with Shock Loss
- 📸 Take monthly photos — Same lighting, same angle. You'll see progress even when it doesn't feel like it.
- 🧢 Hats are fine — Loose hats protect from sun and provide coverage during the awkward phase.
- 📱 Stay in touch with your clinic — Send photos, ask questions. Good clinics expect this and will reassure you.
- 🚫 Don't obsess daily — Progress is slow. Weekly or biweekly checks are better for mental health.
- 💊 Continue medications — Finasteride and minoxidil help native hair recover faster.
- ⏳ Trust the process — Every successful transplant patient went through this exact phase.
When to Actually Worry
Shock loss itself is not concerning. Contact your surgeon if you experience:
- • Signs of infection (increasing redness, pus, fever)
- • Severe pain beyond the first few days
- • Large areas of grafts falling out with scabs still attached (before week 2)
- • No new growth by month 5-6 (may need assessment)
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