Reaching 14 days after your hair transplant is an important milestone in your surgical hair restoration healing process. It is when everything starts to fall into place – most of the side effects have subsided, your grafts have become securely attached, and your scalp starts looking normal once again. However, at this time, you may also start seeing your transplanted grafts temporarily fall out. Here is what you can expect from your hair transplant after 2 weeks.
14 days post-op, your scalp should be returning to its normal appearance and sensation. However, some mild side effects may persist, and this article will teach you how to tell them apart from the concerning signs of complications. We also provide helpful hair transplant aftercare tips for the 2-week post-op mark and share a list of activities that are now safe to resume.
Key takeaways
2 weeks into your hair transplant recovery, your scalp should finally look and feel good again. Your healing process should be mostly complete, and your grafts should be safe to touch and clean. At this time, you can see the outline of your hair transplant and get a good idea of what your hairline may look like post-recovery. However, keep in mind that you still need to wait 9-12 months before getting your final results.
14 days after your hair transplant, your scalp’s appearance and sensation should be returning to normal [1]. The scalp swelling should have subsided, although there may still be a little redness around the transplant area. The scabs that formed around the grafts should also have fallen off by now. By this time, most patients no longer experience any pain, itching or discomfort. However, a dry scalp can still itch, so make sure to keep your transplant area moisturised and protected from the hot sun.
Here are some examples of patients who are 2 weeks post-hair transplant surgery.
As you can see in the images above, this man had a hairline transplant for his frontal balding /mid-scalp. He had a FUE procedure with 1953 grafts.
Two weeks after hair transplantation, we can see that the skin has settled and is no longer as red. Most of the hair transplant scabs have fallen off.
In FUE, the hair transplant donor area heals relatively quickly. In the above images taken 13 days apart, you can already barely see the donor site hair follicles, and the native hair has grown, covering any remaining hair transplant redness.
Youtuber Thomas George had a FUE hair transplant in his receding hairline with 1873 grafts.
On day 14, Thomas had not yet washed his hair properly other than rinsing it with water. He shows his subscribers his hairline with the scabs remaining in place before he goes in the shower.
After washing his hair properly for the first time, Thomas returns to the video to show his subscribers what his hair transplant looks like on day 14 after washing. As you can see, the hair wash has removed the crusts from the hair grafts. The scalp underneath still looks a little red, but you can still clearly see his new hairline and the short hairs in the grafts.
The man below also underwent a FUE transplant. He had 3,500 grafts transplanted to the front and crown.
This man shows his day 14 progress and what happened when he washed his hair gently. Most of the remaining scabs were loosened and came off with washing.
Your hair grafts should be attached securely inside your scalp and have access to the blood supply starting 7-10 days after your hair transplant [1]. So, by the 14 day mark, they should be less likely to become easily dislodged. This makes it safer and easier to wash your hair and resume many of your daily activities (to be discussed). However, keep in mind that they are still sensitive, so you will still need to protect them and treat them gently for a while.
Regardless of whether you had FUE or FUT surgery, your donor area should also be healed by this time. If you had an FUT procedure, your surgeon may have asked you to come in to remove your sutures (unless they were self-absorbent).
You may see a fine scar in your donor area, which will likely fade some more over time. Your surgeon likely examined it during your follow-up and suture removal appointment and made sure it has healed well. If the wound is not closed by this time or you notice any signs of infection, bleeding or oozing around it, make sure to call your clinic and let them know.
One of the reasons why the Wimpole Clinic has been voted Hair Transplant Clinic of the Year for 4 years standing (2021-2024) is our profound care for our patients’ experience. We spare no effort to provide support, reassurance and expertise at every step of their hair transplant recovery journey. So we are always delighted to hear directly from them. Here are some of our patient’s reflections at 14 days post-procedure, as expressed in their Trustpilot reviews (please see our Trustpilot profile for all our patient reviews):
Even though your healing process is mostly complete, you may still experience some normal, lingering side effects. However, in rare cases, you might develop a hair follicle infection or a common scalp problem that may need to be addressed.
Most patients don’t experience any persistent hair transplant side effects after the 2-week post-surgery mark. However, some will still report symptoms such as [2]:
While the lingering side effects described above are mild and generally harmless, you can also develop complications 14 days after your hair transplant. Here are the red flag symptoms to look out fo [1][2]:
Here is how you can tell the difference between normal side effects and potential signs of a hair transplant gone wrong:
Larger, compact crusts that develop on a greater surface of the scalp. Often yellow, greenish or brownish and may ooze pus.
Pimples or red bumps around the hair grafts.
Be sure to contact your surgeon anytime you notice any of the potential signs of complications listed above. They need to be checked out by a professional to avoid permanent damage to your grafts and more serious health hazards.
Generally, it is a good idea to check in with your surgeon whenever you have questions or concerns. Our helpful surgical staff at the Wimpole Clinic is always happy to provide all the necessary answers and set your mind at ease. Letting your doctor know as soon as you notice a potential problem allows them to determine in a timely fashion whether you need to come in for a checkup. Alternatively, they can offer advice and recommendations for effective home care and symptom monitoring.
Call emergency services if you notice any of the following symptoms alongside scalp pain, inflammation, discolouration and/or pus discharge:
These symptoms can indicate a potentially serious infection, allergic reaction or – very rarely – scalp tissue death (necrosis).
Also known as hair transplant shedding, shock loss is a scary, but completely normal part of hair transplant recovery, which often starts 2-3 weeks post-op. Most people who have had this procedure experience a temporary shedding of the hair in their transplant area. This does not harm the hair grafts, which remain safely attached under the scalp. Hair transplant shock loss normally lasts 3-4 months, followed by spontaneous regrowth [1][2][3].
Shock loss normally happens due to the trauma experienced by the grafts as they were harvested and reimplanted. They typically develop telogen effluvium, as the stress of surgery pushes them into the shedding phase of the hair growth cycle. This phase lasts 3-4 months, then they reenter the growth phase, and the follicles start producing new hair strands [1][2][3].
More rarely, the non-transplanted hair in the recipient area and even the hair around the FUT scar on your donor area can undergo a similar process [4]. The cause is still the disturbance to the scalp and follicles caused by the surgical intervention.
Shock loss usually starts 14-15 days after your surgery [1]. This means that 14 days after your hair transplant, you may not see any hair shedding at all. Or you may only now start seeing the first signs of hair thinning in your transplant area.
Some patients can start experiencing shock loss a little early and already see more substantial shedding by the 2-week mark. However, there is no strict rule regarding when your hair will start to shed or how much of it you will temporarily lose. It generally depends on a variety of factors, ranging from your genes to your surgeon’s skill level.
Good hair transplant maintenance is crucial in obtaining the best results possible. Here are some helpful, science-based aftercare tips that can help you grow full, healthy hair:
Keeping your hair and scalp clean, protected and hydrated is among the best things you can do. Here is how you can achieve that:
Your surgeon is likely to recommend hair loss medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride. They can help reduce your shock loss and speed up your hair regrowth. Minoxidil improves the blood flow to your hair follicles, supplying them with the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow. Finasteride prevents further hair loss around your transplanted grafts by reducing the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your blood.
Your surgeon likely recommended that you take a 2-3 week break from cigarettes because smoking can impact your hair transplant results. However, you are better off taking this opportunity to quit altogether. That’s because smoking causes hair loss by accentuating androgenetic alopecia and producing inflammation in your body.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, rich in vitamins B, C, D and E and in nutrients such as iron, zinc or magnesium, can also promote your long-term hair transplant growth and health. Your follicles need these elements to produce strong, thick hair, and it is best to get them from dietary sources rather than hair growth supplements.
Finally, stress can wreak havoc on your hair, and it can prolong your shock loss. Engaging in relaxing activities, such as meditation, light exercise, walks in nature or spending quality time with loved ones can be beneficial to your graft growth and improve your overall well-being.
By the 2-week mark after their surgical hair restoration, most patients are eager to resume their normal activities. Here are some of the most important actions that you can safely engage in once more after 14 days:
If your job is not very physically demanding, it is safe to go back to work 7 days after your hair transplant. However, patients who want to have a hair transplant without anyone knowing often prefer to wait 14 days before returning to the office. That’s because by this time, their scalp looks mostly normal, and their procedure remains inconspicuous.
It is usually safe to wear a hat 10 days after your hair transplant, so by day 14, you should be able to do so without any fear of graft dislodgement. However, keep in mind that your transplant area is still sensitive, so it is best to choose light, loose and comfortable headgear. Patients who need to wear protective equipment, such as hard hats, for work need to make sure that they have a soft layer inside (e.g. silk cloth) and that they are not too tight.
14 days post-op, you are free to engage in low-intensity exercise once more. You can try light jogging, power walking, aerobics, pilates or cycling. Be sure to hydrate yourself properly while you’re working out after your transplant and to take frequent breaks to rest. And if you are sweating profusely, tap your transplant area gently with a clean towel or wet wipe and wash your hair and scalp after your session.
Since your hair grafts are now secure, it is safe to have sex 14 days after your hair transplant. However, be sure to protect your grafts in this process and avoid forcefully tugging at them (e.g. pulling on or passionately running fingers through your hair). If you notice pain or damage to your grafts after your sexual encounter, let your surgeon know.
Here are some of the activities that require a little more patience and recovery time before they can be safely practised once more:
If you have a physically strenuous job, it is best to wait at least 3-4 weeks before returning to work. The same can be said if your sports regimen includes heavy exercise, such as weight lifting or wrestling. Since different types of physically demanding activities have different intensities and likelihood of scalp injury, it is wise to ask your surgeon for clearance before resuming them.
Hair dye can damage your sensitive hair grafts and, thus, it is to be avoided for at least a month after your surgery. It is also best to wait 3-4 weeks before getting a haircut after your hair transplant. This will ensure that your grafts are fully healed and secured within your scalp, so there is no risk of dislodgement with hair cutting or styling.
There is an ongoing debate among hair transplant clinics regarding the best time to get a PRP hair treatment after your surgical hair restoration. Some clinics recommend this therapy as soon as 10 days post-op, citing its benefits for healing and recovery. However, most surgeons agree that it’s best to wait 3-4 weeks to get PRP after your hair transplant. Since this treatment involves local anaesthesia and injections to your scalp, it can cause added stress to your recovering transplant area if performed too soon.
Once your shock loss clears within 3-4 months of its onset, you will start seeing hair regrowth in your transplant area. This new hair will continue to grow longer and fuller during the following months. However, you will need to have a little patience before you can see your final results – usually 9-12 months after your procedure.
Should your final results appear underwhelming, it is a good idea to discuss this with your surgeon. While the vast majority of patients (67.3%) are fully satisfied with their outcome after a single surgery, another 30.8% require a second hair transplant to achieve this [8]. Sometimes, some simple touch-ups are all you need to get the excellent results you have been hoping for.
If you want to get a personalised account of what you can expect after your surgical hair restoration, book a free, no-strings-attached hair transplant consultation at the Wimpole Clinic. Our experienced surgeons will examine your hair and scalp carefully and give you a realistic idea of the results you can hope for and what the healing process may look like for you.
Here, at the Wimpole Clinic, we take great pride in our 50-year legacy of hair transplant excellence and we make sure that every patient is treated like a VIP. Our friendly surgical staff will be by your side at every step of your hair transplant journey, to answer questions, address concerns and make recommendations for optimal results.
If you still have questions regarding your hair transplant recovery after 14 days, you might find the answers you need below:
If you still have some scabs that haven’t fallen off your hair transplant area, don’t pick them off to avoid injury to your grafts. Experts recommend spraying them with 0.75% hydrogen peroxide solution or applying some emollient oil to them for 5-10 minutes to soften them before washing your hair [9]. During the wash, gently rub them with the flat side of your fingers to loosen them. If this doesn’t work, it is best to make an appointment with your clinic so your surgeon can safely remove them for you.
No, there is no need to worry if you do not develop shock loss exactly 2 weeks after your hair transplant. Some patients take longer than others for this process to start. A lucky few never experience it at all.
Moreover, hair transplant shedding is not a predictor of procedure success. So you don’t need to be concerned that if you don’t develop it, it means your surgery has failed. Try to maintain a positive and relaxed attitude during your recovery period. At the 14-day mark, you only need to worry if you notice signs of potential complications (e.g. infection, inflammation, pain, swelling that won’t subside, etc.).
It is not safe to be out with your scalp exposed to the sun 14 days after your hair transplant. In fact, it is not safe to do so even without having had this procedure, as the sun can damage your hair and increase your risk of heatstroke and even scalp melanoma. However, the skin on your transplant area is especially sensitive after having had surgical hair restoration, and the UV radiation can harm your grafts, endangering their survival. It is best to keep your head covered when out in the hot sun, since it is safe to wear a light hat at this time.
By the 14th day after your hair transplant, your grafts should already be securely attached and more difficult to pull out. However, this can depend on several factors, such as your personal healing rate and the amount of force applied to your grafts. While it is unlikely at this time that your grafts will pop out simply from a light touch, they may become dislodged if they are forcefully pulled on, such as getting your implanted hair caught on a hat or headset and yanked out. Vigorously scratching your hair transplant area with your nails can also have this effect. So it is best to keep treating your scalp gently and carefully for at least a month post-procedure.
That largely depends on what your regular workout entails. It is safe to engage in light exercise, such as cycling, stretching, light jogging or aerobics. However, you should wait at least 4 weeks after your hair transplant to engage in physically demanding activities, such as lifting weights.
Wimpole Clinic Services:
Hair Transplants, Beard Transplants & Eyebrow Transplants.
Talk to a specialist
Dr Mir Malkani MBBS, MISHRS, FRCS, aged 59, is a pioneer and leader in the field of FUE Hair Transplants in the UK. He has performed over 7,000 hair transplant procedures in the last 21 years and is an innovator in FUE surgery due to his extensive experience. In-fact, Dr Malkani is one of the first three FUE surgeons in the UK and has developed modern FUE surgery techniques and is registered with the GMC (4702052). He has been performing FUE surgery since January 2008 and for the last five years almost exclusively performs this technique. Dr Malkani takes a keen interest in every patient and their surgery results. He performs surgical aspects himself thereby ensuring a high standard of work and accountability for each individual patient whilst complying with UK Law.
After achieving a Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1997, Dr Malkani had the opportunity to work in a range of specialties in Dublin, London, Sussex and The Midlands. This included Trauma Surgery, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. Additionally, Dr Malkani has achieved qualifications in General Practice and has been a practising hair transplant Surgeon on a full-time basis since 2004. He worked for the Wimpole Clinic from 2013 to 2016 as a specialist FUE surgeon before setting up his own hair clinic in 2017 which eventually merged with Wimpole Clinic in 2019.
Since 2015 Dr Malkani has become the expert witness for the UK judicial system in order to provide expert medical opinions to the courts for hair transplant medical malpractices in the UK. He has been pivotal in helping the UK courts in improving the quality of hair transplant surgery in the UK and in patients suffering malpractice from poor unregulated work here in the UK. Dr Malkani has performed hair transplant surgery in England, Scotland, Ireland and in Sweden.
Dr Malkani has taken a keen interest in and practised facial aesthetics, body sculpting and hair loss for many years. His surgical qualifications, experience, skills and understanding of facial cosmetology has enabled him to master the most modern and advanced techniques and artistry of FUE hair Surgery. These outstanding skills have helped transform the lives of his male, female and transgender patients. He is one of the few around the world whose transaction rate (damage to grafts during extraction) is extremely low and is under 2%. This ensures a high volume of viable grafts and a good result without compromising the donor area. Dr Malkani is also one of a few surgeons in the UK who can harvest body hair in a hair transplant where there is a depleted donor area.
In 2008, Dr Malkani had the honour to be invited to lecture on The Art and Sciences of Hair Restoration surgery and Hair loss in the annual meeting of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors at The Royal College of Physicians in London. Dr Malkani has trained others in the specialty of Hair Restoration Surgery in The United Kingdom, Italy and Asia. He has worked on thousands of hair transplant patients over the past 16 years and has kept abreast of constant new developments in the industry.
Membership of professional bodies by Dr Malkani includes full membership of The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors and British Medical Association. He has been featured by the national press and BBC as one of the key seniors, versatile hair transplant surgeons in the UK.
GMC Registration No: 4702052
