21 Days after Hair Transplant: What You Should Expect?

24 November, 2023 | Hair Transplant | Author : Shveta Virmani

Your hair transplantation experience can alter the way you live your life. Mild swelling, discomfort, and headache are common things you will experience after the surgery. But your worries start 21 days after hair transplantation.

Many people are concerned about a hair transplant after 21 days since they begin to shed hair from the scalp. Many individuals think it occurs with an unsuccessful hair transplant and blame their surgeon at first. But let's tell you one secret: it's a part of your healing process.

That's not the only thing you may experience 21 days following the surgery. Besides shock hair loss, you may encounter several other impacts after the transplant. Here's asking you not to worry as this post narrates what you can expect three weeks after the surgery.

How Does Your Life Change 21 Days After Hair Transplant?

Life after hair transplantation may seem complicated. You cannot perform strenuous activities and struggle through sleeping difficulties. In addition, you also need to manage the minor side effects post-surgery. Amidst all this, starting to see promising results remains the ultimate ray of hope. So, here's what you can expect three weeks after undergoing the hair transplant in Delhi.

Day 1: The scalp will feel painful and sensitive. You must avoid direct sunlight and stick to a strict diet throughout the healing phase.

Day 2-3: A headache and minor pain might be there.

Day 4-6: Crusts and scabs may form around the transplanted region after the fourth day.

Day 5-6: Swelling will decrease by the sixth day.

Day 7: 7 days after the transplant, excessive sweating and scalp irritation may occur. You must not pick or scratch the area. Consume the medicines instructed by your surgeon and avoid alcohol or smoking. You can consult the doctor to learn more about cysteine treatment for hair.

Day 8-9: Formed crust and scab start losing on the eighth day. Your doctor may instruct you to wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Day 10 to 15: Punctate red scabs and crusting start disappearing with newly transplanted hair grafts being secured on the scalp.

Newly transplanted grafts take around 10 to 14 days after hair transplant to appear on the scalp. You need to secure the grafts after 21 days. For this reason, you must avoid strenuous activities and keep your head covered for at least 2 weeks.

Remember, increased blood pressure may damage your hair grafts to the areas around your blood vessels. You need to prevent it from getting snagged on the scalp. Avoid wearing hats and caps during this time.

Day 16 to 19:Some scabs may remain, and itchiness can occur. This is the time when you experience shock hair loss or hair transplant shedding due to hair trauma experienced during the surgery.

Day 20-21: During the 20-21 days of the treatment, patients may still experience shock hair loss. It occurs due to the shock experienced during the surgery when hair enters the telogen phase (or resting stage).

Things You Can Expect 3 Weeks after Hair Transplantation

Three weeks after the hair transplantation, you can expect these things to occur:

After 21 days post-surgery, the hair shafts start falling. But you don't need to worry as it enters the healing process.
You can also expect new hair growth (the progression will be slow during this stage)
Prolonged redness or inflammation may be experienced at the transplant site. Consume all your medicines to reduce inflammation.

Dos and Don'ts to Follow 21 Days after Hair Transplant

After 21 days, you need to follow these dos:

Shave your head when required
Start brushing and combing your hair
Maintain proper sleeping postures and sleep on the back (keep the head elevated by two pillows to reduce swelling)
Engage in light exercises such as yoga, meditation, and walking
Use a mild product for shampooing
Devote to a healthy diet routine that includes foods like spinach, fish, eggs, walnuts, and other essential nutrients that are healthy for hair growth

Avoid these things 21 days after your hair transplantation:

Don’t consume alcohol and avoid smoking: these activities decrease blood flow to your scalp (leading to a slower hair growth process)
Avoid going out in the sun without a loose hat
Don't consume excessive caffeine products or coffee
Avoid applying hair products, gel, or hair spray (which aren't recommended by your surgeon)
Don't avoid taking showers after workouts to reduce the risks of infections

21 days after hair transplant, you might see hair falling out. But don't be nervous as it's normal. However, three weeks is too early to expect noticeable results with hair growth. So, you must wait for a few more months to flaunt your voluminous hair. Don't hesitate to contact your surgeon in case of urgency.

FAQs

How Do You Speed Up Hair Growth After The Surgery?

You must consume healthy foods rich in iron, protein, and zinc, so follow a balanced diet. You may also consume biotin as it strengthens your hair from the inside out.

Can You Visit the Gym 21 Days After Hair Transplant?

Visiting the gym means you are going to perform strenuous activities like intense cardio, weight lifting, and high-intensity interval training. And for a patient who has recently undergone hair transplantation three weeks ago, performing these exercises isn't advisable.

Although the hair grafts are secure by the third week, you must be careful as your skin is still sensitive during this phase. You can only engage in light exercises like yoga and meditation. Your surgeon usually gives you a green signal for gym visits not less than one month after hair transplantation.

Are Hair Follicles Alive after Shock Hair Loss?

Yes, shock hair loss is normal which happens during the second or third week post-surgery. You will know the hair follicles are still alive by examining the scalp. Check for signs that indicate hair growth. The hair follicles regenerate even after sparse patches or fuzzy textures. However, in case the hair does not regrow, it means you have not listened to your hair surgeon, and that's why your hair is dead.