How long do scabs last after a hair transplant?

After an FUE, usually 1 to 2 weeks, with some variation between surgeons (ISHRS).

Do the transplanted hairs fall out after the procedure?

After an FUE, in most patients, yes: once the scabs are gone, the transplanted hairs fall out, but the root stays in place. The transplanted hairs then grow back over time (ISHRS).

When do you see the result of a hair transplant?

After an FUE, several months at the very least, at about 1 cm a month, and often a year or more for the full result (ISHRS).

Which washing instructions should I follow after a transplant?

Your surgeon’s. They vary from one surgeon to another and come before any information found online.

Guides

After a hair transplant: what to expect

A hair transplant follows a fairly regular course. Here is what the ISHRS, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, describes for the FUE technique. Your surgeon’s instructions come before anything else.

Updated 16 October 2026

The first weeks: scabs

Tiny scabs form on the transplanted area and on the donor area. They usually go after 1 to 2 weeks, with some variation between surgeons.

These timings apply to the FUE technique. Another technique, such as FUT (strip surgery), may go differently: ask your surgeon.

Then: the transplanted hairs fall out

In most patients, once the scabs are gone, the transplanted hairs fall out. The root stays in place: this is an expected stage. After that, you wait for the transplanted hairs to grow back.

Regrowth takes time

Allow several months at the very least: hair grows about 1 cm a month. The full result often takes a year or more.

Washing, dressings, exercise, water: follow your surgeon

Instructions on dressings, sprays, returning to exercise or contact with water vary from one surgeon to another. The ISHRS advises following those of the surgeon you chose rather than information found on other websites. That goes for this page too.

If your surgeon lets you choose a gentle shampoo for the first washes, Folliactiv offers an after-transplant foam shampoo, very gentle, soothing and moisturising. Ask your surgeon first whether it fits your protocol.

If in doubt

Pain that gets worse, redness that spreads, discharge or a fever: contact your surgeon without waiting.

Sources

ISHRS: “FUE Hair Transplant: Benefits, Process & Recovery”, section “FUE Recovery”

This page is for information only. It does not replace advice from a doctor or your surgeon.