How Long After Hair Transplant Are Grafts Secure? Timeline & Tips

Hair loss and pattern baldness concern many people, may it be due to genetic factors or hormonal disturbance. So, a hair transplant is the only thing to rescue if they want permanent results. 

If you have recently undergone this procedure, you may wonder when the grafts will become secure. What if your hair dislodges? What are the aftercare tips? 

Hair grafts take 7 to 10 days to anchor securely after the procedure. But the full anchorage takes a bit more time, depending on the individual’s healing and aftercare. 

In this guide, we will cover everything related to how long after a hair transplant grafts are secure, related risks, and practical tips for the best results. 

What Are Hair Grafts?

Hair grafts are small skin sections containing healthy hair follicles, transplanted to bald areas of the head. A single graft contains 2 to 3 hair follicles. Surgeons extract these grafts from the donor areas, mostly from the back of the head, arms, chest, or other body parts. 

The size of the extracted hair graft depends on the surgeon, tools, procedure, and techniques. There are two primary types of hair graft procedures performed based on the doctor’s recommendation:

1. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation):  A thin strip of skin is surgically removed from the donor area and placed on the recipient site. This incision procedure is somehow more critical. 
2. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Surgeons remove hundreds of hair follicles using a micro-punch tool from the donor area and implant them into the recipient area. This results in numerous small punctures. 

Both procedures are secure and depend on the condition of the hair loss.

When Are Grafts Secure After A Hair Transplant? 

The firm anchorage of hair grafts varies from person to person, depending on how fast the body adapts and nourishes them. Medical professionals claim that grafts secure after 14 days of hair transplant, while the scalp is still in the healing phase. The scalp needs time to heal and recover.

To get optimal results, avoid the sunlight and exercise, take medication regularly, and avoid touching the transplanted area. Hair washing in the first week is strictly prohibited, as the grafts are not secured yet. After that, you can gently wash your hair with prescribed shampoo. 

Here is the timeline for graft stability:

Day	Healing
0 – 3	Grafts are not firmly anchored yet.
4 – 5	The healing process begins, and the crust starts forming.
6 – 7	Scabs start falling off naturally, which is a good sign towards recovery.
8 – 10	Grafts are now more secure.
11 – 14	Grafts are now considered safe and stable.
15 onwards	Individuals can resume normal activities now, but with care.

Every individual has a different healing timeline; it depends on the aftercare and the advanced techniques used. 

Causes of Graft Dislodgement 

Hair transplant procedures have pros and cons. Some people might face dislodgement issues, a major concern after a hair transplant. Dislodgement occurs when the graft detaches or the root system gets damaged. There are various reasons for graft dislodgement:

• Frequently touching the scalp 
• Washing and rubbing hair roughly while shampooing
• Wearing fitted hats
• Doing high-impact exercises 
• Sleeping face down 

According to studies, one must follow the postoperative care and instructions to avoid any issues.

How Easy Is It To Dislodge Hair Grafts? 

After a hair transplant, the major concern for many people is how easy it is to dislodge hair grafts. So, the answer is, in the first 3 days, graft dislodgement occurs by even a minimal pressure. 

After 5 days, the grafts are more secure, and by the 10th day, there are minimal chances of graft dislodgement as transplanted grafts are now stabilized. 

Is Your Hair Transplant Healing or Are Grafts Dislodged?

If you are still unsure about the condition of your transplanted hair, have a look at these signs:

Sign	Healthy Healing	Dislodged Grafts
Appearance	Crusts start appearing, with minor redness around the implanted area.	Missing graft sections with bleeding.
Itching	Slight itching occurs as the skin heals.	Not typically a primary sign, pain is more indicative.
Scab Shedding	Scabs fall off naturally without bleeding.	Scabs fall off with the hair attached.
Pain	Minimal or no pain beyond initial post-op discomfort.	Increased pain.
Swelling	Swelling gradually subsides.	Swelling increases day by day.

Long-Term Survival: How Many Grafts Survive?

After undergoing a hair transplant procedure, the most common concern is: how many grafts will survive? Not all grafts grow; some may shed naturally, but most advanced techniques claim the highest success rate. 

Survival also depends on the experience and professionalism of the surgeon. If one wants to get the best result, aftercare is a must. 

Typical Survival Rate 

According to the National Library of Medicine, almost 90% of hair grafts survive and grow healthy. After 6 to 12 months, one can observe the full density of the transplanted hair. 

Practical Tips for Maximum Hair Graft Survival

Here are a few doctors-advised practical tips that ensure the maximum hair graft survival rate:

• Strictly avoid smoking and alcohol in the first 15 days.
• Taker prescribed medicines regularly.
• Follow proper hair washing techniques and use only the prescribed shampoo.
• Strictly avoid the sun as UV rays are highly damaging. 
• Do not wear tightly fitted caps and helmets.

How do I know when my grafts are fully secure after 10 days?

By the 10th day, grafts are not yet fully secured, so avoid any vigorous activity or washing hair. Always consult a doctor to know about your condition.         

What signs indicate my grafts are healing properly within the first week?

Signs include scabs falling off naturally, redness, slight itching and no bleeding. However, a bit of swelling is normal.

How can I protect my grafts during the critical 5-14 day period?

During the 5 to 14 day period, avoid direct sun, excessive stress, strain, and tight-fitted helmets. Only wear surgical caps.