Is it Normal for One Portion of a Hair Transplant to Grow Slower than the Others?

This question comes from a member of our [tag]hair loss[/tag] social community and discussion forums: 

6 months ago, I underwent a [tag]hair transplant[/tag] procedure and I’m concerned about the growth. It seems like one portion of the implanted hair is still sparse and “wirey,” and I do not think it is growing as quickly as the other transplanted areas. Is this possible? Is it normal for one portion of a hair transplant to grow slower than the others?

This is both a very common and very important question. Hair follicles cycle through three different phases: the anagen (growth) phase, the catogen (transition) phase, and the telogen (rest) phase. When transplanted from the universal safe zone to balding regions of scalp, hair follicles are often in different phases and inevitably enter into the “resting” phase at different times. Because of this, implanted hairs naturally mature from “fine and wispy” beginning at (roughly) 3 months to terminal and natural by 12 months, and begin this growth process at different times as well.

Because of this, seeing certain areas of the transplant grow and mature at different rates is perfectly normal and natural. If one portion of the transplant seems like it is growing slower or appears “different” than the others at the 3rd, 6th, or even 8th month mark, patients can likely rest assured and simply wait until month 12. By 12 months, the hair transplant should be fully matured (though some argue it can take 14-18 months) and all areas should appear uniform and natural.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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