The Life of a Transplanted Hair

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Posted on : October 14, 2016 | Category : Hair Transplant | Author: John Kahen

Each Strand of Hair consists of three Layers:

1. An innermost layer or medulla
2. The middle layer known as the cortex. The cortex provides strength and both the color and texture of hair.
3. The outer layer is known as the cuticle. The cuticle is thin and colorless and serves as a protector of the cortex.

Hair Grows in three phases-The first is the ANAGEN phase also known as the growth phase, approximately 85% of all hairs are in the growth phase at one time.  The growth phase can vary from two to six years ranging anywhere from approximately 6 to 10 cm per year. The Second phase is the CATAGEN phase, this lasts about one or two weeks. Within one or two weeks, 25% of the hairs are in a transitional phase at one time. During the second phase the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of its normal length. The third phase is the TELOGEN phase (resting phase) and lasts about 5-6 weeks. 13% of all hairs are in the resting phase at one time but this percentage can vary from 4% to 24%.  During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle while the dermal papilla stays in a resting phase. Hair growth from the transplanted follicles generally begins at 2.5 – 3 months. Some of the hairs can begin to grow as quickly as one month. The remainder of the hair will start to grow within the year following your procedure, patients will see the full results within 8 to 12 months.