Scabs with hair attached to it falling out when washing. Should I be concerned?

Question

It has been 10 days since my FUE transplant and there are still a bit of scabs on my scalp. Slowly but surely the scabs are coming off as I gently wash my hair by touching the recipient area using a special shampoo given by my doctor. I heard that in 3 days the follicle will have taken root; however, rarely, when I wash my hair I see some scabs coming out that have the hair attached to it. Are these lost hairs? Or has the follicle taken root and this is just the hair that is coming off? Thanks!

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are concerned about hairs falling out with scabs or skin, it is best to contact your doctor.  It may be normal or there may be an issue.  It would be impossible to tell without an examination.

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

It most likely is just the hair being shed now that the graft has established itself. If there's no blood and you're taking the scabs out gently then at 10 days the grafts are strong enough that they won't simply fall out from gentle rubbing.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Thank you for the post. You are 10 days post FUE procedure, and it is expected for the grafts starting day 8 or 10 to start shedding, this is normal during the recovery process, no need to be alarmed. Congratulations on your decision in having the procedure. Hope this helps a bit. Cheers.

Ilker Apaydin, MD · Answer

The grafts should be permanent at 10 days. After this time, you can scrub as much as you need to get the scabs off. It’s normal for the hair follicle to fall out along with the scabs. You did not affect the graft itself and it will have no detrimental effect on your hair growth. Dont forget that post op care and washing is very important to have a good result

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Shedding grafts is a normal process after a hair transplant. Sometime every hair and every graft sheds and does not return until the hair goes into anagen which is usually 5-6 months after a hair transplant is done. The shedding includes the grafts as well

Scabs with hair attached to it falling out when washing. Should I be concerned?

Answers (7)

Answer: Post op care

Answer: Post op care

Answer: Shedding after a hair transplant

Answer: Shedding after a hair transplant

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Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Scabs with hair attached to it falling out when washing. Should I be concerned?

Answers (7)

Answer: Post op care

Answer: Post op care

Answer: Shedding after a hair transplant

Answer: Shedding after a hair transplant

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.