A hair transplant is a surgical procedure, and like any medical intervention, it comes with a recovery period. While the healing of the scalp typically takes one to two weeks, visible results in terms of hair growth take much longer. It can take up to 12 months for the full results to show, depending on individual healing patterns, the technique used, and how well post-procedure care is followed.Hair does not magically grow overnight. Recovery is a journey that requires a bit of patience and some TLC. Here is what really happens post-transplant, week by week.First 24-72 HoursImmediately after the procedure, your scalp will look like it has been through something... because it has. Tiny scabs form around each transplanted hair follicle, and some redness or swelling might make your head resemble a tomato. This is totally normal. Your job for the next couple of days is to leave it alone. No scratching, no scrubbing, and absolutely no washing unless your doctor says so. You will likely be given a saline spray and some instructions. Also, avoid any strenuous activity. Week 1: The “Don’t Touch My Head” EraBy the end of the first week, the swelling and redness begin to settle. The scabs may start flaking off, which is a good sign that healing is underway.You will be allowed to gently wash your hair by now, using a special shampoo. Week 2: Shedding StartsJust when you think things are improving, the so-called “shock loss” kicks in. This is where the newly transplanted hairs decide to bail. Yes, they fall out. But it is all part of the process. The follicles are still intact under your skin, but the hair above the surface drops. Week 3 to 4: Back to Square One By this point, your scalp should be looking fairly normal again. No scabs, no redness. This is the quiet phase. Nothing much happens on the surface, but deep down, your follicles are prepping. You can resume your usual haircare routine, avoiding the harsh treatments and even a gym session or two if approved.Month 2 to 3: It Can Get Itchy You might start feeling a bit of tingling or itching. That is often a good sign. It means the follicles are waking up and beginning to grow new strands. However, do not expect full-on hair just yet. You might notice patchy, fine hairs sprouting here and there, but nothing glamorous. Still, it is enough to get your hopes up and start stalking your own scalp in the mirror every day.Month 4 to 6: Hair, Finally!This is when the magic really begins. The new hairs begin to grow in earnest. They may be thin and wispy at first, like baby hair, but they will gradually thicken with time. You will also notice your hairline shaping up. The growth is uneven for a while, so do not expect red carpet-ready hair just yet.Month 7 to 12: Full Bloom SeasonBy now, up to 70-80 per cent of your transplanted hair will have grown in. The strands get thicker, stronger, and more natural-looking. You can cut, style, and show off your new hair without people guessing you had a procedure. It is also the time when people start asking what shampoo you are using or what actually brought your hairline back from the brink.Recovery time after a hair transplant is not just about healing; it is about growth. Physically, you will be fine after a week or two. But to see visible, satisfying results, expect the full process to stretch over 9 to 12 months.