Hair Transplant Growth Process
How Long Does the Awkward Stage Last After a Hair Transplant? The "Bayaba" Phase and Hair Care
Has new hair started to grow after your hair transplant, but the lengths are uneven and it looks frizzy, leaving you concerned? The so-called "awkward stage" or "bayaba phase" is a temporary change in appearance that can occur while transplanted hair is growing. Based on the video explanation by Director Yoo Hwa-jung of Modi Hair Plant Clinic, we summarize the changes by stage and how to care for your hair.
Summary in 3 Lines
- Transplanted hair sheds after surgery and usually begins to grow back several months later, and not all hairs grow at the same speed at the same time.
- In the video, the period around 6–8 months after surgery — when length, thickness, and hair texture are still uneven — is described as the "bayaba phase."
- During this period, rather than judging the outcome too early, it is better to lightly trim the length and to check the condition of your scalp before using high-heat styling or chemical treatments.
The Awkward Stage and the "Dark Period" After a Hair Transplant Are Different
The two expressions are used similarly, but they refer to different points in time. The dark period refers to the early phase after surgery when the hair shafts of the transplanted hair fall out and the follicles enter the resting phase, which can make the area look emptier than before surgery. The literature explains that after the hair shafts shed following transplantation, new hair generally begins to grow from around 3 months. [3]
The awkward stage, on the other hand, is a colloquial expression for the period when newly grown short hairs mix with existing longer hairs, making the style look awkward. The bayaba phase mentioned in the video mainly refers to around 6–8 months after surgery, when the length, thickness, and texture of the hair are not yet evenly settled, making it look frizzy.
It is easiest to understand the dark period as the time when transplanted hair has shed and new hair has not yet emerged sufficiently, and the bayaba phase as the time when hair is growing but is difficult to manage because the length and shape are uneven.
Check the Video First
Director Yoo Hwa-jung explains why the bayaba phase occurs after a hair transplant and how to care for your hair through this period. The 6–8 months mentioned in the video is a representative example; actual growth speed and hair condition may vary depending on the surgical area and individual hair characteristics.
Why Does Hair Look Frizzier Around 6–8 Months?
Because Hairs Do Not Grow All at the Same Time
Not all transplanted follicles begin their growth phase on the same day. When hairs that grew earlier mix with hairs that emerged later, the lengths become uneven and the overall density may also feel irregular.
The Thickness and Texture of Early Hair May Be Uneven
Newly emerging hair may initially be fine or short, and some may feel wavy or coarse. The length and appearance of the hair may change over time, but not all changes resolve on their own, so it is advisable to consult the medical staff about any discomfort that persists.
A Length Difference Develops With Existing Hair
Existing hair continues to grow longer, while transplanted hair starts growing later. Especially in highly visible areas such as the hairline, short hairs may stick up and feel difficult to manage.
It Is Too Early to Judge Overall Density and Volume
Around 6 months after surgery, some hair may still not have grown, and the hair that has emerged may not yet have sufficient length. It is difficult to determine the final result from the appearance at this point alone.
Changes by Stage After a Hair Transplant
| Period | Observable Changes | Care Points |
|---|---|---|
| Immediately after surgery – 2 weeks | Redness, scabs, and short transplanted hairs may be visible. | Prioritize the washing method and contact precautions provided by the clinic. |
| 2–8 weeks | As the transplanted hair shafts shed, the area may look emptier than before surgery. | Do not equate hair shedding with the follicles falling out. |
| 3–4 months | New hair may gradually begin to emerge. | Rather than comparing growth speed with others, record photos under the same conditions. |
| 6–8 months | Differences in length and thickness may make hair look frizzy and awkward. | Use a light cut and gentle styling that takes the overall balance into account. |
| Around 9–12 months and beyond | The length, density, and settling appearance of grown hair are checked at follow-up visits. | Check the condition of existing hair as well and decide whether further follow-up observation is needed. |
The hairline and crown may show different growth patterns, and the point at which change is noticed also varies depending on individual hair thickness, curliness, and whether existing hair loss is progressing. Specific evaluation is best based on follow-up checks by the medical staff who performed the surgery.
Hairline Progress Seen in an Actual Case From the Video
The video compares the side hairline near the temple before hairline correction and at 3 months and 6 months after correction. The progress timepoints in the photos below follow what is indicated in the video.
Before Hairline Correction and 3 Months After
Before Hairline Correction and 6 Months After
This is an individual case introduced in the video. How it appears may vary depending on the shooting angle, lighting, and the length and styling of the hair. Graft survival rate or the final result cannot be judged from photos alone, and actual growth patterns and surgical results vary from person to person.
Care Methods to Get Through the Bayaba Phase More Comfortably
Lightly Trim Differences in Length
If there is a large difference between the short, newly emerged transplanted hair and the longer existing hair, a cut that takes the overall shape into account may help. Cutting the ends of the hair does not remove the follicles themselves, but in the early period after surgery it can cause physical irritation to the transplanted area, so the timing of when you can get a cut should follow the clinic's guidance.
Blow-Dry With Air That Is Not Hot, Keeping a Distance
Rather than applying hot air close to the scalp for a long time, it is better to dry gently at an appropriate distance. It is also important not to dry your hair while pulling it strongly with a comb or your fingers.
Check Your Scalp Condition Before Using Flat Irons, Perms, or Dye
Repeatedly applying high heat can make the hair shaft dry and rough. Perms and dyes involve chemical ingredients that can contact and irritate the scalp, so if redness or itchiness remains, postpone them and check with the medical staff about the appropriate timing before proceeding.
Take Photos Each Month Under the Same Conditions
Density can look very different depending on lighting, angle, and how wet the hair is. Taking photos at one-month intervals in the same place and lighting makes it easier to check growth changes objectively than looking in the mirror day to day.
Cases That Should Not Be Dismissed as Simply the Awkward Stage
Uneven hair length or a frizzy appearance alone does not mean something is wrong with the surgery. However, if the following changes accompany it, let the medical staff know about your condition rather than waiting until your scheduled follow-up date.
- Redness, a sensation of heat, or pain that does not subside and instead worsens
- Discharge or pus, a strong odor, or recurring inflammation
- Sudden round or patchy shedding in a specific area
- Little to no growth change confirmed even well past the follow-up timepoint you were informed of
Frequently Asked Questions
The transplanted hair is curlier than my original back hair — did it grow incorrectly?
Newly emerged hair may feel wavier or coarser because its initial thickness and length are uneven. It may change over time, but if bending in a specific area persists or is accompanied by skin irritation, it is advisable to have both the hair direction and scalp condition checked.
Does cutting transplanted hair during the bayaba phase affect graft survival?
Cutting the hair shaft that has emerged from the scalp does not in itself cut the follicle inside the skin. However, contact and friction can be an issue immediately after surgery, so in the early period you should follow the clinic's post-operative care schedule.
If density looks insufficient at 6 months, does that mean the result is poor?
Around 6 months may be a period when hair that has already grown is mixed with hair that is still growing. An expert consensus statement recommends close follow-up observation during the first year after surgery. However, since growth patterns differ by individual, actual evaluation should involve comparing photos taken under the same conditions as before surgery. [1]
Will straightening or perming during this period make the hair look neater?
It may help with temporarily tidying the style, but high heat and chemical treatments can irritate the hair shaft or scalp. Since the possible timing varies depending on post-operative progress and scalp condition, check with the clinic where you had surgery before proceeding.
Wondering whether your current growth process is within the normal range?
By checking the timing and area of surgery together with your current scalp condition, you can receive more specific guidance on whether it is simply part of the growth process or whether separate care is needed.
References
- Vañó-Galván S, Bisanga CN, Bouhanna P, et al.; Hair Transplant Surgery Expert Group. An international expert consensus statement focusing on pre and post hair transplantation care. J Dermatolog Treat. 2023;34(1):2232065. PMID: 37477225. DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2232065.
- Mysore V, Kumaresan M, Garg A, et al. Hair Transplant Practice Guidelines. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2021;14(3):265-284. PMID: 34908769. PMCID: PMC8611706. DOI: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_104_20.
- Khanna M. Hair transplantation surgery. Indian J Plast Surg. 2008;41(Suppl):S56-S63. PMID: 20174544. PMCID: PMC2825128.
- Modi Hair Plant. The awkward stage after a hair transplant…? How should you get through the bayaba phase?! YouTube. Go to the video.
This article was written based on general medical information and a video explanation by medical staff, and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment. Hair growth timing and surgical results may vary depending on the state of hair loss, the transplanted area, hair characteristics, and post-operative care, and specific care methods are determined after consultation.