Things To Do After Hair Transplant
Right after a hair transplant, your main job is to protect the grafts, keep the scalp clean, and avoid anything that increases swelling, sweating, or friction. Gentle washing usually begins within the first few days, scabs typically clear within about two weeks, and temporary shedding can start around week 2. Always follow your clinic’s exact instructions.
First 48 Hours After Surgery
The first 1–2 days are when grafts are most vulnerable to rubbing, bumps, and accidental pressure. Move carefully, avoid bending forward for long periods, and keep your head protected from impact.
Many clinics prefer the first dressing change and the first wash to be done under professional supervision, usually the next day. If you were given medication, take it exactly as prescribed and don’t adjust doses on your own.
If possible, stay close to your clinic for the first day or two in case swelling, bleeding, or discomfort needs a quick check.
Washing And Scab Care
When To Start Washing
Clinics vary slightly, but gentle washing often starts within the first few days after the procedure. A common approach is a clinic wash the next day, then home washing begins around day 3 (sometimes day 4), using only the products recommended by your surgeon.
How To Wash Safely
Use lukewarm water and keep the water pressure low. Apply any doctor-approved lotion/foam first if instructed, let it soften the dried crusts, then rinse and cleanse with light fingertip touch—no nails, no scrubbing.
Pat dry with a clean, soft towel or let the area air-dry. Avoid hair dryers on hot settings in the early phase.
When Scabs Fall Off
Scabs usually form in the first few days, peak around days 3–4, and naturally come away in about 7–14 days if you wash gently and avoid picking. If you pull scabs off early, you can irritate the skin and risk harming grafts.
Temporary Shedding
It’s normal for transplanted hairs to shed after surgery while the follicles stay in place under the skin. This shedding often starts around week 2 and can continue for several weeks before new growth begins later in the recovery timeline.
Scabs and early crusting are part of healing and are not the same thing as “shock loss.” Treat both phases the same way: protect the scalp, wash gently, and avoid trauma.
Sleeping Position
Sleep in a position that reduces swelling and prevents your grafts from rubbing. Many surgeons recommend sleeping on your back with your head elevated around a 45-degree angle for the first few nights (sometimes up to a week, depending on swelling).
Use a travel pillow if it helps keep your head centered. Try not to sleep face-down or on the transplanted side until your surgeon says it’s safe.
PRP Treatment After Hair Transplant
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) uses a concentrated portion of your own blood and is offered by many clinics as an optional add-on. Some studies suggest PRP may support healing and early growth in certain patients, but results vary and it’s not a replacement for the transplant itself.
If you’re considering PRP, many clinics schedule the first session after the initial healing period (often a few weeks post-op), then space sessions based on your plan and scalp response.
PRP may not be suitable for everyone (for example, certain blood disorders or active infections). Your clinician should screen you first.
Diet And Supplements
Think “recovery nutrition,” not dieting. A steady intake of protein, vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats supports wound healing and may help the scalp recover more smoothly.
Only take supplements if your doctor approves them. Common hair-related nutrients include iron, zinc, selenium, and biotin, but more isn’t always better—especially if you don’t have a deficiency.
Alcohol, Smoking, Caffeine, And Blood Thinners
Alcohol and smoking can interfere with healing and circulation, so most clinics advise avoiding them for at least the first couple of weeks.
Caffeine guidance varies by clinic, but many ask patients to limit it for the first few days if swelling or dehydration is a concern. Never stop prescribed blood thinners without direct medical approval.
Sun, Heat, And Sweating
Avoid strong sun exposure during the early healing window. If you must go out, use shade and a surgeon-approved covering that doesn’t rub the grafts.
Skip saunas, steam rooms, and very hot showers early on, since heat and sweating can irritate the scalp and increase discomfort. Keep workouts light until your clinic clears you.
Travel And Flying After Transplant
Flying does not usually harm grafts by “pressure,” but travel increases the chance of bumps, fatigue, and dehydration. If you travel, protect your head from contact (overhead bins, crowded aisles) and follow your medication and washing routine closely.
For the first day or two, it’s safer to stay near your clinic when possible, especially if you had a high graft count or tend to swell.
Combing, Haircuts, And Hair Products
Avoid combing directly over the recipient area until the skin has healed and scabs are gone. When you do start, use a soft brush/comb and keep strokes gentle.
Hold off on styling products with alcohol, strong fragrance, or harsh chemicals during the early recovery period. If you’re unsure, ask your clinic before using it.
Returning To Work, Exercise, Sex, And Swimming
Many people return to desk work within a week, depending on swelling and comfort. Heavy exercise and weight training should wait until your surgeon clears you, since sweating and blood pressure spikes can irritate healing tissue.
Sex can also increase sweating and blood pressure, so many clinics recommend a short pause in the first couple of weeks. Pools and the sea should be avoided until the scalp is fully healed and your doctor approves, since water quality and soaking can raise infection/irritation risk.
Medicines After Hair Transplant
Medication plans vary widely based on your health history and the technique used. If you were given an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, or spray/foam, follow the exact schedule provided by your surgeon and don’t copy someone else’s regimen.
Call your clinic if you develop increasing redness, spreading warmth, pus-like discharge, fever, or worsening pain.
FAQ
Does sweating affect graft survival?
Excessive sweating can irritate the scalp and increase the risk of friction and inflammation in the early days. Keep activity light at first and avoid hot environments until you’re cleared.
Can I use my regular shampoo?
Use only the shampoo/lotion your clinic recommends during the early healing phase. Many standard shampoos are too harsh right after surgery.
When will the transplanted hair start growing?
Early shedding is common around week 2, and visible regrowth usually takes time. Your clinic can give you the most accurate timeline based on your case.
Should I pick scabs off to “speed things up”?
No. Let scabs soften and come off naturally with gentle washing to avoid irritating the skin or disturbing grafts.
