The first wash after a hair transplant is as important as the surgery. After the surgery, surgeons say to let your scalp rest. So, be prepared to not wash your hair for 24 hours. Your first wash will be at the clinic by professionals. You can wash your hair on day 3 at home. To save your scalp from hair loss and a failed hair transplant surgery result, these 10 first wash tricks may help you!
Does the hair washing process vary depending on the hair transplant method?
Today’s popular hair transplant procedures include NeoGraft, DHI, Unshaven FUE, and Ice FUE. Other hair loss treatments, such as PRP, i-PRF, hair tattooing, and forehead reduction surgery, do not fall under the category of hair transplantation.
Hair transplant methods are generally similar, with differences mainly in the number of grafts, the type of devices and surgical blades used. For this reason, while the recovery time may vary, the aftercare steps are quite similar. Specifically for the first wash phase, there is no variation. However, for beard transplants, the day of the first wash differs from that of hair transplants.
Important Tips During the First Hair Wash After Hair Transplant
After the first hair transplant surgery, approximately %5 to 6% of patients’ hair continues to lose due to many reasons including poor care. According to a study on the longevity of hair follicles after the FUE procedure, there are patients who have experienced a reduction in hair density of up to 50% of the transplanted hair within 4 years [1].
You should therefore consider all stages of post-transplant aftercare, including the first wash. The following essential tips listed by experts for the initial wash will help:
1. Wait for the Recommended Time
A list of dos and don’ts will be provided to you verbally or in writing before and after your hair transplant. This list includes details about the hair washing procedure. It will cover essential information such as:
- the timing of the first wash,
- the method for washing,
- the water temperature,
- the type of shampoo to be used,
- how to dry your hair.
Specialists underline that washing should not be done for the first 24 hours, and the 3rd day is the ideal time for the first wash for FUE, DHI, and other modern transplants. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your clinic staff directly.
2. Use a Gentle, Non-Scented Shampoo
Selecting a clinical hair repair shampoo allows you to avoid toxic chemicals. Experts recommend an odorless shampoo that will not irritate your skin. If possible, the best way to get a post-hair transplant hair care kit. For example, you can check out this 6-month hair care set from Perseus.
3. Dilute the Shampoo
When washing your hair after a transplant, foams and shampoos should be nutritious, natural, regenerative and sulfate & paraben free! However, if you still want to continue using your shampoo before hair transplant, you can try diluting it. Because it will be less concentrated, it will rinse out more easily, preventing any residue that might clog follicles or disturb the scalp.
4. Avoid Direct Water Pressure
Be careful NOT to hold the water stream directly on your head. As an extra, please avoid using water that is too cold or hot. Once you have removed the scabs, which is around the 10th day, the sensitivity will ease, and you can start washing your hair as you wish.
Please also note these:
- When washing your hair, try to minimize contact with your scalp, and avoid massaging for the first 10-12 days.
- Do not scratch your hair either. If you experience intense itching, you can contact the clinic to learn the most healthy anti-itch product.
- You should wait at least 1 month before you can comfortably scratch your head.
5. Gently Pat, Don’t Rub
Under normal conditions, rubbing can increase blood circulation and promote hair growth, but it is NOT good after a hair transplant! This stands as one of the critical warnings for first hair wash advice after hair transplant. When caring for your hair after the transplant, use gentle patting rather than rubbing. Until they sit securely, refrain from touching the new grafts. Otherwise they may move or fall out.
6. Wash in a Cool Temperature
The ideal water temperature is close to your body temperature which is around 37° to 39°. Temperatures above 40° can disrupt your skin’s pH balance, that’s why the best one is that it feels neither hot nor cold. When washing your hair for the first time after surgery, make sure that your body temperature is within the normal range and that you don’t have a fever.
7. Use Clean Towels Only
During the healing process, the most serious risk is post-operative infections. Although they are rare side effects, using dirty towels may lead to unsanitary conditions. If you see small pimples form in your donor area, there is no need to worry. This is a sign of folliculitis and can be easily treated. Instead of a heavy towel, you can gently dry your hair with thin paper towels without touching your scalp.
8. Avoid Conditioners and Styling Products
The first wash is too early to use conditioner or other hair care products except for a natural post-transplant shampoo. For the first 10 to 15 washes, forget about using conditioner. You can start using it again from week 3, but use as little as possible. You will need to wait until your scalp is well healed and the scabs have fallen off. For styling products, it is wise to wait at minimum 30 days. This is because after a month, the follicles will have settled in the area that was bald before.
9. Be Mindful of Scab Formation
Typical skin wounds of hair replacements are tiny. They heal within 2 weeks; there may be very minor bleeding during the op and in the first 3 days afterwards. However, these are minimal and do not last longer than 2-3 minutes.
While washing your hair, you shouldn’t scratch the scabs. Instead, apply warm water gently. No need to be concerned because they will already be gone in 14 to 18 days. Sliding and rubbing motions are forbidden. You can wash with gentle vertical movements. No horizontal motions, or rubbing.
10. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions Closely
In a typical hair transplant consultation, the surgeon will explain the pre- and post-operative instructions to you. After the operation, in a professional clinic, your doctor’s assistant and clinic staff will provide you with phone numbers where you can contact them at any time. Plus, you can ask them to share a list of first hair wash tips after hair transplant.
The instructions include extensive data including washing, diet, sleep, exercise, timetable of 15-day, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month care. Please contact your hair transplant hospital & clinic if there is
Important FAQs about First Hair Wash Tips After Hair Transplant
1- Is it okay to pop pimples after a hair transplant surgery?
No, don’t squeeze – touch – apply acne cream to pimples! You can wait for them to go away or use a soothing serum or oil only designed for “post-transplant”.
2- How should I wash the donor area after a hair transplant?
You should treat your donor area as gently as you would your recipient area with hair transplanted. Exactly the same steps apply to the donor area. It may heal faster than the transplanted area, but you should give the same care to your whole scalp until all heals.
3- What signs during the first wash indicate that it’s not going well?
If you experience symptoms such as:
- a burning sensation at the donor site,
- itching that doesn’t go away even after using soothing ointments,
- swelling that doesn’t subside a week after the operation,
- a lot of pain or discomfort
you may want to talk to your surgeon.
However, if your hair is falling out after the first wash, there is no need to worry. It is normal to lose many hair strands in the first few weeks. Experts refer to this as shock loss, and it is a typical part of the recovery.
4- Can I dry my hair with a hair dryer?
No, definitely do not use it. At a time when you need to protect your hair from even the wind, never use a hairdryer. Let your hair dry naturally, especially for the first 30-45 days. Avoid using it unless absolutely necessary for at least the next 3 months. Always protect your hair from rain, snow, very hot or very cold weather until you heal.
Reference List
- Kumaresan M, Subburathinam DM. Longevity of Hair Follicles after Follicular Unit Transplant Surgery. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2020;13(4):292-297. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_44_20
