The journey to restored hair and renewed confidence begins, not ends, with your hair transplant procedure. What you do in the days, weeks, and months following surgery plays a crucial role in achieving the best possible results.
Many patients leave their procedure with pressing questions: When can I wash my hair normally? What’s this “shock loss” I’ve heard about? How soon can I get back to my regular activities? If you’re wondering about these aspects of recovery, you’re not alone.
Let’s explore the essential aspects of post-transplant care and address the questions that matter most during your recovery journey. Understanding what to expect—and what to do—at each stage will help you navigate this transformative period with confidence and peace of mind.
How do you cover your head after hair transplant?
There are different ways to cover your head after getting a hair transplant. One option is to wear a cap, but it’s essential to be careful about the type of hat you choose. It’s best to wear a loose-fitting hat made of breathable fabric, such as a fishing or bucket hat, rather than a tight-fitting one.
Another option is to wear a scarf, which can be a stylish way to cover your head after the procedure. Alternatively, consider getting a bold haircut before the transplant to make any changes less noticeable.
Can I wear a hat after a hair transplant?
Many people want to wear a hat after their hair transplant procedure whether this is to protect their head from the sun or to cover up the transplant area before they are ready to show their new hair to others. Normally, you need to wait for the newly transplanted hair follicles to settle in before you can wear a cap or a hat.
This process usually takes 10-14 days after a hair transplant procedure. However, our clinic provides a special hat that can be worn after a hair transplant.
Can I use toppik after a hair transplant?
Toppik or hair fibres can be great to camouflage the transplanted areas however you should wait for the scabs to fall out and recipient area to get healed before you apply toppik. This process usually takes minimum of 1 month after the operation.
Can I wear a wig after a hair transplant?
Because wigs create pressure on the scalp, they can negatively affect the transplanted hair follicles especially during the rcovery process. To avoid damaging your newly transplanted hair, wait for at least 2 weeks before wearing a wig.
When can I touch my hair after a transplant?
It is important to give the transplanted hair follicles time to settle in before touching the area. In the first few days, you will see scabs will form around the transplanted hair follicles. Do not scratch, touch or peel these scabs to avoid any scarring.
You should not touch the transplanted area at all during the first 3-5 days. After this period, you can gently touch the area to apply itching ointment to the scabs. It is usually safe to touch the area after 2 weeks, however, it is always a good idea to be as gentle as possible.
When can I rub my head after hair transplant?
Although massaging your scalp can improve blood circulation and promote hair growth, it is important to wait until the hair grafts are firmly established before you massage your head after a hair transplant.
This process usually takes around 10-12 days. Once the grafts are secure, you can safely massage head after hair transplant to promote healthy blood flow and hair growth.
Can I go outside after hair transplant?
After undergoing a hair transplant, you don’t have to worry about going outside. Wear a hat or umbrella if necessary, and avoid touching or scratching your scalp. By taking these precautions, you can safely go outside after the procedure.
Can I go to work after hair transplant?
Based on your job requirements, the duration of taking a break after a hair transplant may vary. If your job involves heavy physical labor, it may take around 7-10 days to return to work. On the other hand, if you work at a desk in a comfortable environment, you can return to work earlier.
Can I drive after a hair transplant?
Driving after a hair transplant is not recommended, but the answer depends on what type of anaesthetic procedure you had. Hair transplant is geerally conducted under local anaesthesia. If you were put on strong sedatives, it is not advised to be driving for the next 24 hours after the surgery.
Can I expose my scalp to the sun after a hair transplant?
Avoid direct sunlight for at least 1 month. If necessary, wear a loose-fitting hat or use sunscreen (SPF 30+) after the initial healing period.
Can I go to the gym after hair transplant?
After undergoing a hair transplant, allowing the grafts to settle into the recipient area is essential. It is advisable to avoid going to the gym for approximately three weeks after the procedure to prevent excessive tension, sweating, and other strenuous activities from damaging the newly transplanted hair follicles.
Once this period has passed, you can safely resume your usual workout routine. Remember to take it easy and follow your doctor’s instructions closely to ensure a successful recovery.
Workout After Hair Transplant
Two weeks after hair transplant, you can start with lighter workouts to ease in and avoid over-sweating.
Running After Hair Transplant
Because running is one of the most strenuous activities, it might be a good idea to start slow after the 2 weeks after hair transplant.
Swimming After Hair Transplant
Swimming is different to any other activity since it would involve either using a swimming cap or getting your hair wet. It is advised to avoid keeping the transplanted area wet until the healing process is complete. Furthermore, seawater and pool water may contain irritants and pollutants that you want to avoid during the healing period.
Usually, it can take 1-2 months before patients are able to go back to swimming after hair transplant.
Sauna After Hair Transplant
Following the procedure, it is crucial to maintain an optimum moisture level in your scalp to promote the proper growth of hair follicles. As such, it is advisable to refrain from sunbathing, visiting saunas, or exposing your scalp to heavily moisturized environments for at least two weeks after hair transplant.
Lift Weights After Hair Transplant
Intense exercise, such as weightlifting, can result in excessive sweating, which in turn creates a welcoming environment for inflammation to occur after hair transplant.
Sweat After Hair Transplant
Sweating does not cause hair grafts to fall out or affect the settling of new hair follicles. However, it can create a favorable environment for infection and irritation.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid activities that involve heavy sweating, such as intense workouts, steam rooms, or similar activities, for at least a month after the hair transplant surgery.
Can I have sex after a hair transplant?
Sex can lead to excessive sweating and increased blood pressure. This is why you should avoid having sex for at least 1 week after a hair transplant.
Can I masturbate after hair transplant?
Patients should refrain from masturbating for about ten days after hair transplant. During this time, it is vital to be cautious and not come into contact with the transplanted scalp area in order to keep the fragile follicles in place.
In addition, it’s best to do these exercises slowly, especially in a cool environment, to reduce the chance of perspiration.
When can I sleep normally after hair transplant?
After a hair transplant, it is crucial to keep the hair grafts secure to ensure a higher success rate and better results. Therefore, it is important to keep your head elevated after the procedure to ensure the safety of both the recipient and donor areas.
Once the hair grafts are secured, and the donor area has recovered, you can return to your regular sleeping position, which may take up to two weeks after the procedure.
When can I sleep on my side after a hair transplant?
During the first few nights post-surgery, you sleep with your head elevated on a few pillows to minimize swelling. After the initial recovery period, which typically lasts around a week, you may gradually resume your regular sleeping habits, including sleeping on your side.
Can I sleep on my donor area after hair transplant?
It is not recommended to sleep in the donor area for the first 7-10 days after hair transplantation. Instead, you should lie on your back and keep your head elevated (45 degree angle). This reduces swelling and protects the donor area. After the 10th day, you can lie on your side, depending on complete healing.
Drinking After a Hair Transplant
What you can and cannot drink after hair transplantation is one of the important issues. Some drinks can speed up the hair transplantation healing process while others can slow it down. Let’s learn the details!
Coffee After a Hair Transplant
Since caffeine increases your blood pressure, it is advisable to avoid drinking coffee 24 hours before and after the operation. Also, it’s recommended not to consume other caffeinated drinks such as coke, energy drinks, black and green tea.
Alcohol After a Hair Transplant
It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol for the first 10 days after your surgery to ensure that it does not interfere with the healing and adaptation of the transplanted hair follicles.
Coke After a Hair Transplant
It is crucial to avoid beverages that are high in sugar and acid, like Coke, soda, etc., as they may inhibit the recovery process by rapidly increasing blood sugar. Additionally, consuming acidic beverages, like Coke, shortly after surgery may irritate the stomach and potentially impact the healing process.
Milk After a Hair Transplant
To promote healthy hair growth and improve the overall health of your scalp, it is essential to increase your protein intake. Drinking milk after a hair transplant procedure may help you achieve this goal.
Tea After a Hair Transplant
After a hair transplant, it’s generally okay to drink tea, but consider moderation, especially with caffeinated varieties, as excessive caffeine intake might impact blood pressure or hydration levels. Opting for herbal teas without caffeine can be a gentler choice. Avoid very hot beverages to prevent discomfort or irritation to the healing scalp.
Haircut After Hair Transplant
After your hair transplant surgery, you may be excited to style your new hair. However, giving your hair enough time to recover and adjust to its new growth is vital.
It is generally recommended to wait at least a month before getting a haircut after a hair transplant.
Can I dye my hair after a hair transplant?
Hair dyes contain a lot of strong chemicals that can irritate the transplanted or donor area. Just to be safe, you should wait for 4-6 weeks before dying your hair after a hair transplant.
When can I use clippers after hair transplant?
It is essential to properly care for the entire head after a hair transplant, not just the recipient area. It is advisable to wait for a little while before using clippers on the transplanted area to allow your newly transplanted hair to settle in securely.
This process may take 2-3 months to use clippers on your transplanted hair.
How long does redness last after a hair transplant?
Redness usually fades within 1–3 weeks, but for some individuals (especially fair-skinned people), it may take up to a month.
What should I do if I see pimples or bumps after a hair transplant?
Small pimples (folliculitis) can appear as hair begins to grow. These usually resolve on their own, but if persistent, consult your doctor for guidance.
Will I have scars after a hair transplant?
With FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), there are no visible scars. However, FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) may leave a small linear scar at the donor area, which is usually hidden by surrounding hair.
Is it normal to have swelling after a hair transplant?
Yes, swelling is common, especially around the forehead and eyes, and lasts 2–5 days. Keeping your head elevated and using prescribed anti-swelling medications can help.
Is itching after a hair transplant normal?
Yes, mild itching is normal and usually occurs within the first 1–2 weeks. Avoid scratching the scalp, as this can damage the grafts. Using prescribed lotions or mild moisturizers can help reduce itching.
How to remove scabs after hair transplant?
After a hair transplant, it is expected to experience scabbing as the blood flow increases in the scalp. To remove the scabs after hair transplant, you should apply panthenol foam to your scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes to soften the scabs. After that, rinse it with lukewarm water.
You should also wash your hair with medical shampoo by applying it gently. Then, dry it gently with gauze. Following these steps after scabbing occurs can help you get rid of them quickly.
Is it necessary to spray saline water after hair transplant?
Spraying the saline solution on the recipient area using a spray bottle every 2-3 hours is recommended to enhance moisture in the recipient area.
If the spray bottle is unavailable, a standard saline solution can be used through injection. Some experts suggest using the saline solution 5-7 days after the hair transplant procedure or until it is no longer required.
When can I shower after a hair transplant?
For the first 24 hours after hair transplant, it is vital to keep your scalp dry. After the first day, our medical team will conduct the first wash at our clinic.
How often do you wash hair after hair transplant?
After undergoing a hair transplant procedure, washing your hair once or twice a day for the first 15 days is highly recommended. This ensures that the transplanted hair follicles are kept clean and free from any infections that may lead to complications.
When can I use normal shampoo after a hair transplant?
To achieve the best results after a hair transplant, it is crucial to follow a reliable aftercare routine. During the first month following the transplant, it is recommended that you avoid shampoos and hair care products that contain paraben, silicon, perfume, SLS, and other harsh chemicals.
After completing the first month, you can resume using your regular hair care products.
Can I smoke after a hair transplant?
Smoking has negative impacts on blood circulation and clotting. It is advisable to quit smoking for 10 days after your hair transplant.
Can I eat spicy food after hair transplant?
Consuming heavily seasoned and spiced food after hair transplant is not advisable as it may increase swelling. Additionally, studies suggest that spicy food may increase blood flow, leading to excessive bleeding after the procedure.
Medications After Hair Transplant
To minimize post-procedure discomfort and pain, our surgeon will prescribe painkillers, antibiotics, and vitamins that should be taken as directed. Read on for details.
Finasteride After Hair Transplant
Finasteride works by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that contributes to male pattern baldness.
While Finasteride can effectively stop hair loss in the short term, it should not be taken lightly. After a hair transplant, there’s no need to use Finasteride. However, if you still want to use it, it should be monitored by an expert.
Minoxidil After Hair Transplant
Minoxidil, an FDA-approved medication, is typically used topically to stop hair loss. The medication acts as a vasodilator, which enhances blood flow in vessels at the applied region. You may begin using Minoxidil two weeks after the procedure, but it is crucial to use it under the supervision of an expert.
Can I take vitamins or supplements to speed up hair growth?
Biotin, vitamin D, and zinc supplements can support hair growth, but consult your doctor before taking any new supplements.
What is the “shock loss” phase, and is it normal?
Yes, “shock loss” is a normal process where transplanted hair sheds around 2–6 weeks after surgery. This is temporary, and new hair will start growing back within a few months.
Can I have another hair transplant if I need more density?
Yes, if additional grafts are needed, a second session can be performed after 6–12 months, once the scalp has fully healed
Article Review By: Dr. Jyothi Shenoy V
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MBBS, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG(UK)
23 Years Experience Overall
