Can I wash my hair after hair transplant?
It is important to take care of yourself in the days immediately following your hair transplant. Aftercare is important for healing and hair growth. Aftercare is important, regardless of whether you have a DHI Hair Transplant or a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
How soon can you resume your usual routine for washing and caring your hair after a transplant?
Here are some guidelines to follow during the crucial two weeks after your hair transplant. These recommendations are not difficult to follow, but they will ensure you get the best results.
Aftercare Timeline
You may feel minor discomfort in the first few days following your hair transplant. This could be due to swelling, itching, numbness or tenderness along your scalp. Most patients will not experience any major discomfort. These milder symptoms usually disappear within two days of the procedure.
Follow the instructions given to you for the best possible results. This will also help avoid any discomfort.
First wash
Wait at least 24 (but no longer than 48) hours before washing your hair. Please avoid touching your scalp or hair during the first two days following your hair transplant. You should wait two days before washing your hair, if you’re doing it yourself. This is to avoid disturbing the newly implanted grafts. It also allows the donor sites to heal. It is important to note that if you wait more than 48 hours, it can cause crust or blood buildup. This is not recommended.
It’s important to be gentle when you wash your hair and scalp for the first 48 hours.
Days 1 to 3
- After your procedure, use the shampoo that was provided. Use only your fingertips to apply the shampoo.
- Do not let the water pressure directly strike the recipient. Lowering the shower pressure or using a container to throw water on the head is a better alternative.
- Donor area is the most important to clean. Use your palms to gently massage the area in a circular motion. Do not try to massage your grafted area.
- Avoid using a blow-dryer, which can be painful and lead to injury. Instead, lightly towel-dry your hair.
- Avoid touching your scalp when using a comb.
- For the next few weeks, avoid sun exposure. This can cause your scalp to burn and become damaged.
Days 3 to 6
You can wash your hair every day after to keep the area clean and reduce itching.
- At this stage, you can use a hair dryer but only on low or medium heat. This will prevent discomfort or injury at the transplant site.
- Avoid using hair sprays, hair gels or other products containing alcohol. These products can irritate the scalp, causing flakes, itching or soreness.
Day 7
After your hair transplant you can wash your hair gently every day for a week.
- You can either use the recommended shampoo, or you can switch to your regular shampoo.
- Reintroduce products such as hair gel or spray.
- You can blow-dry your hair now at a higher temperature if you like.
When you add new elements to your routine, such as your shampoo, hair product, or heat, be aware of any discomfort. Speak to your doctor if you experience irritation or itching.
Days 7 to 14
You can wash your scalp and hair more vigorously during the second week. This is encouraged at this stage. This will increase circulation, remove any crusts that may still be present and promote healing.
Conclusion
It is important to follow the correct aftercare procedure in order to ensure that your newly implanted hair becomes well-established and that you achieve maximum benefits long-term from your surgery.
Laser Way Clinic is the #1 hair transplant clinic in Albania. If you are considering such a procedure, we offer a free in-clinic or online consultation.