Before Hair Transplant: How to Prepare for Surgery

The preparation process before hair transplant surgery requires thorough preparation through medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and scalp care to optimize graft survival, minimize complications, and achieve predictable results. ​

This guide reviews candidate selection and contraindications to confirm eligibility, explains the benefits of proper preparation, and outlines a six-step regimen covering medication management, substance abstinence, nutrition, activity restrictions, scalp and hair care, and preoperative treatments. 

We also details specific do’s and don’ts, such as medication cessation timelines, dietary guidelines, lifestyle adjustments, and permitted cosmetic procedures, and concludes with practical checklists for the night before, the morning of, and postoperative expectations.

Key Points:

• An ideal hair transplant candidate is an individual aged 18–65 (preferably over 25) with stable pattern hair loss, sufficient donor hair supply, healthy scalp and medical status, and realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. ​
  
• Contraindications include active scalp conditions, unstable alopecia types, bleeding and clotting disorders, uncontrolled systemic diseases, keloid tendency, insufficient donor supply, smoking, psychological instability, and blood-borne viral infections. ​
  
• Proper preparation minimizes surgical complications, maximizes graft survival, and ensures predictable cosmetic results. ​
  
• Preparation covers medication adjustments, substance abstinence, nutritional optimization, activity restrictions, hair and scalp care, and timing of aesthetic treatments. ​
  
• Patients must discontinue finasteride 7 days and minoxidil 10 days before surgery, and pause blood thinners under medical supervision. ​
  
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine, vigorous exercise, and sexual activity for at least 2 days before surgery. ​
  
• Eat lean protein, vitamin-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and avoid spicy, high-sodium, sugary, and caffeinated items before surgery. ​
  
• Wash the scalp with antiseptic shampoo the night before and morning of surgery; avoid hair dye for 5 days and do not shave in advance. 

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that relocates hair follicles from a donor area to thinning or bald regions to restore permanent hair growth. Transplanted follicles retain their original genetic resistance to hair loss and, once implanted, enter a normal growth cycle that produces natural-looking hair.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Hair Transplant?

An ideal hair transplant candidate is an individual aged 18–65 (preferably over 25) with stable pattern hair loss, sufficient donor hair supply, healthy scalp and medical status, and realistic expectations about surgical outcomes.

There are 5 main criteria:

1. Age range: 18–65 years: with candidates over 25 years showing more stable hair loss patterns.
2. Stable pattern hair loss: progression confirmed by a consistent Norwood (men) or Ludwig (women) scale rating.
3. Adequate donor hair supply: donor density over 40 follicular units/cm² in the back of the  scalp, with sufficient scalp laxity for FUT or extraction potential for FUE.
4. Healthy scalp and general health: no active dermatological conditions, well-controlled medical issues (eg, diabetes, heart disease), and no history of keloid formation.
5. Realistic expectations: understanding transplanted density reaches 50–60% of original hair after 12–18 months, potentially requiring 1–2 sessions and maintenance with adjunctive therapies (eg, finasteride, minoxidil).

Meeting these criteria ensures ample graft availability, minimizes surgical risks, and aligns patient goals with achievable results.

What are the contraindications for hair transplant surgery?

Contraindications for hair transplant surgery are medical, dermatological, infectious, and behavioral factors that increase surgical risk or impair graft survival.

There are 9 main contraindications:

1. Active scalp conditions: An active scalp condition is a skin disorder with current inflammation or infection of the scalp such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), tinea capitis, sunburn).
2. Unstable hair-loss types: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by patchy hair loss. Scarring alopecia is a group of disorders in which inflammatory processes destroy hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue. These conditions must stabilize for at least a year before considering a hair transplant. 
3. Bleeding and clotting disorders: Congenital or acquired bleeding disorders (eg, hemophilia, anticoagulant therapy) that increase risk of hematoma.
4. Uncontrolled systemic diseases: Diabetes, recent cardiovascular events (eg, myocardial infarction within 6 months), or active autoimmune disorders.
5. Keloid tendency: A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound boundary and predisposes to hypertrophic scarring.
6. Insufficient donor hair supply: donor density of less than 30 follicular units/cm² or inadequate scalp laxity for strip harvest.
7. Smoking and nicotine use: Nicotine constricts microvasculature and delays wound healing.
8. Psychological instability or unrealistic expectations: İnability to accept 50–60% transplanted density, need for adjunct therapies (eg, finasteride, minoxidil), or poor adherence to postoperative care.
9. Blood-borne viral infections: Viruses transmitted through blood that impair immune or hepatic function; positive status for HIV, hepatitis A, or hepatitis C increases perioperative infection risk and delays wound healing.

Why should you prepare for hair transplant surgery?

You should prepare for hair transplant surgery because you can minimize surgical complications, maximize graft survival, and ensure predictable cosmetic results.

There are 3 main benefits of proper preparation:

1. You can minimize surgical complications by optimizing your overall health, adjusting medications under medical supervision, and identifying risk factors before surgery.
2. You can maximize graft survival by enhancing scalp health and eliminating factors that impair healing, such as smoking and poor nutrition.
3. You can ensure predictable cosmetic results by collaborating on hairline design, aligning expectations, and following postoperative care recommendations.

How to prepare for hair transplant surgery?

To prepare for hair transplant surgery, follow a structured regimen covering medication adjustments, substance abstinence, nutritional preparation, activity restrictions, hair and scalp care, and preoperative aesthetic treatments.

There are 6 main preparation areas:

1. You must stop medications as advised by your doctor, discontinue finasteride 7 days before surgery, cease minoxidil 10 days before surgery, and consult your doctor about pausing blood thinners 7 days before surgery.
2. You must abstain from smoking, alcohol, and illicit substances for at least 2 days before surgery, preferably 2 weeks.
3. You should eat balanced meals rich in protein and vitamins the day before surgery, avoid spicy foods because capsaicin increases inflammation and bleeding risk, and avoid alcohol and coffee on the day of surgery.
4. You should avoid vigorous exercise and sexual intercourse for 2 days before surgery to prevent increased blood flow and swelling.
5. You should wash your scalp with antiseptic shampoo the night before and the morning of surgery, avoid hair dye for 5 days before surgery, and do not shave your head, the surgeon will perform any required trimming.
6. You may receive PRP therapy up to 3 days before surgery to enhance graft survival; you should avoid botox and derma roller treatments for at least 2 weeks before surgery.

What medications to quit before hair transplant surgery?

You should quit the following medications before hair transplant surgery:

1. Finasteride (Propecia) is a DHT blocker used to treat hair loss; discontinue 7 days before surgery.
2. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical liquid or foam used to stimulate hair growth; discontinue 10 days before surgery.
3. Blood thinners are anticoagulants (eg, warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) that increase bleeding risk; consult your doctor to pause them 7 days before surgery.
4. Other medications are any drugs your physician deems relevant to surgical risk; stop them as advised by your doctor.

Usually, hair transplant surgeons advise stopping these medications before surgery, but if you are managing a specific medical condition you must also consult your GP and any relevant specialists before making changes.

Can you use minoxidil (rogaine) before hair transplant?

No, you must discontinue Minoxidil (Rogaine) 10 days before hair transplant surgery.

Minoxidil is a medication that increases blood flow to the scalp and bleeding risk. Stopping it 10 days prior ensures proper wound healing and maximizes graft adherence and survival. ​Stopping minoxidil use before surgery won’t reverse the results you got from it. 

Can you use finasteride (propecia) before hair transplant surgery?

No, stop finasteride (Propecia) 7 days before hair transplant surgery.

Finasteride lowers DHT, a hormone that affects hair follicles; stopping it one week before keeps hormone levels stable when grafts are placed, giving the transplanted hairs the best chance to survive and grow. ​Stopping finasteride use before surgery won’t reverse the results you got from it. 

What to eat before hair transplant surgery?

You should eat nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods and avoid pro-inflammatory, vasodilating, or irritant foods before hair transplant surgery.

Foods to eat before hair transplant:

1. Lean protein sources (chicken, turkey, fish) to support tissue repair.
2. Vitamin C–rich fruits and vegetables (berries, citrus) to promote collagen formation
3. Zinc-rich foods (nuts, seeds, legumes) to aid wound healing.
4. Omega-3 sources (salmon, flaxseed) to reduce inflammation.
5. Hydrating fluids (water, herbal tea) to maintain optimal blood viscosity.

Foods to avoid before hair transplant:

1. Spicy foods that contain capsaicin increase inflammation and bleeding risk.
2. Alcohol thins blood, and impairs clotting ​
3. Caffeinated beverages raise blood pressure and may increase bleeding.
4. High-sodium processed foods promote fluid retention and swelling.
5. Sugary snacks increase systemic inflammation.

Why can’t you have spicy food before hair transplant?

You can’t have spicy food before hair transplant surgery because it makes you bleed and swell more by increasing inflammation in the body. Spicy foods widen blood vessels and boost inflammation, causing cuts to bleed and swell, which can harm the survival of your new grafts. 

Can you drink alcohol before hair transplant?

No, you must abstain from alcohol for at least 2 days before hair transplant surgery, preferably 2 weeks. Alcohol thins your blood and impairs clotting, which increases bleeding during surgery and can compromise graft survival and healing.

Can you drink coffee before hair transplant?

No, you must avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages on the day of surgery. Caffeine raises blood pressure and heart rate, which increases bleeding risk and can impair graft adherence. ​

What lifestyle changes to make before hair transplant?

You should make the following lifestyle changes before hair transplant surgery to improve your results:

1. Quit smoking a least 2 days (preferably 2 weeks) before surgery.
2. Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 days before surgery.
3. Abstain from sexual activity the day before surgery.
4. Get 7–8 hours of quality sleep nightly for at least 1 week before surgery.
5. Practice daily stress-reduction techniques (eg, meditation, deep breathing) for at least 1 week before surgery.
6. Avoid direct sun exposure or wear a hat for at least 1 week before surgery. ​

Can you smoke before hair transplant?

No, you must quit smoking at least 2 days before hair transplant surgery, preferably 2 weeks.

Smoking narrows your blood vessels and cuts off oxygen to the scalp, which slows healing and puts your new grafts at risk of failure, and tissue necrosis. Quitting 48 hours before surgery lets your blood flow return to normal. For best results, stop smoking 14 days before and stay smoke-free until you’ve healed. 

Can you exercise before hair transplant?

No, you must avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2 days before hair transplant surgery.

Strenuous workouts raise your heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause extra bleeding and swelling around the grafts and reduce their chance of survival. Light walking is fine, but skip heavy lifting, running, or intense cardio until after surgery. 

Can you have sex before hair transplant?

No, you must avoid sexual activity the night before hair transplant surgery. Sexual intercourse raises your heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause extra bleeding and swelling around the grafts and reduce their chance to survive. 

How to care for your hair before hair transplant?

You should prepare your hair and scalp by keeping them clean, healthy, and free of harsh treatments to optimize graft placement and survival.

1. Avoid hair dye for at least 5 days before surgery to prevent chemical irritation.
2. Do not shave your head; your surgeon will trim only as needed on procedure day. If you shave your head, let it grow for at least 1 month before surgery. 
3. Use sulfate-free shampoo and skip heavy conditioners or oils for 1 week before surgery.
4. Avoid tight hairstyles, clips, or headbands that stress the hair or scalp.
5. Protect your scalp from sun and heat exposure for 1 week before surgery.

Can you dye your hair before a hair transplant?

No, you must avoid hair dye for at least 5 days before hair transplant surgery.

Hair dye chemicals can irritate and inflame your scalp, increasing infection risk and making it harder for grafts to take. ​

Can you shave your head before hair transplant?

No, you must not shave your head before hair transplant surgery.

Shaving hides your natural hairline and growth patterns; you need at least 1 month of regrowth so the surgeon can assess donor density, hair direction, and plan graft placement accurately. 

Which procedures can you get before a hair transplant?

You can get the following procedures before a hair transplant and should avoid the others:

Procedures you can get:

1. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy up to 3 days before surgery to enrich the graft bed with growth factors and boost healing.
2. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) up to the day before surgery to enhance scalp circulation.

Procedures to avoid:

1. Botox injections for at least 14 days before surgery.
2. Derma-roller or microneedling treatments for at least 14 days before surgery.
3. Chemical peels or facial resurfacing for at least 14 days before surgery.
4. Laser treatments on the scalp (eg, hair-removal or skin-resurfacing lasers) for at least 14 days before surgery.
5. Scalp micropigmentation or tattooing for at least 1 month before surgery.
6. Any surgical cosmetic procedures on the head or neck (eg, facelift, brow lift) for at least1 month before surgery. ​

Can you get PRP before a hair transplant?

Yes, you can get PRP up to 3 days before surgery to enrich the graft bed with growth factors and boost healing. You can have 1 session of PRP about 1 month before surgery to enrich the scalp with growth factors and prime graft sites. Surgeons also often apply PRP immediately after graft placement or within the first few days to speed healing and boost graft survival 

Can you get botox before a hair transplant?

You can get Botox before a hair transplant, but schedule it at least 14 days prior (or wait until 14 days after surgery).

Botox can cause temporary swelling and muscle relaxation that may alter your forehead anatomy and hairline planning. Allowing a 2-week buffer ensures any injection‐related edema resolves and your surgeon can accurately design and place grafts. 

Can you use derma roller before a hair transplant?

No, you must avoid derma-rolling (microneedling) for at least 7 days before hair transplant surgery.

Microneedling creates tiny punctures that increase bleeding and infection risk and can distort your scalp’s natural contours, making precise graft placement harder. Avoid derma-roller use for 7 days pre-op to allow your scalp to heal fully and ensure accurate donor/recipient assessment. 

How to reduce anxiety before hair transplant?

To reduce anxiety before a hair transplant, apply these 7 strategies:

1. Practice yoga, deep breathing, or meditation daily to lower tension and calm nerves.
2. Maintain 7–8 hours of consistent sleep, limit screen time before bed, and avoid caffeine after 2 PM for at least 7 days prior.
3. Avoid caffeine and nicotine for 48 hours before surgery to prevent elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
4. Listen to relaxing music or read a calming book to divert focus and reduce worry.
5. Share concerns with family or friends and allow a support person to be with you pre-surgery to boost confidence.

What to do the night before hair transplant surgery?

The night before hair transplant surgery, wash your scalp, avoid alcohol and smoking, rest well, eat a light meal, arrange transport, and prepare your clothes and essentials.

Do the following the evening before:

• Wash your hair, scalp, neck, and face with antibacterial soap and avoid all gels, oils, or styling products.
• Abstain from alcohol and smoking for 24 hours before to reduce bleeding risk.
• Get 7–8 hours of sleep to support healing.
• Eat a light, balanced dinner (lean protein and vegetables), finishing 3 hours before bedtime.
• Pack your ID, phone charger, headphones, and any pre-approved medications.

What to do the morning of hair transplant surgery?

On the morning of hair transplant surgery, wash your scalp, eat a light breakfast without caffeine, take any pre-approved medications, and wear front-button clothing.

• Shampoo hair and scalp thoroughly with gentle shampoo; do not use gels, sprays, oils, or conditioners.
• Eat a light breakfast 2 hours before arrival; skip coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
• Take routine medications with a small sip of water unless directed otherwise.
• Skip cologne, aftershave, and perfume to prevent allergic reactions in staff.
• Wear a loose, front-button or zip-up shirt; do not wear pull-over tops.

What should you bring with you on the day of surgery?

You should bring the following items on the day of surgery:

1. Government-issued ID, and any signed consent or pre-op documents.
2. All prescribed medications in their original packaging.
3. Comfortable, front-button or zip-up shirt and loose-fitting pants.
4. Clean, adjustable cap or scarf for post-operative head covering.
5. Cell phone, charger, and headphones for distraction during prep.
6. Light snack and bottled water (if permitted by your clinic).
7. Eyeglasses or hearing aids, if you normally use them.

What to expect during hair transplant surgery?

During hair transplant surgery, you will receive local anesthesia and remain awake while the surgeon cleans your scalp, harvests follicles (via strip removal or individual extractions), creates recipient sites, and implants grafts, typically over 4–8 hours. You may feel pressure or tugging but no pain, and the team will keep you comfortable and apply dressings at the end

What to expect after hair transplant surgery?

After hair transplant surgery, you’ll have mild swelling and redness for 1–7 days, swelling peaks on day 2–3 Tiny scabs will form and shed by days 10–14, then transplanted hairs enter “shock loss” and shed over weeks 2–8 before new growth appears at 3–4 months. Noticeable density can be seen at 6–9 months and full results by 12–18 months; follow post-op care (gentle washing, head elevation, sun avoidance, no heavy activity) to support healing.