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After Hair Transplant Guideline

So many actions you take during the post-op period will be important for your overall results. These aftercare instructions provide you with plenty of information on what to expect after a hair transplant. Follow these instructions carefully and refer back to them when you are unsure about how to take care of your scalp properly after a hair transplant.

Key Recovery Milestones

Key Recovery
Milestones

Things to Avoid

Things to
Avoid Overview

Things to Do

Things to
Do Overview

Key Recovery
Milestones

  • 24–48 hours: First hair wash
  • 7–10 days: Grafts permanently secured
  • 10–14 days: Scabs fall off
  • 2–4 weeks: Shock loss
  • 3–4 months: New growth begins
  • 6 months: 50% of final results
  • 12–18 months: Complete results

Things to Avoid
Overview

  • Do not touch, rub, scratch or bump your head
  • No lying flat
  • No strenuous activity
  • No alcohol or smoking
  • No blood-thinning medications
  • No direct sunlight
  • No sweating

Things to Do
Overview

  • Sleep elevated
  • Protein and fiber rich diet
  • Sun protection
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Take all medications on schedule
  • Photograph your scalp for progress tracking
  • Enjoy your new hair!
Timeline
Timeline
Guidelines
Guidelines

First 12-24 Hours After Surgery

What’s Happening

  • Grafts are freshly implanted and extremely fragile
  • Numbness from anesthesia is wearing off
  • Light bleeding or oozing is normal
  • Bandages on donor area
  • Protective covering on recipient area

What You’ll Feel

  • Tightness in scalp (normal from swelling)
  • Mild to moderate soreness
  • Fatigue from procedure
  • Some patients feel euphoric (relief it's done!)

What to Do

  • Keep head elevated (45-degree angle)
  • Sleep propped up on your back
  • Use extra pillows or wedge pillow
  • Take pain medication as prescribed
  • Avoid touching or scratching the scalp
  • Stay indoors and rest
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat light meals (avoid alcohol)

What NOT to Do

  • Do not bend over or lean forward
  • No touching the recipient area
  • No lying flat
  • No strenuous activity
  • No alcohol or smoking
  • No blood-thinning medications
  • No direct sunlight

Day 1-3 After Hair Transplant

What’s Happening

  • Grafts are beginning to stabilize but still vulnerable
  • Possible increased swelling (peaks day 3-5)
  • Scabs are starting to form around grafts
  • First post-op check (some clinics)
  • Time for first hair washing (most clinics)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i67-TOE-2IU

What You’ll Feel

  • Scalp tightness is more noticeable
  • Mild throbbing or tenderness
  • Possible forehead swelling
  • Numbness in donor area or recipient area
  • Itching may begin (don't scratch!)
  • Nervous about first wash (normal!)
  • Possibly tired from elevated sleeping

What to Do

  • Continue elevated sleeping
  • Gentle cleaning (if instructed)
  • Apply prescribed sprays/solutions as directed
  • Ice pack on forehead for swelling (NOT on grafts)
  • Keep scalp moisturized per instructions
  • Take all medications on schedule
  • Photograph your scalp for progress tracking

Days 4-5: Swelling Peaks

What’s Happening

  • Swelling typically peaks around day 3-5
  • This is NORMAL inflammatory response
  • Forehead and around eyes most common
  • Grafts becoming more stable
  • Scabs thickening

What You’ll Feel

  • Maximum swelling (may look worse temporarily)
  • Forehead may feel heavy
  • Possible minor bruising around eyes
  • Continued scalp tightness
  • Itching intensifying

What to Do

  • Continue gentle washing routine
  • Apply prescribed solutions
  • Take anti-inflammatories if prescribed
  • Rest as much as possible
  • Don't panic about swelling, it will improve

How to Manage Swelling

  • Continue sleeping elevated
  • Ice pack on forehead 15 minutes 3x daily, wrap the ice pack with a towel
  • NEVER put ice on the recipient area
  • Stay hydrated (helps reduce swelling)
  • Reduce salt intake (helps reduce swelling)
  • Avoid bending over
  • Limit physical activity

Days 6-7: Turning Point

What’s Happening

  • Grafts are almost permanently secured
  • Swelling beginning to subside
  • Scabs at maximum thickness
  • First week complete, major milestone!
  • Can perform light activities

What You’ll Feel

  • Noticeable reduction in swelling
  • Scalp is less tender
  • Improved energy levels
  • Eager to resume normal life
  • Still some itching

What to Do

  • Continue all washing and care routines
  • Photograph progress
  • Begin light daily activities
  • Still sleep elevated (can reduce angle slightly)

Scab Status

  • Thick scabs are covering each graft
  • Scabs are starting to soften with washing
  • DO NOT pick, scratch, or force removal
  • Continue gentle moisturizing

Activity Progression

  • Light walking is now permitted
  • Can work from home or return to office (if scabs are minimal)
  • Loose-fitting hats may be worn
  • Social activities possible (if comfortable with appearance)

Days 8-10: Grafts are Securing

What’s Happening

  • Grafts becoming permanently secured (days 7-10)
  • Scabs begin the natural shedding process
  • Swelling has almost completely resolved
  • Healing accelerating
  • Can resume more activities

What You’ll Feel

  • Dramatically better than the first week
  • Scalp itches while healing (intense but normal)
  • Scabs flaking off (don't rush it)
  • Relief that hardest part is over
  • Optimistic about results

Scab Removal

  • Natural shedding begins
  • Encourage shedding by gently washing
  • Moisturize before washing
  • By day 10-14, most scabs should be gone
  • Never forcefully pick, scabs will fall of on their own with daily gentle was routine

Activities Allowed

  • Light cardio (walking, gentle cycling)
  • Wearing loose-fit hats
  • Return to work (most jobs)
  • Driving
  • Light household chores
  • Intimate activities (avoid bumping your head)

Still Avoid

  • Heavy exercise
  • Swimming pools/ocean
  • Direct sun exposure
  • Aggressive head touching
  • Helmets or tight headwear

Days 11-14: Initial Healing Complete

What’s Happening

  • Grafts are now permanently secure
  • Scabs should be 90-100% cleared
  • Scalp healing well
  • Redness fading to pink
  • Can resume most normal activities

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHil3Kz35_Q

What You’ll Feel

  • Normal scalp sensation returning
  • Much less tightness
  • Itching decreasing
  • Appearance improving
  • Excited for growth phase

Activities Now Permitted

  • Moderate exercise (jogging, weights)
  • Normal sleeping position after day 10
  • Wearing any hats
  • Normal hair care routine begins

Still Avoid Until Later

  • Heavy lifting/straining (wait 2-3 weeks)
  • Swimming (wait 4 weeks)
  • Direct intense sun (wait 2 months)
  • Contact sports (wait 6 weeks)
  • Hair dye/chemical treatments (wait 4 months)

Appearance at 2 Weeks

  • Scabs are mostly or completely gone
  • Scalp pink to light red (normal)
  • Transplanted hairs still visible
  • Recipient area smoother
  • Donor area fully healed (FUE) or healing well (FUT)

Weeks 2-4 (Month 1) - Shock Loss Phase

Why Shock Loss Happens

Shock loss occurs because transplantation temporarily disrupts the hair growth cycle. When follicles are moved from one area of the scalp to another. The hair shafts shed, while the follicles are attached deep in the dermis remain intact and healthy. Think of it like planting a tree: the leaves may fall off from the stress, but the roots are attached to the earth and will produce new leaves (hair) in a few months.

Shock Loss After Hair Transplant

What’s Happening Biologically

  • Transplanted hairs entering the telogen (resting) phase
  • Hair shafts detach from follicles and fall
  • Follicles themselves remain secure and healthy
  • This is an EXPECTED and NORMAL biological process
  • Body’s natural response to surgical trauma

What You’ll Feel

  • Panic (if you didn’t know this was coming!)
  • Disappointment seeing hair fall out
  • Worry it’s not working
  • Impatience for regrowth

What You’ll See

  • Transplanted hairs falling out in the shower, on the pillow
  • Hairs coming out easily if touched
  • Scalp will look sparse again
  • Back to pre-hair transplant appearance temporarily
  • Some patients lose 90-100% of transplanted hairs

What to Do

  • DO NOT PANIC
  • Trust the process
  • Take monthly photos for comparison
  • Maintain any prescribed medications
  • Continue scalp care
  • Be patient

Timeline Variation

  • Some patients start experiencing shock loss at week 2
  • Most patients start experiencing shock loss in weeks 3-4
  • Some patients may have a less severe experience
  • No shock loss is possible due to genetic variation
  • Shock loss can last until month 3

Months 2-3 - The Waiting Game (Dormancy)

What’s Happening

  • Follicles still in telogen (resting) phase
  • Zero visible growth (for most patients)
  • Follicles preparing for anagen (growth) phase
  • Cellular activity occurring beneath the surface
  • New hair matrix forming

Video

What You’ll Feel

  • Impatience for growth
  • Questioning if the procedure worked or failed
  • Comparing yourself to others (don’t!)
  • Tempted to constantly check for new hair growth
  • Time moves slowly

What You’ll See

  • Scalp fully healed
  • All redness faded (or minimal pink remaining)
  • Smooth scalp in the transplanted area
  • May look worse than before the transplant
  • No visible hair growth yet (normal!)

What to Do

  • Focus on other aspects of life
  • Take monthly photos (progress isn’t visible daily)
  • Conceal your hair if you wish (hats)
  • Maintain medication regimen
  • Trust your surgeon
  • Join support groups if anxious
  • Do not compare yourself to others

What’s Normal

  • Month 2: Zero growth
  • Month 3: Zero growth OR first fine hairs
  • Both scenarios are completely normal
  • Don’t compare your timeline to others, everyone has different genetics

Appearance During “Ugly Duckling Phase”

  • Sparse or bare transplanted area
  • Clear distinction between transplanted areas and native hair
  • Difficult to style
  • May feel self-conscious
  • Remember that this is temporary!

Early Growers (Month 3-4)

  • Some lucky patients see first hairs at month 3
  • Fine, thin “baby hair” texture
  • Sparse and barely visible
  • More common in younger patients
  • Front/hairline grows before crown

Months 4-6 - Early Growth Phase

What’s Happening

  • Follicles transitioning to anagen (active growth) phase
  • New hair shafts emerging from the scalp
  • Hair is growing approximately 1/2 inch per month
  • Approximately 30-50% of follicles are active

Video

What You’ll Feel

  • Excitement seeing first growth!
  • Still impatient for more density
  • Visible progress
  • More optimistic
  • Self-confidence improving

What to Do

  • Continue patience (halfway there!)
  • Take monthly photos
  • Can use gentle styling products now
  • Continue medications
  • Protect from sun (first 6 months)
  • Avoid harsh chemical treatments still

Growth Patterns

  • Hairline and front sections grow first
  • Crown grows the slowest
  • Uneven growth is completely normal
  • One side may grow faster (normal)
  • Texture will improve as the hair grows

Hair Characteristics at This Stage

  • Texture: Fine and soft
  • Color: May be lighter than native hair
  • Thickness: Thin diameter
  • Length: Short, growing slowly

Month 4

  • First noticeable new hairs for most patients
  • Very fine, thin texture (like baby hair)
  • Barely visible without close inspection
  • Sporadic, not uniform coverage
  • Approximately 10-20% of final density

Month 5

  • More hairs emerging
  • Still thin but becoming more visible
  • Patchy appearance (normal!)
  • Approximately 20-30% of final density
  • Some areas growing faster than others

Month 6

  • Visible improvement!
  • Hair continuing to emerge
  • Beginning to thicken slightly
  • Approximately 40-50% of final density
  • Can start styling more confidently

Months 7-9 - Acceleration Phase

What’s Happening

  • 60-80% of follicles are now in active growth
  • Hair shafts thickening in diameter
  • Growth rate steady (1/2 inch monthly)
  • Dramatic, visible improvement
  • This is the exciting phase!

What You’ll Feel

  • Very pleased with progress
  • Compliments from others (if they know)
  • Confidence significantly improved
  • Still aware the results will get better
  • Excited for final results

What to Do

  • Enjoy your growing hair!
  • Continue medications for native hair protection
  • Normal hair care routine
  • Can use styling products, like dye (consult surgeon)
  • Take photos monthly still
  • Share your experience if comfortable

Comparing to Pre-Transplant

  • Visible coverage improvement
  • Hairline restoration apparent
  • Density increasing

Month 7

  • Substantial coverage visible
  • Hair thickening noticeably
  • Approximately 50-60% final density
  • Can style with some success
  • Looking more natural

Month 8

  • Continued improvement
  • Hair reaching decent length
  • Approximately 60-70% final density
  • Most people satisfied with appearance now
  • Still improving

Month 9

  • Great results visible
  • Approximately 70-80% final density
  • Hair thickness increasing
  • Natural appearance
  • Can style normally

Months 10-12 - Complete Results

What’s Happening

  • 80-95% of follicles active
  • Hair reaching full diameter (thickness)
  • Growth maturation occurring
  • Final density approaching
  • Most patients thrilled at this point

What You’ll Feel

  • Extremely satisfied
  • Can’t believe the transformation
  • Wish you’d done it sooner
  • Confident in appearance
  • Grateful for decision

Month 10-11

  • Approximately 80-85% final density
  • Hair fully thickened
  • Natural appearance fully achieved
  • May still see minor improvements
  • Results stable

Month 12 (1 Year)

  • Approximately 90-95% final results
  • Many patients consider this “done”
  • Hair fully matured
  • Thickness complete
  • Length achieved

1-Year Results Assessment

  • Schedule follow-up with surgeon
  • Professional photos taken
  • Evaluate if touch-up is needed
  • Discuss long-term maintenance
  • Celebrate success!

Months 13-18 - Final Maturation

What’s Happening

  • Final 5-10% of follicles activating
  • Minor density improvements
  • Hair fully matured in all aspects
  • This is your permanent result

Months 13-15

  • Subtle continued improvement
  • Final stragglers filling in
  • 95-98% complete
  • Barely noticeable changes month-to-month

Months 16-18

  • 100% of transplanted follicles grown
  • Absolute final density achieved
  • Hair fully mature in thickness
  • This is your full result
;

Medication Schedule

Post-Op Medications:

  • Pain reliever: As directed (every 4–6 hours for 2–3 days)
  • Antibiotic: As directed (3–7 days)
  • Anti-inflammatory: As directed (3–5 days)

Avoid these medications:

  • Ibuprofen (for 10 days)
  • Naproxen (for 10 days)
  • Aspirin (for 10 days)
  • Consult your GP or specialist for return to regular medications
Medication Guide After Hair Transplant

How to Wash Your Hair

Step 1: Preparation (5 minutes)

  • Supplies: Clinical shampoo, clinical lotion, cup, soft towel
  • Water Temperature: Lukewarm, NEVER hot
  • Where: Standing in shower or sink
  • How often: Once a day as instructed for 10 days

MedArt Dermavit At Home Wash Kit

Step 2: Moisturizing (15–30 minutes)

  • Apply clinical lotion to the recipient area
  • Let it sit for 15–30 minutes to soften scabs
  • Pre-moisturizing the scalp provides a gentler wash

Step 3: Wetting Hair (2 minutes)

  • Fill the cup with lukewarm water
  • Pour gently over scalp (no pressure)
  • Or use a detachable showerhead on the LOWEST setting, with indirect flow
  • Never aim water directly at grafts

Step 4: Shampooing (3–5 minutes)

  • Pour clinical shampoo into your hands
  • Lather in hands BEFORE applying to scalp
  • Gently dab foam onto scalp
  • NO rubbing, NO circular motions, NO scratching
  • Use only fingertips, not nails
  • Focus on between grafts, not on grafts themselves

Step 5: Rinsing (3 minutes)

  • Pour clean lukewarm water to rinse
  • Multiple passes to remove all shampoo
  • Shampoo residue can cause irritation

Step 6: Drying (2 minutes)

  • Pat gently with soft towel to get rid of excess water
  • Let air dry remainder
  • NO rubbing motion
  • DO NOT use hair dryer

How to Sleep

Setup Instructions

  • Place 2–3 firm pillows in a wedge formation
  • Add a travel neck pillow for head support
  • Place pillows on sides to avoid rolling
  • Make sure your water and medications are within arm’s reach

Bedding Care

  • Change pillowcase daily for 10 days
  • Use dark-colored pillowcases to hide any spotting
  • Soft, smooth fabric only, preferably silk or cotton with satin weave

First Week (Days 0–7)

  • Required: 45-degree elevation with 2–3 pillows
  • Position: Back only, no side sleeping
  • Why: Prevents graft dislodgement and reduces swelling

Second Week (Days 8+)

  • All positions allowed: Back, side, stomach
  • Normal pillows: Resume regular sleep position
  • Why: Grafts are fully secured

How to Avoid Neck Pain from Elevation

  • Use firmer pillows for better support
  • Neck pillow helps head and neck alignment
  • Pain decreases after a few nights
  • Short-term discomfort is necessary to protect the grafts

How to Avoid Rolling Over During Sleep

  • Neck pillow prevents rolling
  • Use side pillows to secure your position and avoid rolling
  • Ask partner or care companion to alert you if you roll
  • Don’t panic if you wake up on your side, some rolling is inevitable and expected after seven days

If You're Having Difficulty Falling Asleep

  • Take your pain medication before bed
  • Practice relaxation techniques
  • Remember it's temporary

Lifestyle

Alcohol

  • No alcohol 5 days before surgery
  • NO alcohol first 14 days after surgery
  • Alcohol increases bleeding risk, and interacts with medications
  • Occasional moderate drinking allowed after 2 weeks
  • Excessive alcohol is harmful to all hair in the long term

Smoking & Tobacco

  • NO smoking or vaping 2 weeks before surgery
  • NO smoking or vaping for the first 2–4 weeks after surgery
  • Smoking reduces blood flow, impairs healing, and decreases graft survival
  • Smokers are more likely to develop infection and necrosis
  • Can resume limited use after 1 month
  • Smoking increases hair loss risk dramatically
  • Quit smoking permanently for best results

Sexual Activity

  • Avoid sexual activity for the first 5–7 days after surgery
  • Elevated heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and potential head bumping can disturb the grafts
  • Gentle activity is allowed on days 7–9 (no sweating)
  • Resume normal activity after 10 days
  • Avoid positions causing head pressure or impact

Diet

  • Avoid salty and spicy foods for 5 days
  • Avoid caffeine for 2 days
  • Avoid processed foods and junk food 5 days
  • Stay hydrated and eat fresh foods
  • High protein & fiber rich Mediterranean diet to support healing
  • A variety of fruits & vegetables everyday for micronutrients

Supplements

  • {" "} Multivitamin to support immune system and fill dietary gaps after 1 Month
  • Saw Palmetto, a natural DHT blocker after 1 Month
  • Protein powder after 1 month
  • There's conflicting evidence on creatine, consult your surgeon
  • Biotin after 1 month
  • Start supplements after you are done with post-op medicaitons to avoid upset stomach
  • MedArt Demevit Hair Growth Supplement with Saw Palmetto

Sun Exposure

  • Avoid direct sun on scalp for the first 2 months
  • Sun damages and burns the grafts and the scalp
  • Wear loose hats for 2 months when outside
  • After 2 months, you can go into the sun gradually
  • Sun Exposure After Hair Transplant

Sauna, Steam Room, Hot Tubs

  • Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for the first 4–6 weeks
  • Heat dilates blood vessels (bleeding risk), increases bacterial infection risk, and causes sweating
  • Wait at least 2 months to eliminate all chances of infection and bleeding

Socializing

  • Can spend time with friends & family immediately
  • Most patients wait for hair transplant scabs to shed (around day 10) to resume other social activities & dating

Minoxidil Schedule

  • Consult your surgeon before using Minoxidil
  • You can start using Minoxidil 14 days after surgery
  • 5% Minoxidil (Rogaine) everyday, morning and night (for men)
  • 2% Minoxidil (Rogaine) everyday, morning and night (for women)
  • Wash hands thoroughly after application
  • Maintains hair transplant results by preventing further hair loss
  • Keep out from the reach of children and pets

Finasteride/Dutasteride Schedule

  • Consult your surgeon before using Finasteride / Dutasteride
  • You can start using Finasteride 7 days after surgery on the prescribed dosage
  • Dosage can be increased based on side effects and results
  • Maintains hair transplant results by preventing further hair loss
  • Keep out from the reach of children and pets

Exercise

General Exercise Guidelines

  • Avoid anything causing sweating for 10 days
  • Avoid elevated heart rate/blood pressure for 10 days
  • Avoid impact or head trauma for 1 month
  • Progressive return to full activity
  • Consult your doctor for your specific activity

Walking

  • Light walking (slow pace): Day 1 onward
  • Normal walking pace: Day 3–4
  • Brisk walking: Day 7–10
  • Power walking: Week 2 onward

Jogging & Running

  • No jogging: First 10–14 days
  • Light jogging: Days 14–21
  • Normal running: Week 3–4 onward
  • Long-distance running: Week 4 onward

Weight Training

  • No lifting: First 10–14 days
  • Light weights (no strain): Week 2–3
  • Moderate weights: Week 3–4
  • Heavy lifting: Month 1+ onward
  • Avoid overhead press until week 4 (blood pressure spike risk)

Cardio Machines

  • No cardio machines: First 7–10 days
  • Stationary bike (light resistance): Days 10–14
  • Elliptical (light): Week 2–3
  • All cardio equipment: Week 3–4 onward

High-Intensity Training

  • No HIIT: First 3–4 weeks
  • No CrossFit: First 4–6 weeks
  • Resume gradually: Week 4 onward, listen to your body

Yoga & Pilates

  • Gentle stretching: Week 1–2
  • No inversions (headstands, downward dog): First 2 weeks
  • Modified yoga: Week 2–3
  • Full practice: Week 3–4 onward

Tennis / Racquet Sports

  • Avoid tennis fully for the first 3 weeks
  • Light rallies: Week 3–4
  • Competitive play: Week 4–6 onward

Basketball / Soccer

  • Avoid for the first 3 months MINIMUM

Contact Sports (American Football, Rugby, MMA)

  • Avoid all contact sports for 3 months MINIMUM
  • Consult surgeon before resuming
  • High risk of head impact
  • Resume contact sports week 8 onward with surgeon clearance

Swimming & Water Sports

  • No pools: swimming for 10 days (chlorine risk)
  • No ocean swimming: 1 month (bacteria risk)
  • No hot tubs: First 4–6 weeks (infection risk)
  • No DIVING: Week 6+ (no pressure)
  • Swimming is allowed week 3 onward (pools with normal chlorine)
  • Ocean swimming is allowed week 3 onward (once fully healed)

How to Wear Hats

Days 0–7:

  • NO hats or headwear
  • Grafts vulnerable to any pressure
  • Exception: Loose post-op hat provided by clinic (if instructed)

Days 7–10:

  • Hats must not press on recipient area
  • Remove carefully without rubbing
  • Limit wearing time to few hours at a time maximum
  • Loose-fitting hats only
  • Loose bucket hats
  • Wide-brim sun hats
  • Loose winter beanies
  • Surgical caps (provided by clinic)
  • Loose baseball caps (no band pressure)

Days 10–14:

  • Still avoid very tight hats
  • Still remove gently
  • Can wear for longer periods
  • Baseball caps okay if not pressing on grafts

Week 2+:

  • All hats and headwear safe
  • Grafts fully secured
  • No restrictions on style
  • Normal hat wearing resumed
  • Snapbacks
  • Beanies
  • Fedoras/structured hats
  • Hard hats
  • Sports helmets

Wait Until Week 4 to wear:

  • Tight athletic headbands
  • Compression caps
  • Wigs & hair systems
  • Helmets (motorcycle, bike, construction)

How to Wear Hats Safely:

  • Approach from front, slide back gently
  • Never pull on/off roughly
  • Don’t adjust by touching the recipient area
  • Remove once indoors
  • Clean hats regularly (bacteria risk)

How to Avoid the Sun:

  • Week 1: Stay indoors or shade only
  • Week 2–8: Hats + SPF 50+ sunscreen
  • Month 2+: Hats + sunscreen on all areas
  • Lifetime: UV protection recommended to reduce oxidative stress and damage on hair follicles & hair shaft

Tips on Concealing Your Hair Transplant:

  • Strategically wear appropriate hats for work and social events
  • Choose hat styles that don’t draw attention
  • Hats in neutral colors will draw less attention
  • You can claim your new style, instead of explaining the surgery to everyone

How to Style Hair & Grooming

Hair Cutting:

  • Scissors cut on donor area: 1 month
  • Scissors cut on transplanted area: Month 1+
  • Clippers on donor area: Month 1+ (if you had FUE)
  • Clippers on transplanted area: Wait 3+ months
  • Salon/barber visit: Month 1+ (inform stylist)

Hair Dye & Relaxers:

  • Avoid for 6 months minimum
  • Chemical processing will damage grafts and hair shaft
  • Consult surgeon before coloring
  • Patch test recommended
  • Professional salon coloring with ammonia-free dyes allowed after 6 months

Hair Products:

  • Shampoo/conditioner: Month 1+
  • Leave-in conditioner: Month 1+
  • Styling products (gel, mousse): Month 6+
  • Hair sprays: Month 6+
  • Hair fibers: Month 4+
  • Strong hold products: Month 6+
  • Consult surgeon on conditioning products are safe to use
  • Use natural & clean products for 6 months if possible

Heat Styling:

  • Hair dryer (cool setting): Month 1+
  • Hair dryer (warm setting): Month 3+
  • Flat iron: Month 3+
  • Curling iron: Month 3+

Wig & Hair System:

  • 6 months for glued-on systems
  • Protect your hairline from glue at all times
  • No sew-in systems allowed after hair transplant

Other Grooming:

  • Shaving face/beard: Immediately okay (doesn't affect scalp)
  • Trimming sideburns: Week 2+
  • Professional scalp massage: Month 3+
  • Scalp treatments: Consult surgeon (varies)

When to Go Back to Work

Office / Desk Jobs:

  • Work from home: Day 3-5+
  • Return to office: Day 7-10+
  • Depends on comfort with appearance (scabs visible)

Physical Labor:

  • Avoid for first 2 weeks minimum
  • Light physical work: Week 2-3
  • Heavy labor: Week 3-4+
  • Consult surgeon for specific job

Customer-Facing Roles:

  • Depends on comfort level with appearance
  • Wear hats (if allowed)
  • Scabs will go away around days 10-14
  • Plan your time off around healing timeline

Travel & Commute

Flying & Travel:

  • Short flights: 1-3 days post-op
  • Long flights: 1 week+ (more comfortable)
  • Cabin pressure doesn't affect grafts
  • Sleeping upright in-flight (first week)
  • Plan how to do your post-op care while traveling

Driving:

  • Short drives: Day 3-5+ (if not on heavy pain meds)
  • Long drives: Week 1+
  • Pain meds may impair ability to drive

Additional Treatments

PRP

  • Timing: During transplant & starting 1 month post-op
  • Frequency: Every 3-4 months for first year, then 1-2x yearly
  • Benefits: Accelerates healing, reduces shock loss, strengthens existing hair, improves graft survival

Stem Cell Hair Transplant

  • Timing: During transplant & starting 1 month post-op
  • Frequency: Every 3-6 months initially, then annually
  • Benefits: Enhanced follicle regeneration, improved graft take rate, stimulates dormant follicles

Stem Cell Hair Transplant

Mesotherapy

  • Timing: During transplant & 1 month later
  • Frequency: 1 a month
  • Benefits: Provides micronutrients directly to the scalp tissue for healing & hair growth

Hair Mesotherapy

2nd Hair Transplant

  • Timing: Wait minimum 12-18 months
  • Frequency: As needed based on donor availability
  • Benefits: Increases density, covers new areas of loss, refines previous work

Guide to 2nd Hair Transplant

Derma Roller (Microneedling)

  • Timing: Wait 1-2 months post-transplant
  • Frequency: Once weekly with 0.5-1mm needles
  • Benefits: Improves absorption of topicals, stimulates collagen, may activate stem cells, enhances blood flow

Low Level Laser Therapy

  • Timing: Can start 2-3 weeks post-transplant
  • Frequency: 3-4x weekly, 20-30 minutes per session
  • Benefits: Reduces inflammation, speeds healing, increases blood flow, may improve hair thickness

Scalp Micropigmentation

  • Timing: Wait minimum 8-12 months post-transplant
  • Frequency: 2-3 sessions initially, touch-ups every 3-5 years
  • Benefits: Creates density illusion, camouflages scars, defines hairline, fills gaps

Common Side Effects

Swelling

  • 42.5% of patients experience swelling
  • Begins within 24–48 hours, peaks around day 3, and resolves within 1–2 weeks
  • Mild to severe side effect

Hair Transplant Swelling

Pain

  • Rare, 3.3% of patients experience significant pain and discomfort
  • Peaks around 24 hours, lasts 3 days for FUT and 1 day for FUE
  • Mild to moderate side effect

Hair Transplant Pain

Redness

  • Common, 22.4% of hair transplant patients
  • Lasts 10–14 days, up to 2–4 months for patients with pale skin
  • Mild side effect

Hair Transplant Redness

Bruising

  • Common, approximately 20% of hair transplant patients
  • Lasts 5–7 days
  • Mild side effect, cosmetic concern

Bleeding

  • Rare, only 1.37% patients experience excess bleeding
  • Lasts 10–15 minutes
  • Mild side effect

Hair Transplant Bleeding

Scabbing

  • Common, 100% of hair transplant patients experience it
  • Forms immediately after surgery, persists for 3–7 days
  • Expected, natural part of healing

Hair Transplant Scabs

Itching

  • Rare, 4.61% of hair transplant patients experience it
  • Lasts for 3–7 days, up to 14 days
  • Mild side effect

Hair Transplant Itching

Numbness

  • Uncommon, 11% of hair transplant patients experience it
  • Resolves completely in 2–8 weeks
  • Mild side effect

Complications

Contact your doctor immediately if you're experiencing severe swelling, pain, oozing, foul odour, and fever. These can be a sign of a severe complication such as:

34 Hair Transplant Side Effects & Complications

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