When can I wash my hair normally after a hair transplant?
This is a common concern among the people and a crucial post hair transplant care instruction. To achieve the most pleasing results from a sensitive procedure like a hair transplant, it’s crucial to adhere to post-operative care instructions. Adopting a healthy and efficient aftercare routine is crucial to accelerating recovery and determining the outcome of a transplant, irrespective of whether you had an FUE or FUT hair transplant.
You must refrain from washing your hair for at least the first 24 hours after the surgery for the first few days of healing to protect your newly implanted hair follicles. Depending on the surgical method and the surgeon’s assessment, some individuals may require an extended recovery period. It is advised to prevent freshly implanted hair grafts from getting loose.
Washing your hair too soon can cause the grafts to become dislodged and increases your chance of getting infections. For a few days after having hair transplant surgery, your doctor might even suggest you take a sponge bath rather than a shower bath. In addition to delaying hair washing for 24 to 72 hours, it’s crucial to keep the bandage on and refrain from sweating to avoid infection or harm.
Instructions for First Hair Wash after Hair Transplantation
We advise waiting at least 24 hours (but no longer than 48) before washing your hair at home for successful post-FUE hair transplant care. In fact, please refrain from touching your scalp or hair for the first three days following a hair transplant. Please be aware that waiting more than 48 hours may cause crust or blood formation, which is not advised for successful FUE hair transplant aftercare.
Many Hair transplant clinics offer a complimentary first hair wash done by one of their expert professionals after the treatment. After 24-48 hours following the hair transplant, a specialist examines your grafts and performs your first hair wash to ensure a wonderful hair transplant aftercare experience.
Every patient is instructed on how to properly wash their hair at the clinic because it is one of the most crucial factors that can affect the final outcome of the hair transplant.
Hair Cleaning Procedures
The hair cleaning procedure consists of these three fundamental steps:
- Lotion, oil, or any other appropriate moisturizer is applied to the transplanted area for 15 to 30 minutes. Scabs near the donor site and grafts that have been implanted soften as a result. This softening stage promotes healing by removing dried blood remnants. The scalp should then be cleansed with warm water after 15 to 30 minutes. A specific medical mild shampoo is used for bathing the transplanted location and the donor. Very carefully apply shampoo to the scalp after lathering it between your palms. Use your palms gently and without applying pressure throughout the washing process.
- After shampooing, use a soft towel to dry your hair. Just pat it very softly, don’t rub. Use the moisturizer until the scabs come out, or the scalp starts to feel dry. If the feeling of dryness is persistent, you can also use the moisturizer between hair washes.
- To get rid of the scabs, shampooing should be done every day. After around 7 to 10 days, there shouldn’t be any more traces of dried blood or scabs on your head. You may begin washing your hair usually no earlier than 14 days following the transplant.
With FUE procedures, brushing, combing, and applying style products can be resumed after just one week. Patients undergoing more conventional FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation, often known as the strip technique), which takes place 10–14 days following the procedure, must be cautious while using combs and brushes until the stitches are removed. Most social and occupational activities can be resumed by patients using either treatment within a week.
Fuse Hair is one of the best Hair Transplant clinics in Delhi. Along with customized and tailor-made treatment choices based on individual needs, we also take care to help you maintain your hair following the transplant. Our skilled professionals prescribe specific hair care products like vitamins and lotions that are necessary for a speedy recovery from a hair transplant.
Our Surgeons also assist the patients with a post-operative recovery package in protecting their new grafts, encouraging proper wound healing, and assisting with hair transplant aftercare. One of the well-known best hair transplant clinics in Delhi is Fuse Hair. It is one of the top hair transplantation clinics which achieve the most significant outcomes. Our surgeons are strongly committed to giving you the best hair transplant treatments (FUT and FUE) based on your hair type and requirement. Additionally, we are delighted to assist our patients with post-procedure follow-ups and aftercare regimens.
Hair Wash Routine After Hair Transplant
The aftercare routine following a hair transplant surgery is the most crucial part of the procedure, making or breaking the final result. One of the must-do aftercare procedures is a head wash after a hair transplant. This part helps keep your scalp clean, remove the buildup of scabs, prevent infections, and make the hair-growth process smoother. Take a look at the step-by-step procedure to follow for a thorough hair wash after a transplant.
Step 1
Apply a suitable moisturizer recommended by your doctor to your skin. This can include lotions, oils, serums, or similar products. You must allow it to settle for about 15 to 20 minutes on your scalp to soften the scabs on various parts of the head. This helps the scabs wash away and remove any dried blood stains from the scalp. It also makes the healing process quicker. While applying the oil or lotion, ensure to use gentle hands and refrain from rubbing too much. Massage the moisturizer gently onto your scalp without applying too much pressure.
Step 2
After you have kept the moisturizer on for 15 to 20 minutes, wash it off with a mild shampoo prescribed by your doctor. You can take a small quantity of the product into your palms, lather it thoroughly, and massage it onto your scalp with great care. Always use gentle hands while applying products to the scalp. Spread the leather over the entire head without rubbing or applying any pressure. After a hair transplant shampoo has been applied, rinse off with normal water. Avoid using hot or warm water, as it can displace the grafts.
Step 3
Once you have rinsed off the shampoo, pat your head dry with a soft paper towel without rubbing. Do not let any water stay on the scalp. After drying, apply a moisturizer to the entire scalp. This step must be done until you see that the scabs are gone and the scalp feels natural once again. If you feel your scalp is too dry, you may want to use the moisturizer multiple times a day. Consult your doctor about the recommended use of the moisturizer.
Important Tip
You must clean and wash your scalp daily until all the scabs are dried and removed. Regular washing will help remove all the dried blood and promote the growth of the grafts. This mostly happens within a period of 2 weeks after the transplant. So, you must keep up with the aftercare process. You should also continue using moisturizer and shampoo even after removing all the scabs.
Medication and Hair Product Recommendations After Hair Transplant
Post-operative care is necessary for the success and well-being of the patients undergoing hair transplants. Proper use of medication and hair products plays a major role as they promote healing and minimize scarring. Here are some recommended medications and products that you should use to enhance hair growth:
Lotion
You must apply lotion to both the donor and the recipient site by gently tapping and ensuring even coverage. Before rinsing, allow it to sit for 15-30 mins. Wash with a prescribed shampoo. If the donor area feels dry between the head washes, apply a thin layer of lotion to soothe it. Additional washing of hair is not required in this case.
Shampoo
You should use a mild prescribed shampoo for the first head wash after a hair transplant. Avoid aggressive rubbing or scratching of the recipient site, and gently wash the hair. Apply lotion 15-30 minutes before shampooing. Make sure to use lukewarm or cool water. Refrain from using hot water as it can disturb the rooted hair follicles.
Scar Reduction Creams
Scarex or contracture creams are usually prescribed by surgeons to minimize scarring in the donor area. You should apply them twice a day on the donor area where the grafts are extracted. Surgeons will recommend you use the creams 14 days after the transplant for optimal results.
Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are prescribed 3-5 days after the surgery to prevent infections and ensure a smooth healing process. These antibiotics reduce the risk of complications during the initial days, which are considered critical. Specific antibiotic creams such as Fusidin or Bacitracin are also recommended. These creams are prescribed when the donor area experiences pimples or bumps.
Medications
They are prescribed to strengthen weak hairs and reduce future hair loss. They help minimize shock loss or hair shedding after the transplant.
- Finasteride is prescribed in the form of Proscar 5 mg or Propecia 1mg. The recommended dosage is consuming ¼ pill of Proscar 5 mg daily or 1 pill of Propecia 1 mg daily at the same time each day. It helps in the reduction of shock loss.
- Minoxidil is prescribed based on the gender (5% for males and 2% for females). It is recommended to start using 1 month after the hair transplant after the recipient and donor areas are fully healed. It is used to minimize hair loss in areas around the recipient area. It also helps in the regrowth of transplanted grafts.
- Biotin is a recommended dietary supplement. It helps strengthen hair and nails. It is advised for a minimum of 6 months after the hair transplant. It does not need any prescription and is proven to benefit your hair transplant journey.
Dermaroller
It is prescribed only if necessary by your surgeons. It is used for massaging the scalp and promoting better blood regulation. You can begin using this 45 days after the transplant. Use this 2 to 3 times a week for optimal results.
How many days after a hair transplant can I wash my head?
One of the most important queries that patients have after the transplant is when to wash hair after hair transplant. Immediately after the hair transplant, patients are allowed to bathe, but it is essential to keep the scalp dry. The first 48 hours are important in ensuring that no water directly contacts the newly transplanted grafts. Bathing is permitted but permitted, but precautions must be taken to prevent any moisture from disrupting the delicate graft.
If you went through Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), the first head wash after hair transplant will be after 48 hours. However, it is still advised to avoid direct contact with showers on the new grafts. Adhering to this, you can contribute to the proper healing of the transplanted hair follicles. By the end of the first week, you will receive more flexibility and can wash your hair normally. Brushing, combing, and styling your hair can also resume after just one week. This quick turnaround is a notable recovery, providing you the freedom to manage your hair as you did before the procedure.
But Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) demands a bit more caution during the early stages of recovery. Patients are advised to handle comb and brush with care until stitches are removed, typically between 10 to 14 days after the surgery. This precaution is necessary to avoid any pressure on the treated site and ensure optimal healing of the area.
Therefore, the answer to when can i wash my hair normally after a hair transplant remains 48 hours, regardless of the technique used. You may be able to return to most social and work activities within just one week. It allows you to swiftly get back to your routine life while enjoying the benefits of your hair transplant results.
Takeaway
Hair transplantation is an acute aesthetic treatment that requires the surgeon’s significant skill and the clinic’s dedication to offering post-operative support. One of the well-known best hair transplant clinics in Delhi is Fuse Hair. It is one of the top hair transplantation clinics which achieves the most outstanding outcomes. Our surgeons are strongly committed to giving you the best hair transplant treatments (FUT and FUE) based on your hair type and requirement. Additionally, we are delighted to assist our patients with post-procedure follow-ups and aftercare regimens.
If you haven’t had a hair transplant but are thinking about getting one, get in touch with Fuse Hair, Hair Transplant Clinic, for a free analysis (over the phone or WhatsApp) and access to an extensive collection of hair transplant recovery pictures.
FAQs
- How should I prefer shampoo after a hair transplant?
Shampoos that contain natural ingredients and are gentle are often preferred for washing hair after a hair transplant. You should look for mild ingredients with antibacterial properties in your shampoo. It is best to get proper advice from your doctor to better understand the type of shampoo for your particular case and avoid any complications.
- How often should I wash my hair after a hair transplant?
You can wash your hair every day after the hair transplant to avoid infections from scabs and keep the scalp clean. Washing your hair daily with a shampoo recommended by your doctor is essential to maintaining hygiene. You may even want to wash more than once a day if you feel sweaty or itchy.