Post Hair Transplant Care: When Can I Wash My Hair Normally After Hair Transplant?

• 5 October 2023
• Dr Malay Mehta

If you have had a hair transplant, then you may be wondering “when can I wash my hair normally after hair transplant?”

This is one of the most common questions people ask after a hair transplant surgery! So the experts at Malay Mehta Aesthetic Clinic have put together this guide to washing your hair after hair transplantation.

Please note that this is general advice. Your surgeon will give you detailed post-operative care instructions according to your surgery, grafts and donor site.

The critical first few days.

The first three days after the hair transplant surgery are vital to your recovery and ensuring the success of the procedure. Following the post-operative advice of your surgeon will help your healing and hair growth.

In the first 24 to 48 hours, any reputable surgeon will advise you to not get your scalp wet, and especially not to itch, rub or scrub your scalp. This can dislodge the newly implanted grafts and undo all that good work.

The first wash.

You will be provided with special shampoo to use for the first three days (or when given your surgeon’s approval) to gently wash your scalp and hair. For the first wash you should:

• Apply the recommended lotion or moisturiser to your scalp and let rest for the recommended time before washing.
• Lather the shampoo in your hands before applying.
• Use only the pads of your fingers, not your fingernails, to rub the shampoo in.
• Avoid high-pressure water flow directly on the scalp.
• Use luke-warm water, not hot.
• Use a cup or pitcher of water to gently rinse the suds out.
• Lightly pat your hair dry with a towel, do not rub or use a hair-dryer.

Your surgeon may recommend that you use a particular shampoo daily from day three to day seven. This stimulates blood flow and prevents scabs from blocking your hair follicles. You may also be provided with lotion to use before or after washing your hair to moisturise and aid in healing.

Your surgeon will provide advice for hair transplant surgery aftercare, such as how to look after transplanted hair and keep your scalp clean.

When can I wash my hair normally after the hair transplant?

Generally, you can begin washing your hair normally about one week after a hair transplant procedure. Your surgeon may recommend you still use the provided shampoo, or they may advise that you can return to your regular products.

The second week following a hair transplant procedure you can start to wash your hair as normal. Your scalp and donor sites should be healed, and you will most likely have had a follow-up review with your surgeon. At this point your hair follicles will go dormant and enter the natural hair growth cycle.

How to wash my hair after hair transplantation?

For the first week after the procedure you should follow the advice in the first wash section above: only using the pads of your fingers, use luke-warm water from a cup or pitcher to rinse, and don’t spray water directly on to your head.

You should continue to follow the directions to wash your hair daily with the medicated shampoo until the scabs from the scalp fall off. This usually takes around two weeks. After that you can start washing your hair like you did prior to your transplant.

If you follow the expert advice of your surgeon on how and when to clean your hair and scalp, you will ensure the procedure is successful so you can enjoy your new thick, healthy hair.

Choosing the best shampoo to use after hair transplant.

Your surgeon will provide you with a list of the recommended products, based on the type of hair transplant procedure you had and your own unique scalp and hair type. We strongly suggest you avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals, parabens and sulphates as they can damage your hair and may compromise your new grafts.

Choose a shampoo that won’t strip away the natural oils of the hair or irritate the scalp. Opt-for mild shampoos that promote healthy scalps and hair growth.

Expert advice and recommendations to look after your transplanted hair.

Dr Malay Mehta and his team, are experts in helping you look after transplanted hair and ensuring the hair transplant is successful. Following our professional and personalised advice based on your specific condition and surgery type will ensure you will grow and maintain a thick head of hair.

FAQs

Read through the commonly asked questions about how to wash hair after hair transplantation or contact us to ask.

How often should I wash hair?

From day three after a hair transplant you should wash your hair daily until the scabs have fallen off. After that point you should aim to wash your hair only once or twice per week.

When can I shower and wash hair after a hair transplant?

We recommend you avoid showering for the initial 24 to 48 hours, to protect the transplanted hair, donor sites and healing scalp. The first hair wash, until otherwise advised, you will need to use a cup or pitcher of water to wet hair, not a shower spraying directly onto your scalp.

Do I need to wash hair every day after a hair transplant?

After the initial 24 to 48 hours, your surgeon may recommend a hair wash every day with medicated products. This helps keep your hair follicles clear, prevents infection and promotes healing.

How can I prevent infection or complications when washing my hair?

By following the recommendations and post-operative instructions of the hair transplantation surgeon carefully, you can prevent infection or complications. They will provide the best advice, tailored to your specific surgery and hair type.