Proper care following a hair transplant is important if you want good results. Prevent complications and promote healthy hair growth with these post-op tips.
Mind Your Head
For the first 24 hours following surgery, prevent damage to grafts by keeping your head elevated when you are lying down.
Sleep with your head elevated for at least three nights to minimize swelling, and avoid scratching or rubbing the transplant site.
Wait to Wash
Your hair will be washed in the office the day following the procedure. If you do not come into the office for your hair wash, don’t wash your hair during the first 48 hours after the surgery. On the third day, lather up some mild shampoo in your hands, and gently work it through your existing hair. Use a cup of water to rinse off the shampoo and pat the grafted area dry with a towel being careful not to damage the grafts. Use the same careful method for at least five days, avoiding any vigorous scrubbing.
Be gentle when drying your hair, as well, and skip your usual styling routine if it involves a lot of tousling or heat.
Limit Product Use
Resist the urge to start using all your favorite styling products immediately after your surgery.
Avoid dying your hair for at least a month, and be gentle with daily combing and brushing. Handling grafted hairs too much can cause complications, so take the opportunity to learn to rock a natural look for a while.
Watch Your Diet
Focus on healthy foods as you recover from your transplant. Increase your intake of colorful vegetables and leafy greens, and include lean, plant-based proteins to get the nutrients your body needs for healthy hair growth.
Omega-3 fats from flax, walnuts, avocados, chia seeds or an algae-based supplement can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. Take a break from alcohol for a few days, and avoid processed, fried and sugary foods, which can rob your body of nutrients.
Expect Some Hair Loss
The transplanted hair will fall out within six weeks of your surgery, but this doesn’t mean the procedure failed! It’s normal for grafted hairs to do this to make way for new hair, which should be visible within four to six months. Continue to be gentle as you care for your hair, and you should see transplanted areas begin filling in.
Dr. Bared may give you additional instructions after your hair transplant, including medications to take or activities to avoid. Follow these carefully to protect your grafts and ensure healthy new growth.
