Beard Transplant Post-Op Itch: How To Get Through It

Beard transplants are a fantastic option for men who are unable to grow a full beard on their own, or are experiencing patchy or thinning spots in the beard. It is a fairly simple surgical procedure that is performed in the comfort of your hair transplant clinic.

The procedure itself only takes a few hours (depending on the amount of hair that needs to be transplanted). But the recovery time can take a month or more. During this time, you may experience a lot of beard transplant post-op itching.

How to deal with beard itching after a beard transplant

After your procedure you will notice some swelling around the treated area followed by some beard transplant scabbing. This is completely normal, and no different to how your skin reacts to cuts and scrapes. The treated area of your face is trying to heal itself, so the best way to let it heal is by leaving it alone.

But sometimes the post-op beard itch can become unbearable. Here’s how to deal with it if your beard itch gets a little too much.

1. Don’t scratch your beard hair grafts

It’s essential to avoid the temptation to scratch your beard grafts under any circumstances. All hair transplants have a risk of post-hair transplant infection — and scratching and picking at the treated area can increase this risk. Avoid removing any of the scabs before the skin underneath has healed.

If you have scratched your beard, and notice any bleeding, excessive swelling, or inflammation, you should notify your surgeon or aftercare team as soon as possible. You may need an antibiotic to avoid infection. If you’re finding that the itching is too much to bear, contact your surgeon or aftercare team, they may be able to prescribe you something that can help.

2. Use a medicated shampoo

Most hair loss clinics will provide you with an aftercare pack that includes a mild medicated shampoo or lotion designed to help the area heal as effectively as possible. It is likely however, that your surgeon or after care team will instruct you to not shampoo your beard for the first 24 hours. Once you are able to shampoo the area, the medicated shampoo provided should offer you some relief. Learn more about washing your hair or beard after a hair transplant.

3. Don’t shave

You may be tempted to shave your itchy beard as a quick means of relief. But this the worst thing that you can do. It increases the risk of the treated area getting cut, or worse infected. It’s also pointless — it is not the beard that’s making you itch, it’s the scabbing and inflammation from the surgery.

You shouldn’t shave your beard for at least one month after your hair transplant.

4. Remember that the itching will subside

Nearly all men who undergo beard transplant surgery will experience at least some level of post-op beard itch. The good news is that this sensation rarely lasts for more than a week or so. It is very rare that post op patients report itching that is severe or painful. That one week of mild itching or discomfort will be followed by years of enjoying the full and lush beard that you’ve always wanted.

Post-op beard styling guide

Another good way to get through the beard transplant post-op itch is to distract yourself from your irritated follicles. While you’re waiting for the itch to subside, check out these beard styles you can have after a beard transplant and get some inspiration from the best beards around.