Going To Work After A Hair Transplant

Many people feel self conscious and insecure when they begin to lose their hair. This is often why they choose to go ahead with a hair transplant. In an ideal world, they would go to work after their hair transplant and proudly show off their new hair that they are so pleased with.

However, the reality is that the insecurity and anxiety related to hair loss will extend to admitting that they have invested in new hair. The confidence you have in coming clean about the hair restoration will impact on the best return to work plan for you as an individual.

So what’s the best way to get back to the office after a hair transplant?

When can I go back to work after a hair transplant?

If you are feeling well then there is no medical reason that you can’t go back to work within a couple of days of your hair restoration procedure. Assuming you have a job that isn’t physically demanding to allow your hair grafts to become secured, you can return to work when you feel well enough.

That said, we recommend you take at least a week off work following a hair transplant procedure. Resting immediately after the surgery will assist in the healing process. The grafts and/or donor area can also look unappealing, especially if you’ve undergone an FUT procedure. So postponing work for a week or so can help avoid too many probing questions.

If your job is strenuous and requires heavy lifting or manual labour then it is best to remain off work for at least two weeks. Exercise after a hair transplant can dislodge your grafts, so taking time off helps avoid any overexertion and allows the transplanted hairs to take a firm hold in your scalp.

Going back to work after FUE and FUT hair transplants

Both FUT and FUE transplants result in some immediate cosmetic changes, such as scabbing, redness and swelling. However, FUT transplants are more invasive than FUE transplants, so scarring and swelling from an FUT procedure can be visible for longer. Learn more about the differences between FUT versus FUE transplants.

If you’re concerned about concealing your hair transplant scar when you go back to work, it may be worth opting for an FUE transplant instead. FUE recovery is usually faster, so you may also be able to return to work sooner.

How can I conceal the fact that I have had a hair transplant?

There are a few things you can do to avoid your co-workers finding out about your hair transplant. Immediately after the procedure there will be some visible red spots and scabbing. If you are able to wear a hat at work then you can potentially return to work much more quickly. This may require a discreet conversation with your line manager whereby you let them know about the procedure and request permission to wear a hat at work for the next few days.

Some people worry that wearing a hat can cause hair loss — but this is rarely the case. Find out how soon you can wear a hat after your hair transplant.

Alternatively, you may just wish to commit to taking a week or two off work until your head is looking better. It depends on your skin type and how quickly your head is healing but any visible signs of surgery should have healed after around a week. In some procedures, the donor area will be shaved very close to your head. This means that you are going to have short cropped hair for some time. But many men opt for a buzz cut after their hair transplant anyway, so their new hair regrows at the same rate as their existing hair.

If you want to minimise the chances of colleagues commenting on the length of your hair when you return, aim to start cutting your hair shorter in the weeks leading up to the operation.

Find out if you can get a hair transplant without anyone knowing.

Talking to colleagues about your hair transplant

The historical stigma around getting a hair transplant can prevent you from being open about your procedure. But while the stigma still exists to an extent, hair transplants are growing in popularity — so there’s no real reason to keep your surgery a secret.

If you are happy to be open about your treatment, as many people are, you may help someone else who is wondering what to do about their hair issues — maybe even another colleague.

Tips for going to work after a hair transplant

Heading back to the workplace after surgery can be worrying. To make the experience as stress-free as possible, here are some tips to follow:

• Ideally take 10-14 days off work after surgery
• Work from home if possible, even if it’s just a few days a week
• Wear a hat to protect your hair grafts if appropriate
• Try not to book any big meetings for the first few weeks
• Rest as much as possible in the time you’ve taken off work
• Follow your aftercare regime to the letter
• Tell someone you trust at work about your surgery.

Discuss your concerns with a hair loss consultant

Our hair loss consultants understand that having a hair transplant can be a difficult decision, especially with the lingering stigma.

If you want to talk through your concerns with a professional, we offer a free no-obligation hair transplant consultation, where we’ll discuss your eligibility and the recovery process in detail.

In the meantime, check out our hair transplant clinic reviews and before and after hair transplant photos to see the real-world results you can get from the Wimpole Clinic.