Most hair restoration surgeries have minimal side effects when performed at a reputable hair transplant clinic. However, some minor reactions are natural and very common after this procedure [1]. Redness after a hair transplant is one of the best examples. In most cases, it is not a sign that something is wrong, but a normal part of the healing process.
If you are concerned about how long hair transplant redness usually lasts, you will be happy to know that it is usually short-lived. Read this article to find out all you need to know about this side effect, such as:
Even though modern-day hair transplants are safe and minimally invasive, they are still surgical interventions which involve multiple incisions and punctures. So it’s unsurprising that you might experience some lingering redness.
After a hair transplant, your body quickly starts the healing process, creating inflammation in the affected areas to fight off any potential infection. Blood flow to your scalp increases to nourish the damaged tissue and support the healing process. This is why your scalp will likely be red for a few days (and in rare cases, even weeks) post-procedure.
Hair transplant redness normally peaks during the first 2-3 days post-surgery and then starts to subside gradually. Most people see their scalp return to its normal colour within 10 to 14 days after their hair transplant.
However, rarely, patients have reported some faint scalp redness to last for as long as several weeks after their surgery. This is more often encountered in people with a fairer complexion.
If scalp redness persists for longer than a month after your hair transplant, be sure to let your surgeon know, even if you’re not experiencing any discomfort. They will likely want to evaluate your healing process and rule out infection.
While you may not be able to fully eliminate hair transplant redness in the first 2-3 days after your surgery, there are ways you can help reduce it [1]:
While every person is different, most patients do experience scalp redness, often alongside other minor hair transplant side effects, such as mild discomfort, slight swelling and itching in the first days post-procedure.
For some, the redness can last longer than for others, depending on their complexion and healing pace, the quality of the surgery and the diligence of their aftercare. However, this side effect is extremely common and generally nothing to worry about as long as you can see it gradually subsiding over time.
In rare cases, redness after your hair restoration surgery can be abnormal, as it can accompany a hair transplant infection. Here are some warning signs that you should contact your surgeon to rule out any serious problems [1][3]:
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop a fever alongside your scalp redness and pain.
In many cases, persistent or worsening scalp redness after hair restoration surgery that doesn’t improve with home care is a sign of a hair follicle infection or irritation [2]. The best example is hair transplant folliculitis. This condition is often caused by bacteria that find their way into your vulnerable transplant area, but it can also be triggered by irritation caused by physical damage to the scalp (e.g. rubbing or scratching).
If you develop folliculitis, it is normally mild and easily treatable with home care. However, your surgeon should still see you, to rule out any risk to your hair grafts and make the right treatment recommendations.
If a few weeks have passed after your hair transplant and your redness has still not subsided, contact your surgeon and schedule a follow-up consultation. They will examine your scalp and determine if there is any cause for concern or if your healing is progressing normally. It’s possible your scalp is just more sensitive or reactive than average.
It may seem more convenient to send your surgeon photos of your scalp redness than to see them in person, especially if the clinic isn’t close to home. However, the camera can distort colour and may not give them an accurate representation of your scalp. When physically examining you, the doctor can use special tools to inspect your scalp up close and detect abnormalities that may not necessarily be visible in a photograph.
If seeing your surgeon in person is not an option for you, don’t hesitate to turn to a trichologist from a local clinic. They should be happy to help assess your healing process even if they did not perform the surgery themselves.
If you are thinking of getting hair restoration surgery but have questions about the risks and side effects involved in this procedure, we are here to help. Book a free, no-obligation hair transplant consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They will be happy to walk you through the entire procedure and provide you with all the information and answers you need.
They can also provide personalised guidance in selecting the most appropriate procedure for your hair needs and a realistic assessment of the outcome you can expect.
At the Wimpole Clinic, we take great pride in our 50-year legacy of outstanding surgical hair restoration. Our results speak for themselves — browse our before and after hair transplant photo gallery to see more.
If you would like to find out more about hair transplant redness, read the answers to these frequently asked questions.
No. So far, no cases have been reported of a hair transplant causing permanent scalp redness. Even if it takes longer for some patients to heal and revert to their normal scalp colour than for others, it will eventually happen.
If your scalp has been red for longer than a few weeks since your surgery, it’s a good idea to see your surgeon or a trichologist to rule out infection or other common scalp problems.
You can only safely wear a hat starting at least 10 days after your hair transplant. Before this time, the best way to conceal redness or scabbing on your scalp is to remain at home (or take a relaxing vacation that doesn’t involve physical activity other than light walking). Once 10 days have passed since your procedure, you can start wearing a soft, loose hat or head cover.
While some scalp redness is common after a hair transplant, there’s no need to worry if you don’t experience this side effect. People are different, as is their healing process. It does not mean that something is wrong or that you’re not healing the way you’re supposed to.
Necrosis after a hair transplant is an extremely rare occurrence. One 2023 study shows that out of 10,000 patients who had hair transplants between 2012 and 2021, only 3 experienced this serious complication [4]. So it is highly unlikely that if your main symptom is redness after a hair transplant, it is a sign of tissue necrosis.
While redness can accompany initial symptoms of necrosis, the main symptoms generally involve hardening and darkening of the scalp in the affected area. More severe cases can include fever, pus discharge and progressive wounds (ulcerations) that eventually expose your skull. If you notice the skin on your transplant area turning a deep, dark colour, contact your surgeon or GP immediately for assessment, as albeit rare, necrosis is a serious health threat.
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