Preparing properly for a hair transplant can significantly impact your results. From medications to avoid, to lifestyle changes that support healing, this guide shares exactly what to do in the days and weeks leading up to surgery – so you’re fully ready for a smooth procedure and optimal recovery.
Are you thinking about getting surgical hair restoration, but unsure how to prepare for your hair transplant? This surgeon-informed article provides a clear timeline of pre-operative steps to take before your hair transplant. It explains which medications and habits to pause, which tests to complete, and how to plan your logistics – helping minimise surgical risks and support graft survival.
Key takeaways
The insights and recommendations in this article are courtesy of Dr Peter Barron. Dr Barron specialises in FUE hair transplants and prides himself on his ultra-natural looking results
Carefully following your surgeon’s preoperative instructions can improve your surgical experience and overall results. Pausing smoking, alcohol and certain medications in advance of your surgery can reduce the risk of complications and increase your chances of graft survival [1][2][3]. It will also make your recovery period easier and less stressful.
Moreover, being well-prepared physically, emotionally and logistically for your hair restoration procedure can significantly reduce the natural anxiety surrounding this event. Knowing you have done everything necessary to ensure a good outcome will increase your confidence and allow you to rest easy during surgery.
The graphic below will give you a quick idea of the important milestones in preparing for your hair transplant:
Keep reading for expert guidance from experienced hair transplant surgeons, practical tips for every stage of your preparation timeline, and more insights to help you feel fully ready.
These early days of preparation involve setting the groundwork for your surgery and recovery process to run safely and smoothly. It is when doctors make sure you are physically fit to undergo the procedure without any serious risk. It is also the perfect time to start making gradual but important changes to your lifestyle, which can significantly improve your hair transplant results.
Your surgeon will examine you and get a detailed account of your health history prior to your procedure to determine if you are medically fit for a safe hair transplant. The majority of patients will not be required to undergo blood tests before the operation. However, most surgeons will order lab work if they have reasons to suspect health problems that might pose a risk during surgery. A full blood count, including platelet count and clotting time, can indicate whether you risk excessive bleeding during the procedure. Blood sugar levels may also be screened if deemed necessary, as abnormal values can cause complications during surgery and recovery [2].
According to Dr. Peter Barron, a leading hair restoration surgeon at the Wimpole Clinic, hair loss blood tests worth considering before your surgery include those that check for anaemia, thyroid function, iron levels, B12, folate, and vitamin D. For women specifically, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) may also be useful. Medical fitness clearance is especially important for patients with a history of certain health conditions. For example [2]:
Pro tip: When discussing your medical history with your surgeon, be sure to mention all your conditions and every medication you take, even if some seem unimportant. It is better to provide unnecessary information than risk complications during surgery.
Pausing smoking and alcohol intake for a while before and after surgery is very important for healing and achieving good results [1][2]. However, it can be quite difficult to stop these habits suddenly and can result in withdrawal symptoms. That is why it is best to start gradually cutting back in the weeks leading up to surgery, giving your body time to adjust.
Pro tip: You can try nicotine replacement therapy (e.g. nicotine patches or gum) to help you cut back on smoking. While all types of nicotine intake will eventually need to be paused before surgery, it can make the transition smoother.
With less than a month left before your hair transplant, it is time to start taking extra care of your scalp. Here are some things that will help increase your scalp health:
Pro tip: In the pre-hair transplant period, avoid sharing headwear, brushes or combs to prevent transmissible scalp infections. Staying away from public pools or hot tubs can also prevent contagious scalp conditions that would need to be fully resolved before surgery.
During the final fortnight before your hair transplant, it is important to prepare your body for surgery by maintaining a well-balanced diet, rich in vitamins and nutrients that nourish the scalp. Good hydration is also important, so don’t forget to drink plenty of water. This is also a time to pause certain habits and medications until after your procedure:
If you have been using topical Minoxidil for hair loss, it is recommended to pause it 2 weeks before your hair transplant. That is because this medication works by increasing blood flow to your scalp. Normally, this is a good thing, as it nourishes your hair follicles. But it can also increase scalp bleeding during surgery.
Pro Tip: In some cases, low-dose oral Minoxidil can be continued during the pretransplant period in patients with androgenetic alopecia [1]. Ask your surgeon if this would be a safe and beneficial option for you.
Some surgeons are more lenient when it comes to allowing smoking for longer before surgery. However, evidence shows that smoking can impact your hair transplant results. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the scalp and causes inflammation, negatively affecting your graft survival and healing process [4]. Smoking will also be advised against during hair transplant recovery, and it is best not to have to face nicotine withdrawal while you are healing after surgery.
Dr. Barron, explains why nicotine use is such an important threat to your healing process and graft survival:
“Smoking any recreational substance can decrease the oxygen-carrying capacity in your blood, meaning that the transplanted grafts and extraction sites aren’t receiving as much oxygen as needed to heal properly. Nicotine, whether inhaled or through nicotine replacement therapy, is pro-inflammatory and may increase post-operative swelling/ redness. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor as well, meaning it could lead to reduced blood flow to the scalp and graft, once more potentially affecting healing.”
Pro Tip: If you are thinking of replacing smoking with vaping, make sure to check your e-liquid ingredient list carefully to avoid getting a nicotine-containing product by mistake.
You may have heard that scalp massages promote hair growth [5][6], but they can also help improve your scalp elasticity. Surgeons recommend getting a daily, gentle 10-minute head rub to help prepare your scalp for your hair transplant.
You can perform this kind of massage by hand, applying gentle pressure with your fingers and moving them in a circular motion across your scalp. Or you can use one of the best scalp massagers for hair growth.
Pro tip: Avoid using head massagers made from hard materials (e.g. jade, wood, hard plastic). They can bruise your scalp or chip without you noticing, and cause lesions.
Before going in for surgery, you need to make arrangements for yourself and everyone else in your life who depends on you. Here is a checklist of what you may need to set up:
Pro Tip: It can be reassuring to have a plan B in case important arrangements fall through at the last moment. For example, you can ask a friend or family member to provide emergency childcare in case your babysitter cancels unexpectedly on the day of your surgery.
During the final week before your procedure, it is recommended to pause several medications and recreational substances that can cause complications. It is also a good time to stock up on the things you are going to need during the first days post-op. Here are some of the main things that need to happen during this time:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, aspirin or diclofenac, should be paused 1 week before surgery [1]. That is because they can interfere with blood clotting, causing excessive bleeding.
If you are taking anticoagulant medication, it is very important to get your doctor’s approval before pausing this medication, as it can have serious health consequences for some patients. Dr. Barron, explains this delicate balance:
“Temporary cessation of blood thinners is a decision that should be made in conjunction with the treating physician who started the patient on them, as they can provide insight into the safe time that the patient could be off these blood thinning medications (if at all). In the event that these medications can’t safely be suspended, then the risks of having a procedure likely outweigh any benefits and will likely not be offered.”
Typically, if deemed safe by your prescribing physician, it is recommended to pause anticoagulant treatment 3-4 days before surgery [1].
Pro tip: Never omit mentioning to your surgeon if you have not paused NSAIDs or your anticoagulant medication. These treatments can cause excessive bleeding during your procedure, make recovery more difficult and reduce your chances of graft survival.
Surgeons recommend that you fully stop alcohol intake one week before your hair transplant surgery and that you also pause caffeine intake for 3 days pre-op [3]. Here’s why:
Pro tip: If you are a heavy drinker, pausing alcohol should only be done gradually and, in case of alcohol addiction, under strict medical supervision. It can be quite dangerous for people who experience alcoholism to stop alcohol intake abruptly.
Making a list of all the things you will need for your surgery and recovery period and picking them up in advance, can help keep things organised. Here are some of the things you are likely to need:
Pro tip: Stocking up on groceries before your surgery is also convenient, as you shouldn’t do any heavy lifting during the first week of recovery.
The most important things you can do on the eve of your hair transplant are to rest, relax, pamper your scalp and make sure everything is ready for the big day. Here is how to do that:
If possible, take this day off and use it to take a walk in nature, meditate or engage in a relaxing hobby. Being well-rested and having an optimistic mindset can improve your surgery experience.
Washing, conditioning and hydrating your scalp and hair are recommended, but refrain from using any styling products 24 hours before your surgery, to prevent scalp dryness or irritation [1].
Pro tip: You don’t need to worry about trimming your own hair for your hair transplant; the surgical team will do this for you to the right specifications for the procedure.
Packing the things you need to take to the clinic the night before the surgery will save you time in the morning. The following items are the most helpful to have along:
Pro tip: Make a checklist in advance of everything you want to bring along and check every item off it as you place it in the bag. This will ensure nothing is left behind.
After the surgery, you will likely be tired, a little sore, and your sensitive grafts will need to be protected. So, having a comfortable recovery corner set up beforehand can be quite convenient. The day before your hair transplant, prepare the area around a couch or comfy chair where you’d like to rest, having the following within arm’s reach:
Pro tip: Make sure the electronic devices you plan to use are fully charged so you don’t have to bend over and plug them in right after your surgery if your power outlets are close to the floor. Bending over can make blood rush to your hair grafts and invite accidents, so it is best avoided for the first 3 days post-op.
Some surgeons recommend taking a dose of antibiotic the night before surgery (and sometimes on the day of the procedure) and/or using an antibiotic shampoo to clean your scalp [3]. While this is not a generalised practice, it can help reduce the risk of infection, such as hair transplant folliculitis.
Pro tip: Only take antibiotics if (and exactly as) your surgeon recommends them. Otherwise, you increase your risk of developing antibiotic resistance, which can make future bacterial infections harder to treat.
The most important thing in the hours leading up to surgery is to maintain a relaxed and positive attitude. You are almost there, and your weeks of preparation are about to pay off.
You may have heard that patients are not allowed to eat before surgery. However, that interdiction only applies to those getting general anaesthesia. Since hair transplants normally use local anaesthetics, you can safely have some breakfast.
This is something our experienced surgeon, Dr. Barron, strongly recommends as well.
“Patients should have breakfast prior to coming to the clinic as some pre-medication we give can irritate the stomach lining and it’s important to keep blood sugar up throughout the day until their lunch break.”
Pro tip: It is best to refrain from eating fried or heavily processed foods. Normal pre-surgery jitters can make you slightly nauseous and impair proper digestion. Thus, a heavy breakfast may make you feel poorly and cause stomach problems.
During surgery, you will be provided a disposable scrub top to change into. However, after your hair transplant, you will need to change back into your clothes without rubbing your sensitive hair grafts against them. So, all articles of clothing worn on the top part of your body should be button-up or zip-up. That way, they’re not pulled over your head, tugging at your fresh hair grafts and disturbing them.
Pro tip: Don’t forget that your undergarments can’t safely go over your head either (e.g. avoid wearing a tank top under your buttoned shirt).
Planning your trip so you’d arrive at the clinic about 20 minutes early helps you get there stress-free, without having to worry about traffic. Your surgical team will also appreciate not being pressed for time when taking your before photos and giving you last-minute information.
Pro tip: Try not to leave any last-minute errands for the day of your surgery. They wouldn’t only be a source of undue stress, but they may run late and throw your entire schedule off. Best to have everything checked off your to-do list and only have to worry about being at the clinic on time.
Being fully open and honest with your surgeon at every step can make the difference between a successful and a failed hair transplant. Don’t be embarrassed to admit to having skipped certain aspects of preparation or to ask a lingering question. It will help your surgical team proceed safely and set your mind at ease.
Moreover, always speak up if you aren’t fully comfortable with the transplant area design when you are shown the final markings on your scalp. At this point, adjustments can still be comfortably made, but beyond that, it will be too late.
Pro Tip: Let your surgeon know if you’re feeling poorly, even if you think it may only be pre-op anxiety. They will assess you and determine if you are fit for surgery, if you need further lab tests or if the procedure needs to be rescheduled. While that can be inconvenient for you, it is vital in preventing complications and providing excellent results.
Both follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation procedures can produce excellent hair growth results [6]. However, there is a difference between FUE and FUT in the way the hair grafts are harvested. FUT involves removing an entire strip of skin from your donor area and cutting it up into grafts, while FUE entails harvesting individual follicular units [8]. Moreover, you can even get a FUE hair transplant without shaving your hair. This leads to some differences in preparation for these types of hair transplant:
If you are thinking about getting a permanent hair transplant, don’t settle for one-size-fits-all advice. Book a free hair transplant consultation at the award-winning Wimpole Clinic and consult one of our experienced surgeons. They are industry leaders who will give you top-tier, personalised recommendations on the best ways to prepare for your hair transplant.
Upon carefully assessing your medical history, scalp condition and lifestyle, our surgeons will provide clear, comprehensive instructions for stellar results. And they will also help you determine the most fitting design for a natural-looking hair transplant that will take years off you.
If you are looking for further insight into the right way to prepare for your hair transplant, you may find the information you need among the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Unless your surgeon recommends this specifically, you don’t need to take any vitamins or supplements during your hair transplant preparation. The only reason to supplement a certain nutrient is if you have a clinical deficiency and a doctor recommends it.
However, if you are already using nutritional supplements for any condition, you can safely keep taking most of them before your hair transplant. The only ones that need to be avoided 1-2 weeks before your surgery are those containing Vitamin E in high doses, garlic extract, ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto, or curcumin. If you are unsure whether the supplement you are taking is safe to take pre-procedure, it is best to ask your surgeon.
If you forget to pause a restricted medication during the days before your hair transplant procedure, be sure to inform your surgeon as soon as possible. What happens next largely depends on the type and dose of medication you have taken and your overall state of health.
Your surgeon may ask for additional tests, decide to proceed with surgery (taking extra precautions) or reschedule the procedure. Whatever choice they make, rest assured that it is meant to keep you safe, minimise your risks and give you the best chance at a great result.
No, hair transplantation experts agree that there is no contraindication to taking Finasteride before your hair transplant [1]. This medication does not interfere with sedation and does not increase your chance of developing surgical complications. In fact, most surgeons recommend you keep using it before and after surgery, to prevent further hair loss around your transplant area.
Ideally, it is recommended that you take at least a week off from work after your hair transplant. This will give you a chance to rest and recover, and allow your hair grafts to become securely attached.
However, if your job is physically demanding, you may need to take more leave (up to 3-4 weeks, depending on the nature of your activity). If that is the case, it is best to ask your surgeon to clear you before returning to work.
Wimpole Clinic Services:
Hair Transplants, Beard Transplants & Eyebrow Transplants.
Talk to a specialist
Dr Peter Barron (GMC 7841164) is based at our London Harley Street surgical headquarters and specialises in FUE hair transplants. Dr Barron received his medical degree alongside a 1st class masters in medical sciences from the University of Southampton. He was awarded a distinction in his pre-clinical years, received a letter of commendation during his clinical placements and after graduation received a certificate recognising his work as a neurosurgical clinical fellow at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Alongside his career in the NHS, Dr Barron worked as an honorary research fellow within the University of Edinburgh. His work has been published and presented internationally and again culminated in awards.
Dr Barron sought to further incorporate his creative, precise and forward thinking nature within his surgical practice by joining the internationally renowned Wimpole Clinic as an FUE hair transplant surgeon. He had the privilege of learning from the elite team of surgeons under the prestigious Wimpole Training Academy. He received further advanced training at our world renowned Mayfair Hair Clinic, under the lead surgeon Dr Kieran Dayah. He has been able to master the sapphire blade to craft high density results whilst minimising inflammation and scarring. He continues to appraise the latest advances in hair restoration surgery to ensure his consultations with prospective clients are evidenced based, with his practice remaining at the cutting edge.
Dr Barron prides himself on working with his clients to reconstruct ultra natural looking results. He is able to utilise his interest in photography to ensure that symmetry and fine details are not overlooked. Attention is given to matching the angulation and direction of existing hairs as well as incorporating macro- and micro-irregularities to advance his work into the highest tiers of the industry. Alongside producing visually impressive results, Dr Barron aims to make sure that his clients have a positive, personalised and well supported experience from their first consultation through to their results follow up.
