Hair transplants are a permanent solution to hair loss. They can be particularly effective for androgenetic alopecia (known as male or female pattern baldness), the most common cause of hair loss in men and women [1].
Proper aftercare is so important after a hair transplant, as it lays the foundation for healthy new hair in the months to come. For example, taking any medication recommended after your procedure can make a huge difference to the outcome — but only 44% of patients take medication as prescribed after their hair transplant [2].
Whether you’re considering hair restoration surgery or you’ve recently had a transplant, you may be wondering what to do after a hair transplant.
You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore:
You’ll need to take things easy in the first week or two following your hair transplant. While a hair transplant is minimally invasive, you’ll still need to schedule a short period of post-hair transplant downtime from certain activities.
For example, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for a full week to keep your grafts safe [3-4]. You need to keep your heart rate and blood pressure within normal range for a week post-surgery [4]. You can physically return to the office within a couple of days, but we usually recommend taking at least a week off work after your transplant to help with the healing process.
In the following months, you’ll have regular reviews from your hair transplant surgeon to make sure everything is progressing as it should be. You are also very likely to experience shock loss, which is sudden hair shedding after your transplant, usually around 2–4 weeks post-surgery [5].
This is a normal part of the hair transplant procedure, and while it can be alarming if you’re not expecting it, you should not be concerned. There’s no need to change anything in your haircare routine; your hair will start to grow within a few weeks.
After these first few weeks, the maintenance required for your new hair is minimal. You can relax, get on with your life as usual, and enjoy your new hair.
Understanding the hair transplant process can help you understand what you need to do afterwards. There are two main types of hair transplant: follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
Both procedures are similar and involve transplanting healthy hair follicles from areas of hair growth to areas of hair loss. Often, this means moving hair from the back or sides of the scalp to the top and frontal areas.
FUE is minimally invasive and causes minimal scarring. FUT is slightly more invasive and leaves a strip scar at the back of the scalp, but it still counts as minimally invasive surgery. You may have some mild pain, redness, hair transplant swelling and hair transplant scabbing around the donor area and the transplant area afterwards.
Here’s a quickfire list of what you should and shouldn’t do after your hair transplant, including top tips to keep your new grafts healthy.
Now you know what you should be doing after your hair transplant, here are the things you should avoid:
The first week following your hair transplant is a sensitive time for your new hair. If you follow your post-surgical advice carefully, you can set yourself up for success with your new transplant.
Keep your scalp dry for the first few days, and avoid sweating. This can help to keep your grafts as healthy as possible.
When you start washing your hair, use lukewarm water and gently massage your scalp rather than rubbing or scrubbing. Follow all advice from your surgeon to the letter, and make sure you go along to your follow-up appointments.
You can work out after your transplant when a week has passed as long as your hair transplant scabs have healed. You’re allowed to walk after your hair transplant, but avoid brisk walking or power walking for the first week or two. If your sport involves wearing a helmet or other headgear, speak to your surgeon to find out when it’s OK to return.
You may be able to start having sex after your hair transplant within a week, but 2–3 weeks is often safer. Although you’re allowed to exercise, you may be more likely to get an infection or damage your grafts if someone touches your scalp before it’s healed.
The full recovery process after a hair transplant takes 12 to 18 months [8-9]. This is the total time needed to see the final results after your hair transplant.
The actual period of following hair transplant aftercare instructions is much shorter. It’s only the first few weeks following your hair transplant that you’ll need to take extra care and follow precautions. You will, however, need to continue attending follow-up appointments for 12 months after your procedure and possibly even longer if you need ongoing treatment or monitoring.
Here are some examples of hair transplant results after one year from patients at the Wimpole Clinic:
The photo above shows an FUE hair transplant after 12 months. 1300 grafts were used from the mid-section to the crown.
This image shows the one-year results of an FUT hair transplant. 2600 grafts were used for this hairline transplant. For more examples of results, check out our before and after hair transplant gallery.
This is what one of our happy customers had to say about his hair transplant experience at the Wimpole Clinic:
Since having the hair transplant it’s made such a positive impact on my life. I am much more confident in how I look, how I feel, being a dad, being a husband – it’s just made a really positive impact!
— James, Wimpole Clinic patient
If you’re considering a hair transplant, choose one of the longest-standing hair clinics in the UK. We’ve been treating hair loss since 1975 and have thousands of happy customers, with a 4.9 out of 5 score on Trustpilot.
At the Wimpole Clinic, you’ll first be assessed by an expert trichologist. They will complete a full assessment and perform diagnostic trichology tests to identify why your hair is falling out.
If you’re a candidate for a natural-looking hair transplant, you’ll have access to some of the best hair transplant surgeons in the UK. Our surgeons create such natural results that it’s possible to get a hair transplant without anyone knowing.
We take a holistic approach to hair loss, and you will also be offered non-surgical treatment. This may include Finasteride, Minoxidil, PRP hair treatment or low-level laser therapy. Many of these treatments work well alongside hair transplants and can help you get the best outcome possible.
Are you ready to learn how you can regain thick, healthy hair that can last a lifetime? Book a consultation at your nearest clinic location today.
The best aftercare for a hair transplant is the specific plan your surgeon recommends. Every hair transplant is different, and every person is different, so aftercare protocols may vary. Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely for the best outcome after your procedure.
Surgeons recommend that you avoid touching your hair grafts for the first couple of weeks after your surgery because they are vulnerable to falling out. However, if you accidentally touch them lightly, it’s unlikely to ruin your hair transplant. Speak to your surgeon if you’re worried you may have done some damage.
Make sure you get plenty of rest in the first few days following your transplant. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on washing your hair and avoid strenuous exercise, tight-fitting headwear, alcohol, cigarettes and scratching your head.
Many surgeons recommend using Minoxidil to maximise hair growth after your transplant. Finasteride after a hair transplant may also be recommended. However, if you choose not to do this, it won’t damage your transplanted hair or affect the survival of your new grafts. Hair transplants are permanent, and the new hair will continue to grow. It just may not grow quite as much as if you do use medication.
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