- 17 December 2024
- Dr. Ossman Ashraf
Last updated on December 10, 2024
Hair transplants can be life-changing, providing natural and permanent results for men and women with hair loss and thinning hair. However, the success of your procedure and new hair growth results depends significantly on how well you care for your scalp during the recovery period. Knowing what not to do after a hair transplant is as crucial as understanding what you should do. Here are nine things to avoid to ensure optimal results after your Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant for androgenetic alopecia.
Table of Contents
1. Don’t Touch or Scratch the Transplanted Area
It’s natural for your scalp to feel itchy or sensitive after a hair transplant. However, scratching or touching the area can dislodge grafts or introduce bacteria, leading to infection. Keep your hands away from your scalp and follow your doctor’s hair transplant aftercare advice for soothing any discomfort during your hair transplant recovery.
2. Avoid Washing Your Hair Too Soon
Washing your hair within the first 2 days after your DHI or FUE hair transplant can disturb the grafts, irreparably damage the hair follicles, and hinder healing. Wait until your doctor approves washing, usually 2-3 days after the procedure, and use gentle, lukewarm water with a mild shampoo recommended by your hair transplant aftercare specialist.
3. Don’t Wear Tight Hats or Caps
Tight hats or caps can put pressure on the transplanted area and dislodge grafts. If you need to cover your scalp, choose a loose-fitting hat made of breathable cotton and only wear it when absolutely necessary, as per your doctor’s hair restoration guidance.
4. Refrain from Heavy Exercise
Intense physical activity can increase blood flow to the scalp, causing swelling and affecting grafts, as well as increasing risks of infection. Avoid activities that make you sweat heavily, such as running or weightlifting, for at least 21 days. Light walking is usually fine after 14 days – but confirm with your doctor.
5. Avoid Sun Exposure
The scalp is particularly sensitive to UV rays after a hair transplant. Direct sunlight can damage the transplanted follicles and delay healing. Avoid prolonged sun exposure for the first few weeks, and if you must go outdoors, wear a loose hat or stay in the shade.
6. Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Smoking restricts blood flow, while alcohol can dehydrate you and slow the healing process. Both can interfere with your recovery, the growth of transplanted hair follicles, and the success of your DHI or FUE hair transplant procedure. It’s best to avoid smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks – if not permanently – after your hair restoration procedure.
7. Skip Hair Products and Heat Styling
Hair products like gels, sprays, or serums as well as using a hair drier or hot iron can irritate the scalp and impact the healing of your transplanted hair follicles during the recovery process. Avoid styling products and tools until your doctor confirms it’s safe to use them—typically several weeks after the DHI or FUE hair transplant.
8. Don’t Sleep Flat on Your Back
Sleeping flat on your back can increase swelling in the scalp, potentially damaging the transplanted hair. Instead, elevate your head using extra pillows or a recliner for the first few nights. This position helps reduce swelling and keeps the grafts secure throughout the healing process.
9. Stay Out of the Swimming Pool
Swimming in pools, oceans, or other water bodies should be avoided for at least four weeks after your hair transplantation. Chlorine in pools and bacteria in natural water can irritate the scalp and increase the risk of infection during the healing process. Once you’re cleared by your doctor or hair transplant team, take precautions like wearing a swim cap to protect your scalp and new hair.
At Hair Doctors, our hair transplant team prioritises your recovery process with personalised guidance and supportive hair growth treatments like our Hair Growth Protocol, hair loss medication, growth factor treatment, and more to ensure exceptional, long-lasting hair transplant results.
Expert Aftercare and Support from the Top-Rated Doctor-Led Hair Transplant Clinic in Sydney or Melbourne
At Hair Doctors, we specialise in micro FUE and DHI hair transplants for men and women as well as hair growth treatments such as DHT blocker therapy, growth factor therapy, and more, performed entirely by doctors and qualified nurses. From consultation to the procedure, our experienced team ensures a seamless experience. Using the latest AI-driven HairMetrix analyzer, we provide an in-depth scalp and hair analysis to create personalised treatment plans for your DHI or micro FUE hair transplant.
With hair transplant clinic in Sydney and Melbourne, we’re Australia’s only fully doctor-led hair loss clinic, known for exceptional care and patient satisfaction. Visit the best-rated clinic in Sydney, check out our affordable financing options, our before and after hair transplant results, and take the first step toward restoring your hair today.
FAQs
When can I wash my hair after a FUE hair transplant?
You should wait at least 2 days post hair transplant before washing your hair. After the initial scabs have fallen away (usually after 14 days), you can wash your hair normally but be sure to always use a gentle shampoo and follow your doctor’s instructions for washing to avoid disturbing the hair grafts. For detailed hair transplant aftercare advice, book a consultation at Hair Doctors in Sydney or Melbourne.
How long should I avoid exercise after a hair transplant?
It’s best to avoid heavy exercise for 3 weeks post hair transplant to prevent increased blood flow, risk of infection and swelling around the donor site and transplanted hair. Light walking and stretching is typically allowed after the initial 14 days, but always confirm this first with your hair transplantation doctor. Visit Hair Doctors for tailored aftercare advice and advanced scalp analysis.
Can I wear a hat after my hair transplant?
Don’t wear a hat until 3 days after your hair transplant procedure. Then you can wear loose-fitting hats made of cotton, and only when absolutely necessary. Avoid tight caps for the duration of your healing period that can press on the grafts. For expert aftercare tips, hair transplant advice, and support for new hair growth, book an appointment with Australia’s top-rated clinic, Hair Doctors.
When can I start using hair products again after a hair transplant?
Wait at least 3-4 weeks after your hair transplant before reintroducing hair products, as they can irritate the scalp and the newly transplanted hair follicles. Your hair loss doctor will advise when it’s safe to resume styling your new hair. Contact Hair Doctors for personalised hair transplant recovery guidance and payment plans starting at $35/week.
How long should I avoid alcohol and smoking after a hair transplant?
Both alcohol and smoking should be avoided for at least two weeks after your FUE hair transplant procedure, as they can slow the healing process, cause hair follicles to fail, and impact new hair growth. Trust Hair Doctors for comprehensive post-procedure care and hair transplants in Sydney and Melbourne.
What happens if I touch my scalp after a hair transplant?
Touching the hair transplantation area can dislodge grafts or introduce bacteria, leading to infection in the scalp and around transplanted hairs. Avoid this at all costs, as it can cause significant damage to the results of your hair transplant procedure, and if you’re concerned about healing or further hair loss, visit Hair Doctors for expert care.
Why choose Hair Doctors for a hair transplant and hair loss treatments in Sydney or Melbourne?
Hair Doctors is the only fully doctor-led hair loss clinic in Australia, offering micro FUE and DHI transplants as well as DHT blocker mesotherapy, growth factor treatments, and more to stimulate hair growth, all performed by doctors and specialist nurses. With cutting-edge AI scalp and hair analysis and payment plans starting at $35/week, our clinics in Sydney and Melbourne are trusted for exceptional results and patient satisfaction. Book your consultation today!
About The Author
Dr. Ossman Ashraf
In 2009, Dr Oz graduated from the University of Dundee, UK with a qualification in Men’s Health and Aesthetic Medicine. He then furthered his qualifications in medical education and is currently the Medical Advisor/Educator for MOSH, Australia’s leading online Men’s Health platform. He is accredited by the London Hair Restoration Academy and specialises in using the most up-to-date micro FUE extraction and DHI implantation techniques for transplant surgery.