Everyone has likely studied the methods and procedures for hair transplantation. However, many are still curious about how to take care of themselves post hair transplant. What precautions should be taken? Read this article to find out.
Self-Care After Hair Transplant
Care Instructions for the First Day
Post Hair Transplant The clinic will schedule a follow-up appointment to check the transplanted area and demonstrate how to wash your hair during the initial period.
How to Wash Hair Post-Transplant
For the first 1-14 days after the transplant, wash your hair with room-temperature water. If using a shower, use low water pressure and gently rinse the scalp. In the first two weeks, use a mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo. Pour the shampoo into your palm, lather it, and gently dab the foam on the transplanted area and the nape. Avoid rubbing, scratching, or picking at the transplanted area, but you may gently rub the nape. Rinse lightly with clean water.
During this period, be extra cautious to prevent the newly transplanted hair from falling out, as the roots have not yet established. If hair falls out, it may not regrow in that area. After washing, let your hair dry naturally, gently pat it with a towel, or use a hairdryer on a cool, low setting.
Foods to Avoid After Hair Transplant
You can eat any type of food after the transplant, except for foods you are known to be allergic to. It is recommended to eat hair-nourishing foods rich in protein, vitamins, and essential minerals. In other words, maintain a balanced diet with all five food groups. Adequate nutrition will strengthen your hair.
Precautions for the First Two Weeks Post-Transplant
Avoid intense physical activities and be careful not to bump the transplanted area to prevent hair from falling out. Do not wear tight hats. Between days 4-7 post-transplant, scabs will form on the transplanted area. Do not pick or remove the scabs during this time.
Care Instructions After the First Two Weeks
Hair Washing After two weeks, you can resume using your regular shampoo. You can rub and scratch the transplanted area normally. To help soften and remove scabs, apply cold-pressed coconut oil for 10-15 minutes before washing your hair. You can then gently rub the scabs off. You can also resume normal physical activities, except swimming and sauna, which should be avoided for 30 days. Hair styling products can be used, and you can cut your hair.
Removing Scabs After Two Weeks
Soak the scabs with shampoo, olive oil, or cold-pressed coconut oil for 10-15 minutes to soften them, then gently rub them off with your fingertips. Some transplanted hair may fall out with the scabs, but this is safe if it happens after two weeks. The hair will regrow. For easier scab removal, you can leave the oil on overnight and wash it off in the morning. If unsure, consult your doctor or clinic.
During this period, avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent sunburn. Wearing a hat when outdoors for more than 10 minutes is recommended. Hair treatments such as straightening, dyeing, or perming can be done two months after the transplant.
Potential Side Effects Post-Transplant
Although hair transplantation is a minor surgery with minimal recovery time, some patients may experience minor side effects:
Mild Swelling
Swelling is common and occurs due to the body’s response to the tiny wounds from the transplant. Swelling usually appears 1-3 days post-transplant and subsides by days 5-7.
Shock Loss
Shock loss, or the loss of natural hair post-transplant, can occur in both the donor and recipient areas due to disturbance. This is temporary, and the hair will regrow.
Itching and Numbness
Itching is a good sign indicating that the transplant wounds are drying and tightening. Avoid scratching the area. If itching is unbearable, contact your clinic for advice. Numbness occurs from minor nerve damage around the transplant area and will gradually improve.
Acne
Acne can form from clogged sebaceous glands. Gently pop the pimples with a needle if necessary. This usually occurs in the first week and resolves on its own. If severe acne appears, consult your clinic.
Timeline for Hair Transplant Results
- Two Weeks Post-Transplant: The transplanted hair roots are established, and scabs form. The transplanted hair may fall out, which is normal, and the wounds at the back of the head heal.
- Three Months Post-Transplant: The transplanted hair starts growing as fine baby hair, covering about 10-15% of the area, making the hairline less defined.
- Six Months Post-Transplant: The hair thickens, and the hairline becomes more defined. About 40-50% of the transplanted hair grows uniformly.
- Twelve Months Post-Transplant: Final results are visible with a natural, thick hairline.
Learn more at Hair Transplant: A Comprehensive Solution to Hair Loss and Baldness
Conclusion
Self-care after hair transplant includes gentle hair washing with room-temperature water and mild shampoo. After two weeks, you can remove scabs using cold-pressed coconut oil. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for hair health. Post-transplant care involves avoiding intense physical activities and being cautious of potential side effects such as swelling, shock loss, itching, numbness, and acne. These symptoms are temporary.
