How to Wash Hair After Hair Transplant in Istanbul, Turkey – Post-Op Washing & Aftercare Guide

Written by Dr. Mustafa Dikeç

Everything you need to know about how to wash hair after hair transplant – aftercare guide

So you just got a hair transplant – congratulations! Now comes the part most people underestimate: learning how to clean your hair so as to avoid ruining what has been transplanted.

This phase is just as crucial as the surgery itself. This is because how well you care for your scalp afterward determines how natural your final results will look.

With so many conflicting instructions flying around, it’s pretty easy to get confused about the right cleaning and maintenance routine.

To set the record straight, this article takes a deep dive into the proper post-transplant washing routine. We will also cover the most common errors made during the cleaning process, what to do if you dislodge your grafts, and other relevant information.

When Can You Safely Start Washing Hair After Hair Transplant?

Timing is everything in this life, and guess what? The same principle applies in the context of hair transplants. Once you have successfully completed your transplant, the next thing is to figure out how long you have to wait before you start letting water get to your scalp.

Understandably, we all have different recovery rates. But as standard practice, most hair transplant clinics will recommend waiting for 3 – 5 days before washing your hair. And there is a good reason for that: In those first few days,

• Your grafts are still very fragile. That is, they are still trying to settle in and form new connections
• Tiny blood clots would still be forming around each follicle so as to secure them in place.

After the waiting period and you are finally cleared to wash your hair, you have to start slow and easy (gentle washing). Remember, the goal of the first washes is to remove dried blood and scabs, not to deep cleanse. This gentle washing phase typically last for about 1–2 weeks

That said, these are just general guidelines. Your surgeon will prepare a personalized post-transplant cleaning plan for you.

What Happens if You Wash Your Hair Too Early After a Hair Transplant?

First off, this is a really bad idea. But say, for whatever reasons, you ignore your surgeon and wash your hair early. Here’s what could happen:

Dislodged Grafts and Why They Occur

Typically, it takes around 5 days or even longer for the freshly implanted follicles to settle and form a connection with the scalp.

If you now, for whatever reasons, wash your head too early, the water pressure will very much likely dislodge those fragile grafts. If this happens, just know that your hair is gone for good.

Newly Implanted Follicles Falling Out

As we said previously, It takes days before follicles completely anchor themselves to the scalp. Now, if you decide to wash your hair before they do, the water will only knock them loose, thus undoing all the progress made during the transplant.

Risk of Infection After Washing Too Early

If you wash early and the grafts fall out, your scalp will be left exposed for bacteria and other germs. Once these microorganisms find their way in, they can trigger redness, swelling, itching, or in more severe cases, pus-filled bumps.

What to do if you dislodge a graft while washing your hair?

Do not panic if you find out that you have knocked loose a few of your grafts during washing – this can happen to anybody. Below are steps you can take:

1. Stop washing your hair immediately!
2. If the scalp start bleeding, take a clean tissue and gently press it against the bleeding spot. Do this for a few minutes until the bleeding stops.
3. If the bleeding does not stop, contact your surgeon right away. They will tell you of what to do.
4. Do not touch or rub your scalp as you wait for help to arrive.
5. Do not attempt to place a graft back into its original location.

Some tips for successful post transplant washes and care

If you are planning your first post transplant wash and unsure about the things you’ll need, or even where to begin; this section will walk you through all the steps required to help you successfully complete the process.

Choose a mild/soft shampoo

As your first wash, choose a mild and/or soft shampoo to ensure that you allow the grafts to heal properly. Only use the mild shampoo that was recommended by your surgeon, do not experiment with other products during recovery.

Use a soft towel and avoid rubbeling

When you are ready to dry your hair, use a towel that is extremely soft, so that when you place the towel on your hair, it will not cause irritation to the scalp. Do not rub or press the towel into the grafted areas of your scalp. Instead, gently pat the area with the towel.

Do not use a blow-dryer on your hair

In the first few weeks, never use a blow dryer on your hair. This is because the heat and air pressure of a blow dryer will likely dislodge your new grafts

Use lukewarm water

Lukewarm water (water temperature that is neither cold nor hot) is perfect for cleaning your scalp as it cleans effectively without irritating the grafts.

Refrain from using styling products

Avoid gel, wax, hairspray and all sorts of styling products during the first few weeks after your transplant. These products can block the hair follicle, thus affecting how quickly your hair will grow.

Adopt “the less is more” Mindset During Hair Transplant Aftercare

When you are in the post-transplant period, be gentle with your hair/scalp. Do not touch your hair or scalp excessively.

And do not wash your scalp excessively. One time each week (or even a few times) is fine. It will help prevent infection and keep your scalp clean.

Additional Hair Transplant Aftercare Advice for Better Healing

There are also some other things to consider for your own good while you’re recovering to allow your hair to grow back from your transplant properly.

• To ensure you have a successful hair restoration experience, you will need to follow your surgeon’s instructions as they pertain to your post-transplant care.
• It is also very important that you take the prescribed medication(s) provided to you by your doctor. These medications will help reduce the amount of swelling you will experience. They will also help decrease the potential for developing an infection, as well as assist you in recovering as quickly as possible.
• After the transplant, wait for a period of two to three weeks before engaging in any strenuous physical activities.
• It is also essential that you protect your head from the sun’s direct UV light during your recovery period. The reason is simple: the ultra violet (UV) ray from the sun can impede your body’s ability to heal and and at the same time damage your newly transplanted grafts. However, If you find yourself needing to go out during your recovery, try to use an umbrella or wear a hat.

Getting your hair transplant right from the get-go

Your hair transplant is an investment in yourself; therefore, it is only right that you get the results you paid for.

While your surgeon will try their best to make the procedure a success, the rest actually depends on you. That is, how committed you are to following the aftercare instruction will determine how well your new hair grows and heals.

That being said, If you are still in the research phase and haven’t had your transplant yet, it is vital that you choose a quality clinic.

Hospital XP, a subsidiary of DentSpa, is a trusted provider of advanced hair restoration services. This clinic combines skilled surgeons, cutting-edge technology, and patient-focused care to deliver lasting, natural-looking results.

For those who are inspired by this MedClinics blog, remember that your path to a new smile is just a phone call away. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact MedClinics. There you will be in the best hands.

Get a free consultation and a no-obligation quote now!

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FAQ’s about Washing Hair After Hair Transplant