Proper aftercare is an important part of the hair transplant recovery process. The instructions you need to follow change as the scalp heals, the transplanted follicles stabilize, and new hair begins to grow.
This guide explains what to do during the first days after your hair transplant, how to wash and protect the transplanted area, when you can return to exercise and normal hair care, and what to expect during the fourth month, eighth month, and first year.
The first ten days are one of the most important stages of recovery because the transplanted area needs to be protected while the scalp begins to heal.
Sleep on your back for one week after the procedure and use two pillows to keep your head elevated.
Keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling and puffiness during the early recovery period.
During the first four days, avoid bending your head downward.
This includes movements such as:
During the first five days, it is also recommended to avoid sexual activity and other activities that require significant physical effort.
Stop drinking alcohol during the recovery period and reduce smoking as much as possible to support healing.
During the first few days, it is also preferable to reduce your intake of:
These precautions form part of the early recovery instructions following the procedure.
Do not shave your hair during the first month after the procedure.
Scissors may be used when necessary after the treated area has completely healed.
Do not use a razor blade for six months after the procedure.
Hair washing during the first ten days should be performed gently to avoid unnecessary pressure or friction on the transplanted area.
Apply the moisturizer or foam to the transplanted area for approximately 10 minutes on the first day.
Increase the application time by approximately five minutes each day.
Rinse the moisturizer using lukewarm water.
You may either pour water gently over the scalp or use a low-pressure shower.
Avoid:
Place the shampoo in your hand and mix it with a small amount of water until foam forms.
Apply the foam to the transplanted area using a gentle patting motion.
The donor area may be massaged gently.
Afterward, rinse the scalp thoroughly with water.
Dry the scalp gently using:
Pat the scalp lightly without rubbing.
During the first few days after the transplant, a small amount of reddish fluid may come from the donor area.
According to the postoperative instructions, this can occur normally during the early recovery period.
After approximately ten days, the initial healing stage has progressed, but the transplanted scalp still requires careful protection.
Avoid scratching, aggressively rubbing, or touching the transplanted area with your fingernails.
Do not wear anything on your head for 20 days except the medical cap provided or recommended for this purpose.
This helps maintain proper ventilation of the scalp while protecting the treated area.
For the first month, stay away from:
You should also avoid direct exposure to rain or dust during the first month.
Use the medical cap when necessary.
Avoid salty and spicy foods during the first month.
Do not use natural oils until four months after the procedure.
Use only the medical shampoo or an alternative recommended by your doctor.
Different hair and scalp treatments should be postponed for specific periods after transplantation.
Do not undergo cupping therapy during the first month.
Cupping therapy directly on the scalp should not be performed until five months after the procedure.
Do not use henna until six months after the procedure.
Do not dye your hair until one year after the procedure.
Do not have a tattoo performed in the transplanted area until one year after the hair transplant procedure.
Physical activity should be resumed gradually because sweating, increased body temperature, and physical contact may affect the recovery period.
Do not perform strenuous exercise that causes heavy sweating or increases body temperature for 15 days.
Do not swim for two months.
Weightlifting and other intense exercise should also be avoided until two months after the procedure.
Avoid sports involving direct physical contact with other people until four months after the procedure.
Examples include:
Following the correct timeline helps protect the transplanted area while the scalp continues healing.
Some temporary symptoms may appear in either the transplanted area or the donor area.
These can include:
Some symptoms may continue for a period ranging from one to three months.
Their intensity and duration may vary depending on the characteristics of the patient's scalp and skin.
Some patients may notice pimples or increased oil production on the scalp.
The postoperative instructions indicate that this can occur because the scalp naturally produces oil.
The recommended medical shampoo is generally sufficient for managing an oily scalp.
Do not apply additional creams or antiseptic products without consulting your doctor.
The timing of shaving depends on whether the hair is transplanted or non-transplanted.
The transplanted hair may be trimmed three months after the procedure using:
Non-transplanted hair and the donor area may be trimmed one month after the procedure using disinfected scissors or an electric clipper with a No. 2 guard or higher.
Do not use a razor blade on transplanted hair on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows for at least six months.
Hair washing can become slightly more active after the first ten days, particularly as the remaining scabs begin to loosen.
Apply the moisturizer or foam to the scalp for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Then gently massage the scalp using your fingertips and rinse with lukewarm water.
Apply the shampoo and gently massage the scalp with your fingertips.
This can help remove the remaining scabs.
Do not:
Rinse the scalp thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Continue washing the hair daily.
The remaining scabs usually disappear within approximately three to five days.
Use cold or lukewarm water while washing and moisturizing the scalp.
Avoid hot water during the first month.
Dry the scalp using a soft cloth or medical gauze by gently touching the area without scratching or rubbing.
During this stage, some scabs may fall together with transplanted hairs. The follicles remain inside the scalp, and new hair gradually begins to grow during the following months.
Hair transplant results develop gradually rather than immediately.
The exact timing varies depending on factors such as:
The scabs generally begin to fall off approximately 12 days after the procedure.
During the first three months, transplanted hairs may begin to shed.
This stage occurs while the follicles enter a temporary resting phase.
During the fourth month, new hair begins to appear.
The outline and shape of the transplanted area also become more noticeable.
By approximately the eighth month, hair density may reach around 70% of the final result.
After approximately one year, the final result of the hair transplant is usually achieved.
In some cases, especially in the crown area, the final result may take up to 18 months to become fully visible.
The fourth month represents an important stage because new transplanted hair typically begins to grow and the shape of the treated area becomes easier to see.
During this stage:
Continue caring for your hair using appropriate medical hair-care products.
Avoid products containing harsh chemicals.
When recommended by your doctor, additional treatments may include:
Use a soft comb or hairbrush and avoid pulling the hair or scratching the scalp.
By the eighth month, hair density may reach approximately 70% of the expected final result.
The transplanted hair is significantly more developed, but some restrictions should still be followed.
Continue to avoid:
Continue using the medical shampoo or another shampoo recommended by your doctor.
Continue using suitable medical hair-care products and avoid harsh chemicals.
Doctor-recommended treatments such as serums, vitamins, natural oils, or PRP may also be used when appropriate.
Use a soft comb or hairbrush and avoid pulling the hair or scratching the scalp.
By 12 months after the hair transplant, the final result is usually visible.
However, development of the crown area can take longer in some patients and may continue for up to 18 months.
Continue maintaining the health of your hair by:
Monitor your hair over the following years and contact the clinic if you notice an unusual change or problem.
If you experience an urgent problem or unusual symptoms at any stage after your hair transplant, contact the clinic immediately.
If you have questions about your recovery or would like your condition to be assessed, recent photos of the transplanted and donor areas can also help the medical team evaluate your progress.
Need Help!
Check your teeth with AI
