Feller & Bloxham Medical Hair Transplant Institute – How to Wash Your Hair After a Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplantation is a proven method of recovering a full head of hair and regaining one’s self-confidence. It is a life-changing procedure that dramatically alters not only one’s look but also their general outlook on life as well. However, a successful hair transplant is doesn’t stop when the patient has left the surgeon’s office; postoperative care is a critical part of the process, in particular, when washing your hair after the surgery.
Understanding what’s involved with hair transplant surgery helps provide insight into why some of the after-care procedures are highly recommended. Hair transplantation is a kind of surgical procedure that moves hair follicles from one part of the scalp, the donor site, to the balding or thinning area known as the recipient site. Two of the most common procedures in hair transplantation are FUT and FUE. Whatever the technique used, the hair grafts that are transferred remanin very fragile in the first days after the surgery, and gentle handling is vital for their setting and growth.
Washing your hair properly after surgery is part of keeping the area clean, but also one of the most important parts of the healing process.
The washings will avoid infection by cleaning any kind of dirt, extra oil, blood, or scabbing that may set in around the grafts. On the flip side, washing encourages the healing process and enhances scalp blood flow, thus nourishing new grafts and helping in graft survival, but without disturbing or damaging the follicles. Poor hair washing may result in a number of complications which may include infection, graft failure, and less-than-optimal results. General rules of washing hair in the initial period following hair transplantation with respect to timing, gentleness, what should be applied, and not being directly subjected to intense water pressure. Most doctors advise not washing your hair until at least 48 hours have passed after the surgery, but this may change depending on the instructions given by the surgeon. Extreme delicacy is the keyword while handling areas with grafts.
Any washing should be done using a mild, non-medicated shampoo advised by your surgeon, many surgeons recommend baby shampoos due to their gentleness. Hair should be rinsed with a cup or with the shower head on the lowest setting because high water pressure may dislodge the grafts. You should avoid washing your hair in post-surgery care immediately after the operation, Day 1-3, unless instructed otherwise by your physician. These grafts are so fragile that they get dislodged with even the slightest touch. Don’t touch your scalp to scratch it, although it may itch, and keep the swelling down by sleeping with the head elevated and using cold compresses on your forehead but not on the graft area.
You can start washing it gently from day 4 to day 7. Dilute the shampoo with lukewarm water. Pour lukewarm water over your scalp with a cup or a showerhead on its lowest setting. Pour the diluted shampoo over the scalp without rubbing or scrubbing; instead, gently pat the donor area with your fingertips and avoid touching the recipient area in which the grafts have been placed. Carefully rinse off the shampoo by pouring lukewarm water over your head, ensuring all shampoo residue is removed. Let your hair air dry, and do not use a towel on the recipient area. If necessary, gently pat the donor area with a soft, clean towel. Wash your hair once a day during this period unless advised otherwise by your surgeon.
You can go back to normal washing by Week 2.
You may start using shampoo directly on your scalp, massaging your scalp lightly with your fingertips while being very gentle around the recipient area. You can expect scabs to develop around the grafts. At the time of wash, you may massage over them lightly to help loosen these scabs but do not touch them at any other time. The showerhead may be used directly on your head but make sure the water pressure is not too strong.
You can start using a soft towel to pat the hair dry and may also use hair dryers on a cool setting.
From Week 3 onwards, one can get back to the usual routine. Go back to using your usual shampoo (avoid strongly fragrant or chemical-enriched) unless advised to the contrary, remain gentle but start going back to your normal manner of washing. One can start using styling products like gels or sprays, but not with harsh chemicals. Hair dryers on a warm setting are okay; just stay away from high heat that would damage your scalp and hair.
When washing, avoid scratching even if your scalp itches; this keeps from damaging the grafts and causing infections. Use lukewarm water, since hot water may elevate the degree of swelling and make the scalp irritated. Continue to use shampoos that are NOT strongly fragrant or chemical-enriched products. Also, for at least a month, avoid submerging your head in swimming pools, avoid hot tubs and saunas due to bacteria and chlorine that might destroy the grafts.
Other things to avoid include vigorous scrubbing of scalp, using harsh products containing sulfates, parabens, or alcohol that further irritate your scalp, and returning to strenuous exercises too early because it would increase the flow of blood to your scalp, failing to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon may result in further swelling or even bleeding.
One should drink lots of water to keep oneself hydrated and eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, which help in the growth of hair. Biotin, zinc, and iron are a few of them. Smoking and alcohol hamper the flow of blood and will significantly delay the recuperation process. While going out, use a loose hat to cover the scalp from the sun. Follow the prescription courses of medicines to avoid infection and reduce swelling. Observe any complication signs.
Although not common, these may include unusual swelling and/or redness, continued pain, infection, fever greater than 100.4°F or 38°C, unusual discharge or bleeding, allergic reactions, considerable graft loss, or intense itching associated with the appearance of other symptoms. Notify your health care provider immediately.
Recovery from hair transplantation is somewhat an emotional roller coaster; thus, patience and realistic expectations should be called upon during this time. The new hair usually starts growing within three to four months after surgery, though the overall effect may take almost a year or so to appear. You may want to consult a counsellor or join a support group if you are becoming anxious or feeling depressed.
Finally, proper washing of hair after hair transplantation is one very important aspect of recovery. By following proper instructions from your surgeon and guidelines mentioned in this article, one can increase the healing process, reduce the chances of any complications, and hence ensure the most desirable outcomes of the operation. Remember, at this stage, you are supposed to be very careful and should not be impatient. Don’t rush back into your normal hair care, and let this be one of those reminders that your scalp and the newly transplanted grafts are all that matter. With time and due care, you will truly appreciate the final results of hair transplant surgery and the added confidence that comes with it.
