Behaviour After the Hair Transplant

There are various aspects that should be considered after a hair transplant to ensure the best possible results. If you are considering a hair transplant, you probably have a lot of questions about the process and the things you should consider afterwards.

We have put together this post to answer all your questions and give you advice on the right behaviour after a hair transplant.

How does the healing process of a hair transplant work?

The healing process after a hair transplant is important for the success of the procedure. Immediately after the procedure, the donor and transplant area should be washed with a special medicated shampoo using a gentle lathering motion.

The scab begins to form one to three days after the hair transplant and falls off after about twelve days. During this time, it is important to avoid scratching, aggressive washing and direct water jets on the scalp.

After one to five days, all bandages can be removed and the recipient area should not be touched. During this time, it is important to take it easy and relax as much as possible.

After a week, we recommend showering with lukewarm water for a maximum of 20 minutes. Finally, remember that hair growth begins two to three months after the procedure and the full results can only be seen within six to twelve months.

The first hair care after a hair transplant

You will certainly want to wash your head as soon as possible after a hair transplant.

However, it is important to follow the exact instructions to ensure that your hair can regenerate sufficiently. Below you will find our recommendations for washing your hair for the first time after a hair transplant.

Shampoo and lotion for washing hair after a hair transplant

It is important to use the shampoo and lotion provided by the clinic when washing your hair for the first time after a hair transplant. You should be very careful when applying the lotion by gently tapping it onto the area.

Allow around 15-30 minutes to pass before washing the lotion off with lukewarm water. This supports the healing process and enhances new hair growth. For the first ten days after the procedure, your hair should be washed every day with the recommended shampoo and lotion. It is essential not to remove the headband and to wash gently for the first five days.

After a week, you can shower with lukewarm water for about 20 minutes as the crusts start to fall off. Keep in mind that it is vital to avoid scratching or scrubbing too much, as this can damage your scalp and make hair care after a hair transplant more difficult. Please remember to always follow the post-operative instructions.

The right behaviour after a hair transplant: do's and don'ts

After a hair transplant, refraining from various things that can impair the hair transplant healing and regeneration process is crucial.

Avoid sexual activity after a hair transplant

Sexual activity should be avoided for the first ten days after a hair transplant. This is because the newly transplanted hair needs to adhere to the scalp and any strenuous activity can disrupt this process.

In addition, sexual activity can lead to increased blood pressure, which can negatively affect the healing process. Therefore, following the instructions carefully after the hair transplant and minimising any movement or activity is key to ensuring successful hair growth.

Hair transplant recovery: What to avoid

After the hair transplant, it is advisable to avoid swimming, drinking alcohol and smoking. Swimming can increase the infection risk if water penetrates the incisions.

This applies similarly to drinking alcohol. Alcohol can affect the blood supply to the head and should be avoided for at least five days after the procedure.

Direct sunlight on the head should also be omitted, as this causes stress to the scalp and leads to sweating, similar to physical activity.

Smoking can delay healing, so it must be refrained from for at least two weeks after the hair transplant surgery.

To ensure healing and successful results, patients should follow all post-operative instructions and exercise minimally until their scalp is fully healed.

Can I exercise after a hair transplant?

As with any operation, exercise should be restricted after the hair transplant procedure. This means that you should refrain from strenuous exercise for at least 14 days after the hair transplant operation to protect your newly transplanted follicles.

After this period, it is recommended that you ask your doctor for advice on what type of cardio exercise, fitness and strength training is suitable for you.

In addition, it is important to minimise any direct contact with the transplanted areas of your scalp during any physical activity. Please minimise exertion during the healing process to ensure successful results and a speedy recovery.

Appropriate behaviour after a hair transplant in the donor area

After a hair transplant, patients must follow appropriate care and behaviour in the donor area. We have summarised the points that should be observed in the donor area in particular:

• Avoid physical exertion: after your own hair transplant, you should avoid heavy physical exertion for at least two weeks so as not to stress wound healing in the donor area.
• Go easy on your scalp: avoid touching or scratching the scalp in the donor area to prevent infection.
• Avoid direct sunlight on the donor area of the hair transplant: protect your scalp from direct sunlight by wearing a hat when you are outside.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: smoking and alcohol can delay the healing process, so you should avoid them for at least the first two weeks after the operation.
• Use the recommended medication: your doctor will recommend which medication you should use to care for and prevent infection in the donor area of the hair transplant. Follow these instructions exactly.
• Keep up with check-ups: your clinic's experts will tell you when you should return for check-ups on the transplant and the healing process. Keep to these appointments to ensure that the healing is going well.

How long does it take for hair growth to start?

On average, it takes between three and twelve months for the transplanted hair to grow back completely. In the first two weeks, the hair begins to fall out and it can take up to three weeks before new hair begins to grow. Small white patches may be visible in the recipient area when new hair begins to grow.

After nine months, there should be noticeable hair growth in the treated area. Please note that this phase can last up to twelve months.

Conclusion – the right behaviour after a hair transplant

A hair transplant is an effective method of treating hair loss and baldness, but behaviour after a hair transplant can be crucial to the treatment's success. In order to support optimal healing, patients should keep a few important points in mind.

These include, for example, avoiding physical exertion and taking it easy. Avoiding alcohol and smoking can also help to speed up the healing process. Patients should continue to take care to protect their scalp from sunlight and heat in order to avoid complications.

At HAIR & SKIN, we rely on the proven FUE method (Follicular Unit Extraction), also known as FUE hair transplants (follicular unit transplantation), which promises you a full head of hair with healthy hair and a perfect hairline after implantation.

Thanks to the rapid recovery process, hair regrowth is not long in coming, so your self-esteem will soon be as good as new. We will be happy to inform you about any side effects, just leave us your phone number so that we can talk about your balding areas.

Our hair transplant surgeons are open and experienced in hair restoration surgery. For example, they can recommend creams for androgenetic alopecia in the first week of your treatment.

We also offer free consultations and follow-up consultations to discuss autohaemotherapy or previous successful hair transplants or hair transplant results.