The hard part is done, your hair transplant has been successfully completed. Now is the time for a peaceful and serene recovery. There are a few milestones in one’s hair transplant recovery: the first night post-op, avoiding touching your hair in case of inflammation and of course the most quintessential of them all: first wash after a hair transplant.
But what makes the first wash special? Why is it imperative for the hair to recover properly? And what are some things you should be mindful of while you are washing your first time after a transplant?
Continue reading to learn all about washing hair after a hair transplant: here is a step by step guide to the first hair wash post-op.
The very first question to ask about hair washing after hair transplant is most definitely WHEN you should be washing your hair? Waiting the right amount of time before the initial wash is important to ensure that the sensitive area is not further aggravated.
After the operation your doctor will give a list of things to do and not to do in order to make sure your recovery is a smooth process with little to no complications. One of those things is waiting a few days before washing your hair. This is due to formation of scabs in the transplanted area. It is important for scabs to form, it is a sign that the hair follicle has been transplanted successfully. Depending on your scalp sensitivity post-op, your doctor may ask you to wash your hair earlier or later than the initial day that was discussed.
Normally patients are recommended to wait 3-4 days post-op to wash their hair for the first time after the transplant operation. If the scalp is still sensitive and scabs are barely forming then the doctor may ask you to wait a few more days before washing your hair.
The hair wash is a significant start to ensure a healthy recovery from the hair transplant operation. It signifies a fresh and clean start however there are some very important factors to be mindful of. Waiting for the right time to wash to ensure healing, choosing the right shampoo, water temperature and pressure and how to dry your hair after the initial wash are all determining factors that have a hand in ensuring a good start to recovery.
After your operation your clinic may provide you with some kind of an aftercare kit or brochure that includes what kind of medical grade shampoos you may use for the first few weeks post-op to ensure that your hair is restoring its strength.
Make sure to ask your doctor about a shampoo that you can use that will not irritate the skin, especially for the first few washes.
As the skin and the newly transplanted hairs are still sensitive the patient must take special care not to further irritate the area of transplant. This includes setting the water pressure in a low setting. A jet type of wash may cause irritation and potentially damage the newly transplanted hair. Similarly the patient should avoid extreme temperatures whilst washing their hair. This again may risk the integrity and viability of the transplanted hair.
Making sure that the water pressure is not harsh and that the water temperature is lukewarm you may begin the wash. Gently wet your hair from top to bottom.
If you feel like the water pressure may be too much for your skin you may also use a cup and a big bowl to slowly pour water to saturate your hair.
Pour a little shampoo from the bottle to your palm and lather. It is important that you don’t harshly lather the shampoo on your scalp as it may still be too harsh considering the sensitivity of the transplanted area. Carefully apply the shampoo to your hair, making sure to not scratch or itch the area of transplantation too much.
You will feel scabs forming on your scalp and that as you wash some of them will fall away on their own. This is completely okay however you should not pick on them as that will hinder the recovery process. Softly rinse away the suds and make sure to not aggravate the area.
You’ve successfully completed the first wash after a hair transplant. Next comes the drying part. You may have to ditch your hair styling routine for the first 1-2 weeks post-op. This is because of the stress and strain styling and drying products may cause on the transplanted area.
Particularly for the first 2-3 washes you should opt for letting your hair air dry. This is the safest and product-build-up free way that would not hinder your recovery process or risk the sustainability of the operation.
The frequency in which you would like to wash your hair depends on your hair type and scalp type even when a hair transplant is concerned. If your hair is on the oilier side you may want to wash your hair once a day or once in every two days after your doctor clears you for the very first wash post transplant. If your hair is on the dryer side you can wash your hair once every 3 days. Don’t forget that going back to your normal routine will only take you about 1-2 weeks. You will see that the initial sensitivity will dissipate pretty quickly thus you can wash your hair accordingly.
Some doctors recommend post-transplant hair wash to be done daily particularly when the patient is advised to use medical grade shampoo. This initial stage of daily washing may continue for 7-10 days as the scabs fall and the scalp yields to healing. Check in with your doctor and follow their lead with regards to how often you should wash your hair.
There is a common misconception around hair washing after hair transplant and that is washing your hair twice everyday. Your doctor will tell you that washing your hair once will suffice if done properly. Be careful not to be too harsh with your hair for the first 1-2 weeks post-op.
It is not recommended that you use any shampoo when washing hair after a hair transplant particularly for the first few washes. Your clinic may provide a medical grade shampoo for you or you can ask them for some.
Using a medical shampoo for the first wash or as long as your doctor asks you to wash your hair is significant for the viability of your recovery process. After the first week or so you may continue using your regular hair products. Consult your clinic for your own timeline of recovery.
Some baby shampoos are considered to be safe for use after a hair transplant however some may not be safe to use. The reason why some doctors recommend baby shampoos is because of how baby shampoos are formulated for sensitive scalps. That may not be the case for some baby shampoos. So the safest way to make sure which shampoo you can use is by asking your clinic directly for recommendations.
Touching your hair grafts is the worst thing you can do for your hair as it risks inflammation and may cause substantial damage to the transplanted grafts. Depending on the severity of your accidental touch you may need to consult your doctor. Avoid any situation where you may need to touch your hair, including changing your sleeping position to avoid friction.
It is recommended that you wash after the 4th day at the latest. This is because of the scabs that are formed on your scalp during and after the operation. In order for new hair to grow these scabs need to be gone and they should not be picked but they need to fall on their own accord. That is why washing your hair daily and gently is required. Waiting 10 days for the first wash is not good for the viability of your hair transplant or for the general health of your hair.
Not washing your hair on time after your hair transplant risks the viability of your transplant. Not cleaning your hair or your scalp of daily build up is not good for your hair health in general. Adding the strain caused by the transplant, your hair needs some special care. Follow your clinic’s instructions and wash your hair according to your doctor’s suggestion.
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