Washing and Drying Your Hair After a Hair Transplant
Female Hair Transplant
After you get a hair transplant, it’s very important to take extra good care of yourself in the days and weeks afterward. How you look after yourself will make a big difference in how your results turn out. One of the most common questions people have is how they should wash their hair after a transplant. Here are some useful tips to follow.
Wait 48 Hours Before Washing Your Hair
It’s important to wait at least 48 hours before washing or wetting your hair. Washing your hair too soon can negatively affect your results. When you take showers, be sure to keep your hair dry. It may be helpful to wear a shower cap.
Be Gentle When Washing Your Hair
On day three, you can begin shampooing your hair again. However, you will have to be much more gentle. If you scrub your head too hard, you risk dislodging the newly implanted follicles. Massage your head in gentle, circular motions. Also, don’t rinse your hair off with the shower head. Many shower heads are powerful and can dislodge your follicles. Instead, fill a cup of water and pour it over your head.
Change Your Shampoo
For at least the first couple of weeks after your transplant, you may need to use a different shampoo than you normally do. If your shampoo contains additives and detergents, it can irritate your scalp and grafts. That’s why it’s best to wash your hair with a shampoo that’s very mild. In fact, you may even consider washing your hair with baby shampoo.
Apply Conditioner to the Donor Area
It’s common to experience itchiness on your scalp a few days after a hair transplant. This is perfectly normal and part of the healing process. However, you should resist the urge to scratch your head, as it can lead to irritation. Instead, apply conditioner to the donor region. This should help relieve the itching.
Dry Your Hair Naturally
It’s best to let your hair dry naturally for at least a week after your transplant. The graft area will be numb, so you won’t be able to tell if the blow-dryer is too hot. You could damage your hair follicles before they heal fully. When you do begin using a blow-dryer, only use it on the lowest setting.
Taking care of your hair after a transplant may take some getting used to. However, if you’re gentle with your hair and follow your doctor’s other instructions, you will be more satisfied with your results. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your hair transplant, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. He or she should be able to answer all of your questions and give you additional tips on how to care for your newly grafted hair.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Hair Treatment
