It is important to know what processes you will go through month by month after the hair transplant procedure and how it will affect your daily routine.
Post Hair Transplant Period
1 Month Later
The hair washing routine tends to return to normal 1 month after a hair transplant, but it is still important to be gentle. Wash your hair with lukewarm water. Be gentle on the scalp and hair and avoid scrubbing. Lather your hair lightly and then rinse.
Usually 100% of all grafts (transplanted hair follicles) grow within 1 month after hair transplantation. However, a process called “shock shedding” begins during this period. In this process, most of the transplanted hair temporarily falls out.
After this loss, hair follicles start to produce hair again within 2-4 months on average. By the 6th month, most of the transplanted hair grows and the hair is expected to reach its full density by the 12th month.
4-5 Months Later
After 4-5 months, the hair washing routine is almost normalized. Wash the hair gently; avoid rough movements. During this period, 50-60% of the transplanted hair follicles may have grown.
However, this rate may vary from person to person and depending on the hair transplantation technique applied.
In general, it is normal that not all of the hair has grown at the end of 4-5 months. While new hair continues to grow, the hair that grows during this period may initially be thinner and textured, but will thicken over time.
After 6 Months
Within 6 months after hair transplantation, usually 50% to 70% of the transplanted hair grows. However, it is usually necessary to wait up to 9-12 months to see full and permanent results.
1 Year Later
After 1 year after hair transplantation, your hair has largely settled and the roots have strengthened. Hair washing can be close to your normal hair washing routine.
In general, at the end of 1 year, about 80% to 100% of the transplanted hair will grow. That is, hair growth is expected from almost all of the transplanted follicles.
However, this rate may vary from person to person depending on the technique applied, the general health condition of the patient, the blood circulation of the transplanted area and many other factors.
Post Hair Transplant Routine
There is usually no need for hospitalization after hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure usually performed under local anesthesia and patients can return home the same day after the procedure.
After hair transplantation, crusting and redness may occur in the transplanted area. These scabs usually start to fall off between the 7th and 10th days after the transplantation.
However, this period may vary depending on the person and the techniques applied. In order for the scabs to fall off naturally, it is important that you do not force them and follow the doctor’s care instructions.
Rest
Many people can return to normal daily activities after resting for 3-4 days after hair transplantation.
It is recommended to keep your head elevated for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure and keep your head in an upright position when lying down. This can help reduce swelling and edema formation.
Nutrition
Alcohol consumption should be avoided for the first few days, as alcohol can affect blood circulation and slow down the healing process. Likewise, the consumption of caffeinated drinks should be limited, as caffeine can increase blood pressure and slow down the reduction of edema. Spicy foods should also be limited for similar reasons. One of the most important aspects is smoking; smoking can reduce blood circulation and negatively affect the development of new hair follicles.
Shaving
Do not use cutting tools for the first 10-15 days after hair transplantation. After 2-3 weeks, you can shave lightly with the doctor’s permission, but do not put pressure. The area where the hair is removed heals in 1 week, so shaving here is not a problem.
Sleep
The first few days after hair transplantation are very critical to prevent damage to the transplanted hair follicles. During this critical period, it is essential not to put direct pressure on the transplanted area.
For this reason, you should definitely sleep on your back the first night. In fact, it is often recommended to sleep on your back for the first 7-10 days after hair transplantation. This is recommended to prevent damage to the transplanted hair follicles and to prevent edema formation.
Especially during this period, lying on your stomach can irritate or dislocate the transplanted follicles. It is also advisable to use a pillow on your neck for the first 3-7 days, although some clinics indicate that this period may be longer. This allows your head to be slightly elevated, thus helping to reduce edema at the transplant site.
Wearing a hat
It is recommended not to wear a hat for the first few days after hair transplantation to prevent damage to the transplanted hair follicles. If you have to wear a hat, a loose and soft hat that does not put pressure on your head should be preferred.
Shower
Considering the sensitivity of the hair transplantation area, it is recommended not to wash your hair or take a shower for the first 2-3 days after hair transplantation.
At the same time, during this period, care should be taken to avoid direct contact of the transplantation area with water and especially to avoid direct water jet to the transplantation area.
The first shower is usually done around the 3rd or 4th day. During washing, you should move slowly and carefully and use a special shampoo. The first washes should be particularly gentle, avoiding scrubbing or rough movements. This care routine continues for the first few weeks, usually washing once a day.
