After hair transplant surgery, playing around with your new hair it is one of the first things you want to do. This might include using a hair dryer after your hair transplant, or using styling products like wax and gel.
Being excited is understandable. However, for the sake of your hair and scalp, you should wait a few weeks before you start styling and using products. After all, heat styling can cause hair loss and breakage, so you don’t want to damage your new hair [1]. This hair transplant recovery period will give your scalp time to heal and you’ll soon be able to have almost any hairstyle you’ve dreamed of.
In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common post-hair transplant styling FAQs.
In the first week after treatment, it is probably best to leave your hair to dry naturally. The graft area after surgery tends to be numb, meaning you won’t feel whether the heat is too hot on your scalp or the base of your hair. This risks damaging the transplanted hair follicles as they heal. When you do start using a blow dryer again, use it on a low or cool setting only.
Shampooing your hair is not usually recommended immediately following surgery. Your team will advise you further but in most cases, surgeons recommend not shampooing for at least two days. This is because shampoo, even the most gentle and sensitive type, can irritate the scalp and hair grafts. Remember, you want to aid the healing process as much as possible.
When you have been given the go-ahead to shampoo your hair, use a mild formula product for the first two weeks. Baby shampoo with no additives or harsh detergents is a great product to use. Talk to your team before using an anti-dandruff shampoo though, as some are not suitable.
Many patients want to create a new look which is why they opt for hair restoration surgery in the first place. However, dying your hair too quickly can lead to problems with the healing process. Rugby player Stuart Hogg bleached his newly transplanted hair, causing the hair grafts to quickly fall out.
Always ask your surgical team for advice, but most surgeons suggest waiting for three weeks or longer before dying your hair. Transplanted hair follicles are more sensitive and may react in unexpected ways to chemicals found in dyes and products.
Your new hair will take some getting used to. It will be several months before the new hair is evident but, as your hair grows, you may find you need to change the style of your hair. You can use hairspray, gel, or mousse to hold your style in place around a fortnight after surgery but always check with your surgical team when the best time to use these products is.
Learn more about hairspray and if it is bad for your hair health.
Wait two to three weeks before having a trim but wait longer before opting for a drastically short look. While a buzzcut after hair transplant is possible, you may see visible scarring if you had FUT surgery. As your hair grows, you can chop and changes styles to see what suits you best.
Still considering which UK hair transplant clinic you want to perform your surgery? Let us help you out.
Read our hair transplant clinic reviews to see what our patients really think of our hair restoration services, and check out our hair transplant before and after gallery to see real-life patient results.
If you choose the Wimpole Clinic for your hair transplant procedure, our friendly and professional team will talk you through the aftercare and styling options specific to you, along with providing aftercare that will ensure your new hair is in the best condition possible.
Book a free hair transplant consultation at our Harley Street clinic today.
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