One of the first things that our hair transplant recipients can’t wait to do after undergoing the procedure is style their new hair. That desire to take advantage of the full head of hair you have been missing is totally understandable, but should you be using styling products or hair dye after you undergo a hair transplant procedure?

A hair transplant procedure, while minimally invasive, is still a surgical procedure that requires the proper care and time when healing. By rushing the healing process infection can occur as well as other complications that could result in the hair transplant not being as successful as expected.

Because of this, it’s important to listen to exactly what your doctor has to say regarding the post-op care, which includes styling and dying your new head of hair.

Should You Avoid Styling Products After a Hair Transplant?

Every doctor has their own thoughts on when it’s safe to begin using hair products again after a hair transplant, but the one thing they all agree on is that hair styling products should not be used until the hair transplant has fully healed.

Some doctors may even suggest not using hair products for a couple weeks before your procedure as well.

Following the proper post-op regimen is important so that the hair follicles can completely heal into their new position in the scalp, and any redness, flaking or crusts can resolve. If you start using hair products too quickly it can cause irritation, infection and/or possibly clog up your new follicles.

While gentle shampoos can be used after about 7-10 days, it is recommended that patients do not start using their normal shampoos and conditioners until about three weeks after the procedure. And when doing so, be careful not to scrub too hard or scratch at the scalp when applying. This could cause the grafts themselves to become dislodged from your scalp if they are not completely healed. You do want to massage enough to gently remove any debris and scabs from the scalp and gentle pressure with your fingertips will do a good job after day 7. Conditioner is generally applied to the longer lengths of your hair rather than lathered into the scalp so most conditioners are also safe after 7-10 days.

Hair products like mousse, gel, hairsprays, and other styling methods should not be used until your doctor gives you the ok that everything appears to be healed. This can vary depending on the person, but 3-4 weeks post-op is usually safe to begin using these types of products again.

Gels, mousse, and hair sprays can use harsher chemicals and cause the hair to clump together. The chemicals can cause irritation, stinging or burning sensation to a newly healing scalp. Plus, if you try to brush or comb through the hair later, you run the risk of dislodging of grafts if used too soon after surgery. You don’t want to ruin your new hair by using these types of products too soon after surgery.

Hair Dye and Hair Transplants

As with styling products, hair dyes should be avoided until the hair transplant area has completely healed. Hair dye can cause irritation, redness, and swelling if applied too soon after the procedure.

After about 4-six weeks, depending on what your doctor advises, you should be ok to use hair dye products on the newly transplanted hair. This will give the scalp ample time to heal and there will be less of a chance of dislodging recently placed hair grafts.

How Careful Should I Be With My Scalp After a Hair Transplant?

It’s extremely important to be careful with your scalp after receiving a hair transplant. We’ve talked about avoiding various hair products and hair dyes above, but it’s also very important to refrain from touching, scratching, or agitating your scalp as well.

You’ll want to avoid exposure to the sun, try to limit smoking and drinking alcohol, don’t wear helmets, stocking caps, or anything that covers your head tightly for at least a few weeks. A loose ballcap or scarf is fine but any outside force to your scalp could cause irritation, increased risk of infection, and possible dislodging of grafts.

We want to make sure that your newly placed hair transplant thrives as it brings back your self-confidence and we’d hate for you to run into any complications that could have been easily avoided.

If you have any questions about post-op hair transplant care, or are thinking about a hair transplant procedure, please contact us at the Limmer Hair Transplant Center in San Antonio, TX today and setup an appointment.