One of the most common questions we get asked by patients is “How long after hair transplant can I shower?” It’s a great question and one that has a simple answer: 48 hours. Why 48 hours? We want to give the transplanted grafts time to “seal” or “stick” into place. Showering before this time may disrupt the grafts and cause them to fall out. After 48 hours, you can resume your regular showering routine.
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When to Start Washing Your Hair Again
After your surgery, you will go home with your head wrapped in a gauze dressing or bandage. It’s important to keep this dressing in place for at least the first day, as it will protect your grafts and give them time to begin attachment.The following morning, you may remove the dressing yourself or have it removed by our staff during your first postoperative visit.Once the dressing is off, you will be able to see your newly transplanted hair! It will look like small dots on your skin called “crusts” or “scabs.” These crusts are actually a good sign—it means that the grafts have begun attachment.It’s still very important not to disrupt them by washing too soon.
The First Hair Wash
At 48 hours post-op, you may gently cleanse your hair with shampoo provided by our office. This shampoo is different from regular shampoos because it contains compounds that promote healing and prevent infection.You should continue using this special shampoo for one week before returning to your usual products.Be sure to use lukewarm water when washing your hair—hot water can damage the delicate grafts. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips before rinsing thoroughly. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing too hard, as this can also damage the grafts.
After Your First Wash
After 48 hours post-op and through the remainder of the first week, avoid rubbing or touching your transplanted area too much as the grafts continue to seal into place.You should also avoid vigorously towel-drying your hair, as this can pull out the grafts. Instead, blot gently with a towel until most of the water has been absorbed.. Avoid using any other products on your hair during this initial period, including styling products, hats, and sunglasses..Wearing sunglasses or a hat pulled down low over your forehead can put unnecessary pressure on the transplants and cause them to fall out.. You will be able to return to using these items after one week..We also recommend avoiding exercise for one week post-op so that you don’t sweat and make it difficult for the transplants to attach..
Conclusion: In short, you should wait 48 hours after hair transplant before showering in order to give the transplanted graft time “seal” or “stick into place.” You can then return back to showering as normal but use care not to rub or touch transplanted area too much during first week post-op while graft continued sealing into place.”]