Is it Safe to Wash My Hair After a Hair Transplant?

Many factors can cause hair loss, like genetics, hormones, certain health conditions, and even stress. While it may not always run in families, we can all experience thinning hair to varying degrees, especially with advancing age. If you are experiencing hair loss that is not repaired by nonsurgical treatments, you may need expert help. Board-certified physician Dr. Salman Hashmi and the team at Nirvana Med Spa can help you restore a fuller head of hair with follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT) in Little Rock, AR.

What is a hair transplant?

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that is typically done outside the hospital. While surgical hair transplant has been performed for decades, techniques have changed and advanced. The most popular methods are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). Both types produce the same effect: your own healthy hair follicles are moved from one area to thinner or bald parts of your scalp, stimulating new hair growth, which is usually noted within a few months. Nirvana Med Spa proudly offers FUE and FUT in Little Rock, AR. Both techniques can be safely performed in-office by Dr. Salman Hashmi and his team.

The follicular unit extraction method involves removing follicles from your scalp individually and placing them in the receding or bald areas. A “micro-punch method” is used where there are almost no visible signs of follicle removal. FUE can be split into several 2 – 4-hour sessions over several days or a single session that could take 10 – 12 hours.

Follicular unit transplantation uses a “strip method” where a larger area of hair-bearing skin from your scalp is removed. The follicles are separated and then re-inserted into areas of concern. The incision (i.e., where the strip of skin is removed) will be closed with stitches that will be removed approximately 10 –14 days after surgery. This hair restoration procedure can take between 4 – 8 hours.

What should you keep in mind?

It is important to remember that the procedure is surgical, and individuals experience some tenderness to the affected areas right after a hair transplant. The goal of care almost immediately after a hair transplant is to protect the newly transplanted follicles in the crucial early stages of recovery. Prescriptions for pain, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications are usually given to prevent infection and decrease any pain, swelling, and itching.

How to wash your hair after hair restoration

Carefully following aftercare instructions is pertinent to timely healing. Washing your hair should be avoided for 24 hours following the procedure. Time frames may vary, but it is to ensure the grafts are left undisturbed and stay lodged on your scalp. Most patients are able to wash their hair within 2 – 3 days.

Once you are allowed to wash your hair, it is crucial to use the shampoo recommended by Dr. Hashmi, likely a mild baby shampoo. Using direct pressure on the scalp could hurt the transplant, so showers should be avoided for the first few days. A cup method for washing hair is recommended for most patients initially. This method involves using a cup filled with warm water with a few drops of shampoo mixed in. This mixture is poured over the hair, and delicate pressure is applied to work it through carefully without rubbing on the transplant site. Avoid any pulling motions while cleaning your hair. Use the same cup filled with clean, warm water to rinse the suds, and repeat until your hair is free of shampoo. Let your hair air dry instead of using a towel. This way is preferred from day 2 – 5 after surgery. By the fifth day or so, you may wash your hair by making a lather on your hands with shampoo and applying it gently without directly massaging the scalp. You should be able to shampoo your hair like you usually do a week or so after the transplant. You may receive specific instructions from Dr. Hashmi on hair and scalp care to promote healing and proper hair growth.

Find out more about hair rejuvenation in Litle Rock, AR

If you are ready to take action to help your thinning hair and bald spots, contact Nirvana Med Spa in Little Rock, AR and schedule an appointment for a hair transplant consultation with Dr. Salman Hashmi. You could be on your journey to reclaiming a fuller head of hair. Based on your characteristics and personal goals, Dr. Hashmi can offer his expert recommendations on which hair restoration method is appropriate for you.