Hair transplant aftercare: a week-by-week guide

Hair transplant aftercare: why the first weeks are crucial

Hair transplant aftercare has a big influence on the result: following your clinic's instructions carefully helps protect the grafts and reduce the risk of complications. The procedure is only the first step; what you do in the following weeks and months matters too.

During the first few days, newly implanted follicles are very fragile. A knock, friction or a harsh product can damage them before they settle into the scalp. That is why clinics usually set a strict protocol for the first two weeks and gentler care throughout the first year.

In this guide we go through what to do and what to avoid, week by week. Treat it as general guidance: your surgeon's instructions always come first.

The first 48-72 hours: what to avoid

In the first two or three days, the most important thing is not to touch the transplanted area. The scalp is swollen and the grafts have not settled yet.

• Do not scratch or touch the grafts.
• Avoid intense exercise and any activity that makes you sweat.
• Do not expose yourself to the sun without the protection your clinic recommends.
• Do not wash your hair until your surgeon allows it, usually from the second or third day.
• Sleep with your head slightly raised to help reduce swelling.

Week 1: first washes and removing scabs

From the second or third day, the washing protocol usually begins. Its aim is to gradually remove the scabs that form around each graft without dislodging it.

The usual approach is to apply the product your clinic recommends to soften the scabs, leave it on for a few minutes and remove it with lukewarm water, dabbing gently without rubbing. This phase usually lasts 7 to 10 days, until the scabs are gone.

If your surgeon allows gentle cosmetics at this stage, there are options designed for sensitive scalps, such as the POSTOP Soothing Care Set, which combines an extra-gentle purifying gel and a moisturising foam to cleanse without friction, or the Evocapil Plus Extra-Gentle Hair Foam, a panthenol mousse applied with gentle dabs.

Weeks 2-4: shock loss, a normal phase

Between the second and fourth week, it is common for the transplanted hair to fall out. This is known as shock loss and it is part of the process: the follicle enters a resting phase before producing hair again months later.

Seeing that hair fall can be alarming, but it does not mean the transplant has failed. At this stage, keep your scalp clean and moisturised, continue with gentle washes and be patient. If you are unsure about how much hair is falling out, ask at your check-up.

Weeks 4-8: a gentle routine and nutrition

After the first month, the scalp has usually recovered almost completely, but it is worth keeping a consistent, gentle routine.

• Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo two or three times a week, or as often as you have been told.
• If your surgeon approves, add a hair lotion suitable for transplanted areas. We explain how to use a hair lotion correctly.
• Look after your diet with quality protein, vegetables, legumes and nuts.

Some people also choose a food supplement. For example, Evocapil Plus Hair Nutrient Complex contains zinc, selenium and biotin, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Ask your doctor before taking it if you are on any treatment.

Months 3 to 12: new hair appears

Between the third and sixth month, the first new hairs usually appear. They are fine and light at first and gain thickness and colour over time. The final result is usually assessed between 9 and 12 months, depending on each person's progress.

At this stage you can keep a complete routine of gentle cleansing, sun protection and a balanced diet. If you are still weighing up techniques, our article on the differences between FUE and DHI hair transplants explains what to consider.

Common mistakes that slow down recovery

Most problems after a transplant come from impatience or from stopping aftercare too soon. These are the most common mistakes:

• Washing your hair too early or with harsh products.
• Going out in the sun without a cap or protection during the first month.
• Smoking or drinking too much alcohol during recovery.
• Scratching or picking at the scabs.
• Stopping aftercare as soon as the visible swelling goes down.

When to contact your clinic or a doctor

Contact your clinic or a doctor if you notice intense or increasing pain, spreading redness, discharge, fever, bleeding that does not stop or any symptom that worries you.

It is also a good idea to see a dermatologist if, months later, you notice intense or sudden hair loss in non-transplanted areas. A professional can assess your case and adjust your care.

Frequently asked questions about hair transplant aftercare

When can I wash my hair after a hair transplant?

Usually from the second or third day, as long as your surgeon allows it. The first washes are done with lukewarm water and gentle products, dabbing without rubbing, to gradually remove the scabs without dislodging the grafts. This phase usually lasts between 7 and 10 days.

Is it normal for transplanted hair to fall out after a few weeks?

Yes. Between the second and fourth week, so-called shock loss is common: the transplanted hair falls out because the follicle enters a resting phase before producing hair again months later. It does not mean the transplant has failed, although it is worth mentioning at your check-up if you have doubts.

When can I exercise again after a hair transplant?

Clinics usually recommend avoiding intense exercise for the first few days and returning to it gradually from the second week, avoiding heavy sweating and contact sports. The safest approach is to follow the specific timeline your surgeon gives you based on your procedure.

When will I see the final result of a hair transplant?

The first new hairs usually appear between the third and sixth month, fine and light at first. Over time they gain thickness and colour, and the final result is usually assessed between 9 and 12 months. Progress varies from person to person, so it is worth being patient.

Do I need to take supplements after a hair transplant?

It is not compulsory. Some people choose a food supplement with nutrients such as zinc, selenium or biotin, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, always as part of a varied diet. If you are on any treatment or have doubts, ask your doctor before you start taking it.