Washing Hair After a Hair Transplant: A Comprehensive Guide
Last edited, 21 November 2024
Proper care for your scalp starts with understanding the correct method of washing hair after a hair transplant. Each step ensures the transplanted grafts heal and thrive while maintaining the health of your donor area. At IdealofMeD, we provide precise guidelines to make this process easy and effective.
The day after your hair transplant, your first wash is done at the clinic. But what does the process involve? And how should you handle your first wash at home? We understand these questions—and many more—are likely on your mind.
Read on and find out all the answers.
In This Guide
First Wash at the Clinic
The day after your transplant, your first wash will take place at the clinic under professional supervision. Before beginning the wash, the nurse will carefully remove the bandage and assess the scalp’s healing progress. They will check for any clots in the recipient area to ensure healthy blood flow. Using a fine needle, the nurse will treat the recipient area (where the grafts were placed). Next, they will gently scrub the donor area (where the hair follicles were harvested) to remove any clots.
Then, the nurse proceeds with the wash:
Step 1. Application of Moisturizing Foam: The nurse will apply moisturizing foam to both the transplanted and donor areas without rubbing. The foam will remain on your scalp for 12–14 minutes to hydrate, reduce itching, and soften any scabs.
Step 2. Application of Restoring Shampoo: The nurse will lather a small amount of shampoo in their hands and gently apply it to the transplanted area, avoiding rubbing. Starting on day 5, they will carefully massage the shampoo into the donor area.
Step 3. Rinsing with Cold Water: Using cold water, the nurse will pour it gently over your scalp from a carafe or bottle to avoid direct water pressure, which could disturb the grafts.
Step 4. Patting Dry with a Soft Paper Towel: The nurse will gently pat your scalp dry with a soft, clean paper towel, taking care not to rub and disturb the delicate grafts.
Step 5. Application of Bepanthen Plus Cream: The nurse will apply Bepanthen Plus cream to the donor area, gently rubbing it in, starting from day 4, focusing on healing and preventing infection.
Extra Tip:
If your budget allows, a second follow-up wash at the clinic is highly recommended.
Washing at Home
From the second day onward, you’ll take charge of washing your scalp. The process is designed to ensure the transplanted grafts are nurtured while maintaining scalp hygiene.
Products and Supplies needed:
- Moisturizing Foam
- Post-hair transplant Shampoo
- Bepanthen Plus cream
- Carafe or round-edged bootle
- Paper Towels
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Apply Moisturizing Foam
- How to Apply: Generously apply the moisturizing foam to both the transplanted and donor areas. Avoid any pressure or rubbing—just dab the foam on gently.
- Let it Sit: Allow the foam to stay on your scalp for 12-14 minutes. This hydrates your scalp, soothes irritation, and softens any scabs, making the skin more comfortable.
- Why This Step Matters: Hydrating the scalp reduces itching and helps prevent tightness or discomfort, creating an ideal environment for your new hair to settle in.
Step 2: Use Hair Restoring Shampoo
- Foam the Shampoo: First, lather a small amount of the restoring shampoo in your hands to create a gentle foam.
- Gently Apply the Shampoo: Lightly spread the shampoo foam over the transplanted area without rubbing. For the donor area, you can start gently rubbing the shampoo beginning on day 5.
- Why This Step Matters: This shampoo is formulated to clean the scalp gently without irritating, helping to keep the area free from bacteria or buildup that could interfere with healing.
Step 3: Rinse Your Hair Carefully
- Cold Water Only: Use cold water to rinse, as hot water can increase sensitivity and potentially irritate the scalp.
- Pouring Technique: Using a carafe or a smooth-edged bottle, gently pour water over your scalp. This minimizes water pressure and ensures a safe, thorough rinse.
- Why This Step Matters: Avoiding direct water pressure on the scalp helps protect the grafts and ensures that the transplant area isn’t disturbed, which is key in the early stages of healing.
Step 4: Pat Dry with a Soft Paper Towel
- How to Dry Your Scalp: Gently pat the scalp dry using a soft, clean paper towel. Do not rub, as this can disrupt the delicate grafts.
- Ensure Complete Dryness: Make sure the entire scalp is dry without pressing too hard.
- Why This Step Matters: Patting dry frees your scalp from any friction that could damage the transplant area or cause infection.
Step 5: Apply Bepanthen Plus Cream
- How to Apply: Use Bepanthen Plus Cream on the donor area,applying it gently to avoid disturbing the healing skin.
- From Day 4: From day 4, you can begin gently rubbing the cream in the donor area, but be especially gentle around the crown and sensitive areas.
- Why This Step Matters: Bepanthe Pluscream is rich in dexpanthenol, which supports skin healing, and contains Chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, a mild antiseptic with topical anibacterial activity, to help prevent infection.
Repeat this process daily for the first 10 days. By the end of this period, the crusts around the grafts will begin to loosen and fall off naturally.
Hi! I’m Mira, your expert in beauty and hair health.
Feel free to connect with one of IdealofMeD’s specialists today! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding a hair transplant or hair health in general. We’re here to support on your journey to healthier, more vibrant hair!
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Washing With A Partner (or Friend)
Having someone assist with washing your hair after a transplant makes it easier to reach every spot, apply products evenly, and protect delicate grafts for optimal healing.
The steps remain the same as if you were washing your own hair:
Step 1: Application of Moisturizing Foam
The person assisting should gently dab moisturizing foam onto both the transplanted and donor areas, taking care not to rub. They should allow the foam to remain on the scalp for 12–14 minutes to hydrate the skin, reduce itching, and soften scabs for added comfort.
Step 2: Application of Restoring Shampoo
The assistant should lather a small amount of shampoo in their hands and lightly spread it over the transplant area, avoiding any rubbing. From day 5, they may gently rub shampoo into the donor area, paying attention to sensitive spots.
Step 3: Rinsing with Cold Water
Using a carafe or bottle, the assistant should pour cold water gently over the scalp, taking care to avoid direct water pressure that might disturb the grafts.
Step 4: Patting Dry with a Soft Paper Towel
The assistant should use a soft, clean paper towel to gently pat the scalp dry, avoiding any rubbing that could disrupt the delicate grafts.
Step 5: Application of Bepanthen Plus Cream
Finally, the assistant should apply Bepanthen Plus cream to the donor area only. Beginning on day 4, they can gently rub the cream in to help support healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Extra Tip:
For added cleanliness, your helper can wear rubber gloves, though freshly washed hands are also fine.
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Removal of Scabs
Around days 7–10, the scabs surrounding the transplanted grafts will soften and detach. Removing them properly is key to ensuring the grafts remain intact.
Step 1: Apply Bepanthen
- Generously apply Bepanthen cream across the entire scalp.
- Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. This softens the scabs, making them easier to remove during washing.
Step 2: Begin Scab Removal with Restoring Shampoo
- Apply the hair-restoring shampoo across the scalp, gently massaging it into the areas with scabs.
- The nurse in the video uses gloves and a soft surgical cotton pad for added precision and hygiene. When removing scabs at home, use your fingertips to gently massage the scabs away without applying excessive pressure.
Note: Due to Cem’s exosome treatment and 5 Hyber Baric Chamber (HBOT) sessions post-surgery, his recovery progressed faster, allowing the nurse to remove all scabs in a single wash. Without these treatments, it’s common to need 1–2 additional washes over the next few days to fully remove scabs without risking any bleeding.
Step 3: Rinse with Cold Water
- Use cold water from a carafe or smooth-edged bottle to rinse the scalp gently, avoiding direct water pressure on the scalp.
Step 4: Drying
- Pat the scalp dry using a clean, soft paper towel. Avoid rubbing to protect the sensitive grafts. Once all scabs are gone you can start using your regular soft clean towels again.
Extra Tips:
- If possible, consider exosome treatments and as many HBOT sessions as possible after your transplant to accelerate recovery by up to 70%.
Long-Term Care
- Continue Using Mild Products: Avoid harsh shampoos or conditioners for the first month. Stick to clinic-recommended options.
- Avoid Heat and Chemicals: Stay away from hair dryers, dyes, or styling products for at least 4–6 weeks.
- Protect Your Scalp: Wear a hat or sunscreen to shield your scalp from direct sunlight.
Be Patient: Itching or mild sensitivity is normal during the healing process. Refrain from scratching or picking at the area.
Conclusion
Properly washing your hair after a hair transplant is a vital step in ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal results. From the first professional wash at the clinic to following the correct techniques at home, each step is designed to protect your newly transplanted hair while promoting healing. By adhering to the recommended process—applying moisturizing foam, using the specialized shampoo, rinsing gently, and finishing with Bepanthen lotion—you’re giving your hair the best possible start.
Remember, patience and consistency are key. Avoid shortcuts or rushing the process, as this can impact the long-term success of your transplant. Should you have any doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your clinic for guidance. Your new hair journey is just beginning—take it one careful step at a time!
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