Hair Transplant Aftercare Guide

Last clinically reviewed: August 2026

The first fourteen days determine how well your grafts survive. After that, the work is mostly patience.

Grafts are not secure immediately. They rely on the recipient site holding them in place while blood supply establishes over the first several days. Almost everything in the early aftercare instructions exists to protect that process.

Washing your hair

1. Days 1–2No washing. The grafts need to be left completely undisturbed.
2. Days 3–4First wash, performed at the clinic. Lotion applied, left to soften crusts, then rinsed with a cup rather than a shower head.
3. Days 5–10Daily gentle washing at home using the same technique. Water poured, never sprayed directly. Pat dry, never rub.
4. Day 11 onwardNormal showering may resume, gently. Light fingertip massage helps lift remaining crusts.
5. Week 3Return to your usual routine and products.

Sleeping, swelling and activity

• Sleep propped at around forty five degrees for the first five to seven nights
• A travel pillow prevents rolling onto the recipient area
• Forehead swelling peaks around days two to four and settles on its own
• No heavy lifting, straining or contact sport for four weeks
• No swimming, sauna or steam room for four weeks
• Avoid direct sun on the recipient area for a month, then use protection

Beyond the first month

Once grafts are secure, the priority shifts to protecting your remaining native hair. That usually means a medical plan, since surgery does nothing to stop ongoing loss. Review appointments at three, six, twelve and eighteen months track progress against standardised photographs.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ducu Botoaca Aesthetic & Hair Transplant Surgeon and founder of The Men Clinics, Soho, London. This page is general information and is not a substitute for a personal medical assessment.