Hair loss can happen to people of all ages and genders due to factors ranging from hormonal imbalances to illness to genetic predisposition. No matter your situation, if your self-confidence and happiness have been affected by bald patches or thinning hair, you may be ready for a hair transplant. At The Maas ClinicTM, our hair transplant clients are often excited and relieved about having a beautiful head of hair again. The prospect of finally being able to revisit a favorite style, color or product is tempting — but hair transplantation is a surgical procedure, and you will need to make sure your scalp has had time to adjust and begin healing before you can resume your grooming routine. You can follow these tips after your hair transplant to keep your recovery on track and to make sure your new hair stays healthy and strong.
An All-Natural Approach
Though you will be able to wash your hair as early as the second day after your procedure, you will want to use hair products that are free from additives or fragrances for at least the first few days afterward. Ideally, you should use chemical-free shampoos and all-natural products for as long as possible during the five- or six-week healing process. We often recommend using baby shampoo or unscented soaps with a gentle massage technique to avoid drying out your skin or agitating your treated area. Aside from cleansing products, however, you should plan to stay away from styling solutions like bleach, dyes, chemical straighteners and aerosol sprays for up to six weeks to allow your scalp and hair to heal without irritation.
Let Your Hair Breathe
While your products’ ingredient lists are important to consider after hair transplantation, you will also want to be generally aware of the products you are using. You will want to keep the number of products you use to a minimum to avoid weighing your new hair down with too many substances, and you will want to keep your scalp clean and free from occlusive creams, oils or gels. Even if they don’t contain any harmful ingredients, these types of products can interfere with your scalp’s natural healing processes, and the more of them you use the more likely you are slowing down your recovery. Most surgeons recommend waiting between two and four weeks after your surgery before using anything other than a gentle shampoo.
Keep it Cool
Since your transplanted hair will be fragile and your scalp will be sensitive, you should avoid any hair grooming activities that might cause damage to the hair or skin. Heat treatments are notoriously damaging to hair, and you likely won’t be able to use a heat protectant because it may contain harmful ingredients. If you need to use a blow dryer, you may be able to use it on a cool or low setting — however, you should always check with your plastic surgeon first. The recommended amount of time to wait before using a straightener, curling iron or dryer is typically between three and five weeks, depending on the area you had treated and how quickly you are healing.
Just like any cosmetic procedure, you should always consult with your plastic surgeon if you have any particular questions. Your hair transplant will be unique based on the area you want to be treated, your hair and skin type and your health history. At The Maas ClinicTM, we want your results to exceed your expectations, and we know that helping you take care of yourself during your recovery is the best way to make sure hair transplantation restores and boosts your confidence. To learn more about hair restoration at our San Francisco and Reno/Tahoe locations, contact us today at 415-567-7000.
