Sleep and swelling
Use the sleeping position recommended by the clinic and avoid contact between the grafts and bedding. Forehead swelling can occur and often settles gradually.
The first 24 hours
Follow the written instructions supplied by your own surgical team. Do not touch, rub, scratch or press the grafted area. Take only the medicines that have been prescribed or approved for you.
Your clinic instructions take priority.
Washing, sprays, dressings and medication can vary between patients and procedures.
Days 2–5: protect and monitor
Work and travel
Allow enough time for redness, swelling and visible crusting. Avoid situations where the scalp could be knocked, rubbed or exposed to dirt.
Exercise
Pause strenuous exercise until the surgical team says it is safe. Heat, sweating, bending and accidental contact can interfere with early recovery.
Washing and scab care
Gentle washing is commonly introduced during the first week, but the exact day and method should come from your clinic. Use lukewarm water, avoid strong pressure and do not pick crusts. Scabs should loosen through the approved washing routine rather than force.
- Pat or air-dry as instructed; do not rub with a towel.
- Avoid harsh shampoos, styling products, hair dye and clippers until cleared.
- Contact the clinic if crusting, redness or pain is worsening rather than settling.
Weeks 2–8: shedding is expected
The transplanted hair shafts commonly shed after several weeks. This can look alarming, but it does not automatically mean the follicles have been lost. Existing non-transplanted hairs may also temporarily thin after surgery.
See the complete growth timeline →Activity, sun and routine care
Sun exposure
Keep the healing scalp protected and follow the clinic’s advice on hats and sun protection. Avoid tight or abrasive headwear.
Smoking and alcohol
Follow the surgeon’s restrictions because both can affect recovery, medication safety and wound healing.
Haircuts and styling
Ask before using clippers, dye, fibres, concealers or chemical treatments on either the donor or recipient area.
When to contact the clinic urgently
Seek prompt clinical advice for:
- heavy or persistent bleeding;
- worsening pain, spreading redness, heat, pus or fever;
- rapidly increasing swelling, especially around the eyes;
- an allergic reaction, breathing difficulty or severe medication symptoms;
- any sudden change that concerns you.
