Hair Transplant Aftercare

The process of getting a hair transplant always extends beyond the actual hair transplant procedure, as the scalp needs time to heal. That is why hair transplant aftercare is so important, as it gives you the chance to heal properly and enjoy the best possible results. 

At Harley Street Hair Clinic, we provide a bespoke, personalised aftercare programme to each patient who comes into our care. Our FUE hair transplants already provide a minimally invasive type of hair transplant for an easier recovery with minimal scarring, and our aftercare only bolsters that, as it helps protect the newly transplanted follicles and promotes healing. With us, you have access to expert guidance before, during, and after the procedure – we are always here to help. 

We make  post-operative  care as straightforward as possible, whilst always providing a bespoke regime. To make sure all our patients are clear on the process for aftercare for FUE hair transplant or any other treatment, all the instructions will be discussed with you before and after your procedure by the staff at the clinic. However, to make sure you are comfortable with the process, you will also be given a full list of instructions.

To ensure the success of your procedure, make sure you adhere to the hair transplant aftercare dos and don’ts. This outlines when you can return to work, when you can wear headgear, as well as returning to activities such as swimming and sunbathing.

Patients never leave our clinic empty-handed. Instead, they receive a dedicated, personalised aftercare package that will help prevent complications, protect the new grafts, and maximise long-term FUE hair transplant results! Here’s what is included. 

• Antibiotics: A key part of your immediate aftercare treatment is a 3-day antibiotic course. This is to minimise swelling and reduce the risk of infection. 
• Specialist Shampoos: Inside your aftercare package will be a specialist shampoo tailored to you, your hair transplant, and your hair type. It’s important to use this specialist shampoo following treatment, as it will be gentler on the scalp. You’ll also receive detailed instructions showing you how to use it. 
• General Guidance and Instructions: While the surgeon will talk you through what you need to do following your hair transplant, rest assured that those same instructions will be present inside your aftercare package so that you can refer to them whenever you need to. This will include general guidance on gentle washing, sleep positions, medications you can take, activity restrictions, and more. 

You will receive this aftercare package immediately after the hair transplant procedure, and your surgeon will explain what’s inside and how to use it. Of course, you can always ask any questions you may have during this time.

Every FUE hair transplant patient will attend a standard 12-month check-up consultation. At this consultation, the surgeon will assess the final results of the procedure, as, at this stage, the hair should have fully grown through. They will look specifically at where it’s growing, the direction, the density, and how natural the results look. This consultation will also be a chance to speak to you – the patient – about how you are feeling, with the surgeon taking on board any patient feedback. 

If necessary, our clinic also offers additional follow-up consultations at 3 or 6 months post-procedure. These are helpful for those who have more concerns about their results and risks, or simply patients who want more communication in the recovery months. 

Are you worried that you might have questions or concerns in between consultations? For this, we have an advice line available to all Harley Street Hair Transplant Clinic patients. Whether it is the day after your procedure, a week following it, or six months post-hair transplant, you can use this advice line to talk to one of our hair professionals. If necessary, we can always then book you in for a face-to-face consultation. 

ATP (Advanced Tricho Pigmentation) is a completely different procedure from a FUE hair transplant, as it involves using a micropigmentation treatment to give the visual illusion of hair follicles (rather than transplanting follicles to allow the patient to regrow hair). As such, the aftercare process is a little different. For this, we will provide an aftercare package including detailed instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure. We also provide an antibiotic course to reduce the risk of swelling and infection. 

While the FUE hair transplant is a surgical procedure, it is a minimally invasive one, which means the recovery period is straightforward and relatively pain-free. 

The initial recovery period lasts between 1-2 weeks, and this is when you’ll experience most of the post-procedure symptoms, such as mild discomfort, swelling, tenderness, and scabbing – all of this is completely normal and simply part of the process. Most people can usually return to work and other regular activities between 7-14 days following the procedure. 

How you look after yourself and your scalp during this time plays an enormous role in your results, such as the risk of scarring. Be aware that the decisions you make before the transplant play a role, too – for example, avoid FUT hair transplants, as they naturally come with a higher scarring risk and involve a longer recovery period. FUE is the way to go. 

After the initial recovery that lasts 1-2 weeks, you can expect some other side effects, such as hair shedding. It takes some time for the full results to show through, with initial growth becoming visible around 4 months following the procedure, and full regrowth being visible at around 12 months following the procedure, at which stage you’ll have an in-person evaluation with us. 

After undergoing a hair transplant, it is completely normal to experience some side effects – after all, you have just had hair follicles transplanted into your scalp! However, it is important to distinguish between the normal side effects that will pass and the more concerning side effects that may require an in-person evaluation. 

These side effects typically occur within the first week or two following the FUE hair transplant procedure. 

• Mild Swelling and Bruising: It is completely normal to experience some minor swelling and bruising around the scalp following a hair transplant.
• Scabbing: Mild scabbing is likely to occur at around 4-10 days, and it is important to avoid picking the area and letting it heal on its own (and being gentle while washing). 
• Itching: Some patients experience slight itching following a hair transplant, but this is temporary.
• Shock Loss: A worrying side effect is shock hair loss, also known as temporary hair shedding. Be aware that this hair loss does not last, and the hair will grow back!

• Infections: An infection is rare but possible. We provide instructions and antibiotics to minimise this risk, but if you do see signs of infection, get in touch. 
• Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur following the hair transplant, which you can usually manage with a clean cloth and some pressure. However, ongoing bleeding should be reported to us. You should also avoid blood-thinning medications during this time.
• Ingrown Hairs: Ingrown hairs are rare, with symptoms including small bumps and general irritation. The best way to mitigate this risk is by always choosing an experienced surgeon.

Here are some of the most important dos and don’ts following a FUE hair transplant – if you follow these to a tee, you are more likely to recover faster and enjoy fantastic results. 

Do: Sleep with Your Head at a 45° Angle. 

For the first couple of nights following a hair transplant, sleep with your head at a 45° angle, as this elevated position helps reduce swelling. You can use pillows to do this comfortably. 

Don’t: Drink Alcohol. 

Avoid alcohol for at least 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure (and one week prior). This is to reduce hair transplant side effects and complications such as bleeding, swelling, and infection. 

Do: Avoid Sex and Exercise for 2 Weeks.

Overexerting yourself following a hair transplant can affect the results, potentially causing trauma to the follicles and even dislodging the grafts. That is why you should avoid exercise and sex for at least the first 2 weeks following the procedure – in particular, avoid extremely strenuous activity like heavy lifting to prevent sweating and increased blood pressure. 

Don’t: Expose Your Scalp to the Sun.

The UV rays from the sun (and tanning beds) can damage the new grafts, prevent healing, and even increase the risk of infection. So, avoid the sun for at least 2-4 weeks. 

Do: Use a Prescribed Shampoo.

You’ll be given a prescribed specialist shampoo, and it’s important to use this for around 2-4 weeks, as this will be gentler on your scalp and promote healing. 

Don’t: Heat Style Your Hair.

Heat styling your hair can damage your new, fragile hair follicles, potentially causing trauma and leading to poor results. Stay away from heat styling your hair for around 2 to 4 weeks to avoid this.

A FUE hair transplant can provide incredible results, but you do need to be a little patient, as you need to wait for the scalp to heal and the hair growth process. Here’s a realistic timeline. 

Days 1–3

The first few days will likely bring side effects such as tenderness, scabbing, and mild swelling. You’ll avoid touching the area at this stage and take a short course of antibiotics to prevent infection. 

Days 4–10 

At this point, you’ll notice more scabbing beginning to form, and these will naturally fall out on their own by the end of day ten. You’ll be able to start gently washing your hair at this point, too, specifically using your prescribed shampoo in your aftercare package. 

Weeks 2–3 

You can finally begin returning to your normal activities after around two weeks – you’ll be able to return to work, for example. However, there will still be activities you should avoid, such as strenuous exercise like heavy lifting. 

Months 3–6 

Between months 3 and 6, you’ll start to notice the initial regrowth, which is an exciting moment and a huge milestone! At this stage, our team may schedule a follow-up, depending on whether it is necessary. 

Month 12 

After month 12, the full growth cycle is complete, and full results should be visible. All our patients attend an evaluation consultation at this stage, which involves a surgeon assessing their scalp and results, as well as giving them the chance to ask any questions. 

Are you ready to regrow a full head of hair? At Harley Street Hair Clinic, we offer no-obligation consultations to discuss personalised treatments and aftercare. Simply send some photos over for advice and assessment, and we will tell you what results you can expect. Get in touch today to get started on your hair journey!