Your hair transplant journey doesn’t end after surgery — in fact, the real recovery begins once you leave the clinic. Proper aftercare plays a crucial role in determining how well your grafts heal and how natural your final results will look. To help you stay on track, here’s a detailed hair transplant aftercare checklist covering what to do during the first week, after one month, and by the third month.
🗓️ The First Week: Healing and Protection
The first seven days are the most critical period after your hair transplant. During this phase, the newly implanted grafts are extremely delicate and need gentle care to ensure survival.
- Sleep Position: Sleep with your head elevated at a 45-degree angle to minimize swelling. Avoid rubbing your head against pillows.
- No Touching or Scratching: Itching is normal but never scratch or touch the grafts, as they can easily dislodge.
- Gentle Washing: Follow your surgeon’s specific washing instructions. Usually, clinics recommend rinsing with mild shampoo after 2–3 days using soft, circular motions.
- Avoid Exercise: Don’t engage in physical activities that cause sweating or increase blood pressure, as this can disturb grafts.
- Stay Indoors: Avoid direct sunlight, dust, and smoking, all of which can slow healing and increase infection risk.
By the end of week one, mild redness and scabbing are common. Most clinics allow you to return to work after 5–7 days if your job doesn’t involve heavy physical activity.
📅 One Month Post-Transplant: Shedding and Early Recovery
After the first month, your scalp will be mostly healed, and most scabs will have disappeared. However, this is also the time when “shock loss” often occurs — a normal part of the process where transplanted hairs temporarily fall out before regrowing.
- Continue Gentle Hair Washing: Resume a regular hair care routine using mild, sulfate-free shampoo.
- Moisturize the Scalp: Apply approved lotions or serums to soothe dryness and promote circulation.
- Diet & Hydration: Eat protein-rich foods, vitamins (especially Biotin, Zinc, and Vitamin D), and stay hydrated to support regrowth.
- No Hats or Helmets: Unless approved by your doctor, avoid tight headwear that can press against grafts.
- Resume Light Exercise: Gentle workouts are typically safe now, but avoid intense sports for another few weeks.
Don’t worry if you notice temporary hair shedding — this is your body’s natural response. The follicles remain intact under the skin and will start growing again soon.
🗓️ Three Months Post-Transplant: Regrowth and Maintenance
By the three-month mark, new hair growth begins. While it may look fine and uneven initially, this phase marks the start of visible progress.
- New Hair Emerges: Expect around 20–30% of the transplanted hair to start growing. The strands may be thin and soft at first.
- PRP or Laser Therapy: Some clinics recommend PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) sessions to boost growth and nourish follicles.
- Resume Normal Activity: You can return to swimming, gym workouts, and moderate sun exposure (with protection).
- Regular Follow-Ups: Attend scheduled check-ups with your surgeon to track progress and address any concerns.
- Stay Consistent: Keep following your clinic’s product recommendations and nutrition plan for best long-term results.
💡 Final Thoughts
Hair transplant success depends as much on post-operative care as it does on surgical skill. By following this structured aftercare checklist at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, you give your new hair the best chance to grow strong and naturally. Remember — patience and consistency are key.
Ready to start your recovery the right way? Contact Badge Health to receive personalized aftercare guidance and professional support throughout your hair restoration journey.