Hair Transplant Post-Op Care Guide: First 30 Days
The first 30 days post-transplant determine graft survival. Follow these protocols to maximize results and avoid complications.
Days 1-3: The Critical Window
Sleeping:
- Sleep at 45-degree angle (2-3 pillows)
- Use travel neck pillow to avoid rolling onto grafts
- Sleep on back only (no side/stomach sleeping)
Swelling Management:
- Ice packs on forehead (NOT on grafts)
- Swelling peaks Day 3-5, subsides by Day 7
- This is normal—follicles are inflamed
Medications:
- Take antibiotics as prescribed (prevent infection)
- Pain medication as needed (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
- Anti-inflammatory spray on grafts
Washing:
- Do NOT wash grafts Days 1-2
- Gentle spray only, no touching
Days 3-7: First Wash and Crust Removal
First Wash (Day 3):
- Mix baby shampoo with water (1:4 ratio)
- Apply gently to grafts, let sit 5 minutes to soften crusts
- Rinse with low-pressure lukewarm water
- Pat dry with soft towel (no rubbing)
Daily Washing (Days 4-10):
- Wash daily to remove crusts
- Crusts should be gone by Day 10
- Do NOT pick crusts—let them fall naturally during washing
Sun Exposure:
- Avoid direct sun (UV damages healing tissue)
- Wear loose hat if you must go outside (no tight caps)
Days 7-14: Social Reintegration
When You Can Wear a Hat: Day 7+ (loose-fitting only, no pressure on grafts)
When You Can Exercise:
- Walking: Day 3+
- Light cardio: Day 10+
- Weights/heavy lifting: Day 14+
- Contact sports: Day 30+
Social Appearance: By Day 10-14, crusts are gone. Redness fades. You're presentable with a hat or if hair covers transplant area.
Days 14-30: Shock Loss Begins
What's Happening:
- Transplanted hairs start shedding (follicles stay, shafts fall)
- Existing hair may shed (shock loss)
- This is NORMAL and expected
What to Do: Nothing. Let it happen. Follicles are alive and dormant. New hair grows at Month 4-6.
What NOT to Do (Ever)
- Smoke (reduces blood flow = graft death)
- Drink alcohol first 7 days (thins blood, increases bleeding)
- Swim in chlorinated pools first 30 days
- Get sunburned on transplant area
- Wear tight hats/helmets first 10 days
When to See a Doctor Immediately
- Pus or foul smell (infection)
- Severe pain not relieved by medication
- Black/dark tissue (necrosis)
- Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of pressure
- Fever over 101°F
Protect Your Results Long-Term
Post-op care gets you through the first month. Finasteride protects your investment for years by preventing continued hair loss.
Start Post-Op FinasterideThe Bottom Line
The first 10 days are critical. Sleep elevated. Wash gently. Avoid sun. Don't touch grafts. By Day 14, you're out of the danger zone. By Day 30, you're back to normal life—just waiting for Month 6 when real growth begins.