Hair Transplant Aftercare: What to Do and What to Avoid

The success of a hair transplant depends not only on the procedure itself, but to a large extent on how you care for your scalp during the first weeks. Gentle, consistent aftercare helps the transplanted grafts settle in and protects the delicate area from unnecessary irritation.

The first days are the most delicate

Right after the procedure, both the transplant area and the donor area are sensitive. The first 7–10 days are the most important, because this is when the newly placed grafts anchor themselves. During this phase, the goal is to keep the area clean, calm and undisturbed. Some swelling, redness or crust formation is usually a normal part of healing.

Crusts typically form in both the transplant and donor areas and usually fall away on their own within about one to two weeks. Slight swelling on the forehead or around the eyes may also appear in the first few days, and it often subsides within a few days.

Gentle washing technique

Washing the scalp usually begins a couple of days after the procedure, following the clinic's instructions. The key is gentleness – avoid vigorous rubbing and strong water pressure. Washing is not only about cleanliness: gentle care helps the crusts soften and shed naturally, without you having to remove them yourself.

• Use lukewarm water and the gentle shampoo recommended by the clinic.
• Apply the foam carefully by hand, without pressing with your nails or fingertips.
• Rinse with a weak stream of water, for example by pouring water on with your palm rather than directly with the shower.
• Dry by dabbing gently with a clean towel, not by rubbing.

Sleeping position

For the first few nights it is advisable to sleep on your back with your head elevated, using a couple of pillows for support. This reduces swelling and prevents the transplanted area from rubbing against the pillow. Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach for a while so the grafts are not damaged.

What to avoid

During healing there are several things that, when postponed, give the result the best possible chance:

• Touching and scratching – do not scrape the crusts or scratch the itchy area; let the crusts shed naturally on their own.
• Direct sun – protect the scalp from strong sun for several weeks and do not let it be exposed to prolonged heat.
• Head coverings – avoid a tightly fitting hat until the clinic approves it; if needed, choose a loose, soft covering.
• Exercise, sauna, pool and sea – physical exertion, sweating, heat and chlorinated or salt water should be set aside temporarily, usually for a few weeks.
• Alcohol and smoking – these can disrupt circulation and slow healing, so it is wise to avoid them for now.

What supports healing

Besides avoiding certain things, you can also actively support healing. In the first weeks it is usually recommended to rest enough and sleep well, because the body recovers best during sleep. A balanced diet and adequate fluid intake also help, as they support tissue healing. If you have been prescribed medication or recommended products, use them exactly as the clinic advised. Avoid sudden bending and heavy lifting, which can increase pressure in the first few days.

Follow your clinic's personal instructions

Every patient and every procedure is different, so the most important thing is to follow the personalised instructions given specifically to you. Timeframes, permitted activities and recommended products may vary slightly depending on the method used and your health. If anything seems unusual or you have questions, be sure to contact your clinic – it is better to ask than to take a risk.

If you are planning a hair transplant or would like personal advice about your recovery, coming in for a free consultation is a good first step. The Rubenhair team in Riga will help you put together a care plan tailored to you and give you a realistic overview of the expected result. Results are always individual, but with the right aftercare you create the best possible conditions for them.