6 Things NOT To Do After A Hair Transplant
After a hair transplant, it is vital that you are aware of the things that you should and should NOT do, especially since compliance with instructions are critical to a successful hair transplant and faster return to daily activities. Here are a few important tips to follow from the moment the hair transplant procedure is done until a few weeks/months later in your quest to looking hairliciously good!
1. Do NOT expose your scalp to direct sunlight immediately and even a few months (at least 3 months) after your hair transplant procedure, especially of the scalp is still swollen. If you are going outdoors for a long period of time, it is advisable that you wear a hat. Some patients have experienced side effects from sun exposure to the scalp that has resulted in permanent discoloration of the scalp as well as scalp irritation.
2. Do NOT touch your newly-grafted scalp! A little itching and soreness are normal side effects from a hair transplant but make sure that you restrain from touching the grafts unless you are washing your scalp. Touching can lead to infection and can cause the new hair grafts to fall out before they even have a chance to grow.
3. Do NOT drink alcohol or smoke! Alcohol and smoking can affect and interfere with the blood supply to the head and follicles. Blood flow is extremely crucial for the growth and survival of newly transplanted hair grafts so you need to refrain, or even better, completely give up on smoking especially to hasten the growth of your hair. If you just HAVE to smoke or drink, wait at least 5 months before.
4. Do NOT play sports or engage in exercise for at least 2 weeks after your hair transplant procedure. This can include exercises such as running, weight lifting, cycling, golf, baseball, soccer, etc. Exercises with minimal exertion can be resumed 2 weeks after the procedure. Exercises that lead to sweating can cause the risk of getting an infection. Also, avoid going to a sauna or steam bath until at least a month.
5. Do NOT regularly bend over (haha) or lean forward or blow your nose vigorously on the first week as the force can cause hair grafts to prematurely fall out.
6. Do NOT blow dry your hair using the warm/hot setting. If you must use a blow dryer, make sure to use it on the COOL SETTING for the first 14 days after your hair transplant surgery. Even warm air could cause minor bleeding to the recipient hair graft sites.
Below is a video that illustrates other things you should NOT be doing after a hair transplant procedure: