{"id":80949,"date":"2022-06-07T14:26:02","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T13:26:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elithair.com\/?p=80949"},"modified":"2026-08-06T14:24:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T14:24:52","slug":"hair-transplant-aftercare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/blog\/hair-transplant-aftercare\/","title":{"rendered":"Aftercare after a hair transplant: healing and what to do, day by day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"border-left:4px solid #0079F1;padding:0 0 0 14px;margin:0 0 26px\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 14px;color:#2e3033;font-size:17px;line-height:1.65\">The surgery is behind you, and now comes the part that is in your own hands. The first two weeks in particular decide how well the transplanted grafts take, because that is how long they stay mechanically vulnerable: in the controlled pull test by Bernstein and Rassman (Dermatologic Surgery, 2006), pulling on a transplanted hair on day 1 to 2 dislodged the graft without exception, whereas from day 9 onwards it no longer did. After that it gets easier quickly, and the rest is patience. Here you will find, for every phase, what is allowed, what is normal and when you should call your clinic.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#013366;font-weight:700;font-size:16px\">The key points<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin:0 0 14px;padding:0;color:#2e3033;list-style:none\">\n<li style=\"position:relative;padding:3px 0 3px 24px\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:3px;color:#0079F1;font-weight:700\">&#10003;<\/span>The first 10 to 14 days are the critical ones: no pressure, no friction, no sweat, no direct shower jet, and sleep on your back with your upper body raised<\/li>\n<li style=\"position:relative;padding:3px 0 3px 24px\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:3px;color:#0079F1;font-weight:700\">&#10003;<\/span>The first hair wash usually happens from day 2 to 3 following your clinic&#8217;s instructions, and the crusts come away on their own within 10 to 14 days, and you never pick them off<\/li>\n<li style=\"position:relative;padding:3px 0 3px 24px\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:3px;color:#0079F1;font-weight:700\">&#10003;<\/span>The transplanted hairs falling out again around month 2 to 4 (shedding) is normal and is not a loss of the grafts, because the root stays in the scalp<\/li>\n<li style=\"position:relative;padding:3px 0 3px 24px\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;top:3px;color:#0079F1;font-weight:700\">&#10003;<\/span>Visible new growth starts at around month 4, and the final result is usually in place after twelve months, or 10 to 18 months according to the NHS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin:0;color:#2e3033\">The table of contents below shows you where to find what you need. After that the article follows the timeline of your healing: first the overview of all phases and the timing matrix with every time window, then day 1 to 3, week 1, week 2, month 1, the shedding phase around month 2 to 4, and the road to the final result.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Healing after a hair transplant: the phases at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healing after a hair transplant runs through clearly distinct phases: wound closure in the first three days, crusts coming away in week 1 to 2, shedding of the transplanted hairs around month 2 to 4, new growth from about month 4, and the final result after roughly twelve months. The NHS gives a range of 10 to 18 months for the full result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One thing is important to understand: you have two wound areas, and they behave differently. The <strong>recipient area<\/strong> consists of thousands of tiny implantation channels, forms crusts and is sensitive to pressure. The <strong>donor area<\/strong>, meaning the extraction site at the back of the head, often feels tight and numb, but usually heals faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The numbness at the back of the head comes from irritation of fine nerve fibres, which regrow only slowly, at roughly one millimetre a day. It fades over weeks to months, and in some cases longer. There is more on the extraction site in the article Donor area after a hair transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is a simple reason for the gap between implantation and growth: after the procedure the transplanted follicles go into the resting phase (telogen) and only then start a new growth phase (anagen). How this rhythm works is explained in the article on the hair growth cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n@media (max-width:640px){\n.rt-table-wrap{overflow-x:visible!important;border:0!important;border-radius:0!important}\n.rt-table{min-width:0!important}\n.rt-table thead{display:none}\n.rt-table,.rt-table tbody,.rt-table tr,.rt-table td{display:block;width:100%}\n.rt-table caption{display:block;padding:0 0 12px!important}\n.rt-table tr{margin:0 0 12px;border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden}\n.rt-table tr:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\n.rt-table td{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column;gap:3px;padding:12px 14px!important;\nborder:0!important;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef!important;background:#ffffff!important}\n.rt-table tr td:last-child{border-bottom:0!important}\n.rt-table td::before{content:attr(data-label);font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;\ntext-transform:uppercase;color:#5799F1}\n.rt-table td:not([data-label])::before,.rt-table td[data-label=\"\"]::before{display:none}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"rt-table-wrap\" style=\"overflow-x:auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;margin:28px 0;border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:12px\">\n  <table class=\"rt-table\" style=\"width:100%;min-width:620px;table-layout:fixed;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;font-size:15px;margin:0\">\n    <caption style=\"caption-side:top;text-align:left;color:#003366;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;line-height:1.35;padding:14px 16px 10px;background:#ffffff\">Healing after a hair transplant: phase, cause and visible signs<\/caption>\n    <thead>\n      <tr>\n        <th style=\"width:22%;background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Phase<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">What happens in the scalp<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">What you see and feel<\/th>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Phase\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 1 to 3<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What happens in the scalp\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">wound closure, the grafts are not yet holding<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you see and feel\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">small crusts, redness, swelling often starting<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Phase\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 4 to 10<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What happens in the scalp\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">fine blood vessels form again, the grafts anchor themselves<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you see and feel\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">crusts slowly come away, swelling subsides<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Phase\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 10 to 14<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What happens in the scalp\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">mechanical anchoring largely complete (no pull risk from day 9, Bernstein and Rassman 2006)<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you see and feel\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">crusts mostly gone, recipient area still pink, itching possible<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Phase\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Week 3 to 8<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What happens in the scalp\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">follicles enter the resting phase (telogen) prematurely<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you see and feel\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">redness fades, small spots possible<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Phase\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Month 2 to 4<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What happens in the scalp\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">telogen effluvium: the visible hair is shed, the root stays<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you see and feel\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">the transplanted hairs fall out (shedding)<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Phase\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Month 3 to 6<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What happens in the scalp\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">new growth phase (anagen), the hair pushes through<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you see and feel\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">fine, sometimes lighter hairs, visible progress from month 4 to 6 (NHS: about 4 months)<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Phase\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Month 6 to 12<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What happens in the scalp\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">hair diameter and density increase<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you see and feel\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">final result usually after twelve months, 10 to 18 months according to the NHS<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:-14px 0 30px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#5b6470\">Timeline based on Bernstein and Rassman (2006), the NHS and common clinical practice.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\" style=\"max-width:560px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/heilungsverlauf_zeitachse__uk-1.png\" alt=\"Healing timeline after a hair transplant from day 2 to month 12\" class=\"wp-image-96099\" style=\"width:560px;max-width:100%;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/heilungsverlauf_zeitachse__uk-1.png 1536w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/heilungsverlauf_zeitachse__uk-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/heilungsverlauf_zeitachse__uk-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/heilungsverlauf_zeitachse__uk-1-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"erlaubt-ab-matrix\">What can I not do after a hair transplant, and when is it allowed again?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 22px;padding:13px 17px;background:#f4f8fd;border-left:3px solid #0079F1;border-radius:8px;color:#013366;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\"><strong>In short:<\/strong> after a hair transplant, pressure, friction, sweat, heat, UV radiation, nicotine and alcohol are off limits. Most of these restrictions apply for two to four weeks, and unprotected direct sun for considerably longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Behind the question of what you cannot do after a hair transplant there are only five underlying principles. Once you know them, you can judge any everyday situation yourself, including the ones no list covers. Everything else is a variation on the same idea: nothing must disturb the fresh grafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:10px;padding:18px 22px;margin:0 0 28px;background:#ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#013366;font-weight:700;font-size:16px\">The five principles behind every restriction<\/p>\n<ol style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.7\">\n<li><strong>Mechanics:<\/strong> pressure, friction, scratching, tight headwear, helmets, contact sport.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Moisture and germs:<\/strong> sweat, swimming pools, the sea, hot tubs, unsuitable care products.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Heat and UV:<\/strong> sauna, steam room, sunbeds, direct sun, hot water, hairdryers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Circulation and wound healing:<\/strong> nicotine, alcohol, blood-thinning substances, spikes in blood pressure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chemicals:<\/strong> colouring, bleaching, harsh styling products.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The matrix below answers all the \u201cwhen can I again\u201d questions at a glance: the activity, the earliest point it is possible and a short reason why. How to build your training back up or which product suits you is covered in the relevant article. What to do in everyday life in each week follows below in chronological order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n@media (max-width:640px){\n.rt-table-wrap{overflow-x:visible!important;border:0!important;border-radius:0!important}\n.rt-table{min-width:0!important}\n.rt-table thead{display:none}\n.rt-table,.rt-table tbody,.rt-table tr,.rt-table td{display:block;width:100%}\n.rt-table caption{display:block;padding:0 0 12px!important}\n.rt-table tr{margin:0 0 12px;border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden}\n.rt-table tr:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\n.rt-table td{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column;gap:3px;padding:12px 14px!important;\nborder:0!important;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef!important;background:#ffffff!important}\n.rt-table tr td:last-child{border-bottom:0!important}\n.rt-table td::before{content:attr(data-label);font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;\ntext-transform:uppercase;color:#5799F1}\n.rt-table td:not([data-label])::before,.rt-table td[data-label=\"\"]::before{display:none}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"rt-table-wrap\" style=\"overflow-x:auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;margin:28px 0;border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:12px\">\n  <table class=\"rt-table\" style=\"width:100%;min-width:660px;table-layout:fixed;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;font-size:15px;margin:0\">\n    <caption style=\"caption-side:top;text-align:left;color:#003366;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;line-height:1.35;padding:14px 16px 10px;background:#ffffff\">Timing matrix: what you can do again after a hair transplant, and when<\/caption>\n    <thead>\n      <tr>\n        <th style=\"width:22%;background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Topic<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Possible again from<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Why this waiting time<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">More on this<\/th>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">First hair wash as instructed<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">day 2 to 3 once cleared, later in some protocols<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">softening the crusts and keeping the wounds clean, without pressure<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Shampoo<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Showering with the jet directly on the head<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about week 2<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">water pressure can dislodge grafts<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Shampoo<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Sleeping flat or on your side<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about day 7 to 10<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">contact with and pressure on the recipient area<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Swelling<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Crusts completely gone<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">day 10 to 14, on their own<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">never pick them off, the graft can come with them<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Crusts<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Light movement, walking<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">from day 3 to 5<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">avoiding blood pressure spikes and sweat<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Exercise<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Moderate exercise without heavy sweating<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about week 3 to 4<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">sweat softens crusts, risk of infection<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Exercise<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Intensive weight training, running<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about week 4<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">blood pressure, sweat, tension on the donor area<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Running<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Contact sport, boxing, ball sports<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about week 6 to 8<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">risk of impact and injury to the head<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Boxing<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Swimming pool and sea<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about 4 weeks<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">chlorine, salt and germs on young skin<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Swimming<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Sauna, steam room, sunbeds<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about 4 to 6 weeks<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">heat and UV put strain on healing<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Sauna and sunbeds<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Direct sun without protection<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about 3 months<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">UV prolongs redness and pigment changes<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Sun<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Loose, soft headwear<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about day 10 to 14<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">friction and pressure on the grafts<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\"><\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Tight cap, motorbike or cycling helmet<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">only once your doctor has cleared it<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">localised pressure and friction<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\"><\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Styling products, gel, wax<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about 4 weeks<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">chemical irritation, washing out involves friction<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Hair gel<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Hairdresser: scissors in the recipient area<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">once cleared, usually from week 4<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">tension on the hair, no clippers<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Month 1 section<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Colouring or bleaching your hair<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">after several months at the earliest, once cleared<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">harsh chemicals on healing skin<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Month 1 section<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Smoking and nicotine<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">abstinence in the first weeks<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">vasoconstriction, poorer blood supply to the grafts<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Smoking<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Alcohol<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">none at all in the first days, then as instructed<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">bleeding tendency, interactions with medication<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Smoking and alcohol section<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Sex and other physical exertion<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">about 1 week, once cleared<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">blood pressure spikes, sweat, risk of friction<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 1 to 3 section<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Glasses or sunglasses<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">as soon as the arms do not press on the donor area<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">localised pressure on the extraction sites<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Donor area<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Driving<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">as soon as you are free of painkiller effects and can move your head freely<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">reaction times and safety<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 1 to 3 section<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Flying<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">usually possible after a few days<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">avoid pressure and contact with headrests<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Flying<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Topic\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Restarting minoxidil or finasteride<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Possible again from\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">only once your doctor has cleared it<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Why this waiting time\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">open skin absorbs active ingredients differently<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"More on this\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Hair growth products<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:-14px 0 30px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#5b6470\">Consensus figures from clinical practice, not study data. Your clinic gives the final go-ahead on timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 1 to 3: what should I do immediately after a hair transplant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 22px;padding:13px 17px;background:#f4f8fd;border-left:3px solid #0079F1;border-radius:8px;color:#013366;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\"><strong>In short:<\/strong> in the first 72 hours after a hair transplant the rules are simple. Sleep on your back with your upper body raised, do not touch the recipient area at all, do not wash it yourself, do not bend over, no exercise, no nicotine and no alcohol. In the pull test by Bernstein and Rassman (2006), pulling on a graft on day 1 to 2 dislodged it every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is a reason for that strictness: at this stage the grafts are simply sitting in the implantation channels, with no blood supply of their own and nothing holding them in place. Experience shows that the formation of fine new blood vessels only begins around the third day. Every touch, every bit of pressure and every rub can shift a graft or pull it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sleeping position:<\/strong> on your back, upper body raised by about 35 to 45 degrees, with a neck pillow or travel pillow so that nothing touches the recipient area. If you roll onto your side in your sleep, that is not an emergency, but it is a reason to rebuild your setup. A travel pillow around the neck holds the head more reliably than a tall stack of pillows.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\" style=\"max-width:560px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1532\" height=\"710\" src=\"https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/schlafposition-1.png\" alt=\"Illustration: the correct position on your back with the upper body raised and two incorrect sleeping positions after a hair transplant\" class=\"wp-image-96100\" style=\"width:560px;max-width:100%;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/schlafposition-1.png 1532w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/schlafposition-1-300x139.png 300w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/schlafposition-1-1024x475.png 1024w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/schlafposition-1-768x356.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Touching and washing:<\/strong> do not scratch, do not rub, do not wipe anything off. Moisten the scalp only with the spray or lotion you have been given. Do not wash it yourself before your clinic gives you the go-ahead, often on day 2 to 3. A direct shower jet on the head remains completely off limits this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Swelling and slight oozing:<\/strong> the swelling often starts on day 2 and, because of gravity, settles into the forehead and around the eyes. Cool only the forehead and the bridge of the nose, never the recipient area. Slight oozing in the first few days is normal, and you should apply gentle pressure with a sterile compress only if your clinic tells you to. Persistent bleeding needs to be assessed by a doctor. There is more on this in the article Swelling after a hair transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Movement, nicotine, alcohol:<\/strong> no bending over with your head down, no heavy lifting, no exercise, no blood pressure spikes. Avoid nicotine and alcohol strictly at this stage, and the reasoning is set out further down. Headwear is only allowed if your clinic clears a loose style that does not touch the recipient area anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Medication:<\/strong> take painkillers and antibiotics exactly as your clinic instructs. Blood-thinning substances such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) can increase the tendency to bleed and need to be discussed with a doctor beforehand, as do blood pressure or diabetes medication. Never stop anything or start anything new on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Everyday life in the first days:<\/strong> only drive once you are free of painkiller effects and can move your head freely. Glasses and sunglasses only if the arms do not press on the extraction sites. Go easy on coffee and energy drinks, and avoid very spicy food, because it encourages sweating and redness. Sex and other physical exertion only once cleared, with about a week as a rough guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:10px;padding:18px 22px;margin:26px 0 30px;background:#f8fbff\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 10px;color:#013366;font-weight:700;font-size:16px\">What you can actively do for healing on day 1 to 3<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#2e3033;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65\">Much of this phase is about not doing things. These three points are the opposite, the things you have in your own hands:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px;color:#2e3033;font-size:15px;line-height:1.7\">\n<li><strong>Drink enough, spread across the day.<\/strong> Fluid is introduced into the scalp during the procedure, and the body flushes it out again over the first days. Water and unsweetened tea support that, while alcohol and strong coffee work against it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eat low in salt.<\/strong> Salt binds water in the tissue, and the swelling around day 2 to 4 is already heading towards the forehead because of gravity. Ready meals, fast food and very salty snacks are worth skipping this week.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eat normally and with enough protein instead of fasting.<\/strong> Wound healing means building tissue. Dieting, intermittent fasting or days of poor appetite are a bad start, and supplements do not replace a proper meal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>\n@media (max-width:640px){\n.rt-table-wrap{overflow-x:visible!important;border:0!important;border-radius:0!important}\n.rt-table{min-width:0!important}\n.rt-table thead{display:none}\n.rt-table,.rt-table tbody,.rt-table tr,.rt-table td{display:block;width:100%}\n.rt-table caption{display:block;padding:0 0 12px!important}\n.rt-table tr{margin:0 0 12px;border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden}\n.rt-table tr:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\n.rt-table td{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column;gap:3px;padding:12px 14px!important;\nborder:0!important;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef!important;background:#ffffff!important}\n.rt-table tr td:last-child{border-bottom:0!important}\n.rt-table td::before{content:attr(data-label);font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;\ntext-transform:uppercase;color:#5799F1}\n.rt-table td:not([data-label])::before,.rt-table td[data-label=\"\"]::before{display:none}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"rt-table-wrap\" style=\"overflow-x:auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;margin:28px 0;border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:12px\">\n  <table class=\"rt-table\" style=\"width:100%;min-width:700px;table-layout:fixed;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;font-size:15px;margin:0\">\n    <caption style=\"caption-side:top;text-align:left;color:#003366;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;line-height:1.35;padding:14px 16px 10px;background:#ffffff\">Aftercare plan: the first 14 days after a hair transplant, day by day<\/caption>\n    <thead>\n      <tr>\n        <th style=\"width:20%;background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Period<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Graft status<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Sleeping<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Washing and care<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Avoid<\/th>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Period\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 1<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Graft status\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">not yet anchored, every touch is critical<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Sleeping\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">on your back, raised 35 to 45 degrees<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Washing and care\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">only moisten as instructed, do not touch<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Avoid\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">bending over, lifting, nicotine, alcohol, heat<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Period\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 2 to 3<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Graft status\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">starting to adhere, still very sensitive<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Sleeping\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">on your back, raised<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Washing and care\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">first wash once cleared: let the lotion soak in, rinse without pressure, pat dry only<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Avoid\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">shower jet, rubbing, scratching, exercise<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Period\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 4 to 7<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Graft status\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">increasingly stable, still mechanically vulnerable<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Sleeping\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">still raised, neck pillow<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Washing and care\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">daily wash as instructed, let the crusts soften<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Avoid\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">sweat, sun, headwear that makes contact<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Period\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 8 to 10<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Graft status\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">largely stable, crusts coming away<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Sleeping\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">flatter is possible, still avoid contact<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Washing and care\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">as before, treat itching with moisture rather than scratching<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Avoid\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">scratching, exercise, water pressure<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Period\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Day 11 to 14<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Graft status\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">firmly anchored, normal care is enough<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Sleeping\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">normal position usually possible<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Washing and care\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">crusts mostly gone, keep washing gently<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"Avoid\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">sweating, swimming pools, sauna, tight caps<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:-14px 0 30px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#5b6470\">Graft status derived from the pull test by Bernstein and Rassman (2006).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Week 1: when can I wash my hair after a hair transplant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 22px;padding:13px 17px;background:#f4f8fd;border-left:3px solid #0079F1;border-radius:8px;color:#013366;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\"><strong>In short:<\/strong> under the FUE and DHI protocols used by clinics, the first hair wash after a hair transplant usually happens from day 2 to 3, always as instructed. The NHS gives day 6 for the first careful wash by hand. Both figures are real, because the protocols differ, and the timing is set by your clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the point where the figures diverge more than anywhere else in the healing process, and both sides have good reasons. Clinics with their own care lotion start early in order to soften the crusts. Protocols without such products wait longer so that the grafts are not moved at all. After that, week 1 usually involves a daily wash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to wash:<\/strong> lukewarm water, no force. Apply the care lotion and let it soak in, place the foam on gently rather than massaging it in, rinse with a cup or a weak stream without pressure, pat dry with a clean towel and never rub, then let it air dry without a hairdryer. Which product is suitable is covered in the article Shampoo after a hair transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\" style=\"max-width:560px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"671\" src=\"https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/haarwaesche_schritte-1.png\" alt=\"Five steps for washing your hair after a hair transplant: lotion, soaking time, foam, rinsing with a cup, patting dry\" class=\"wp-image-96101\" style=\"width:560px;max-width:100%;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/haarwaesche_schritte-1.png 1536w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/haarwaesche_schritte-1-300x131.png 300w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/haarwaesche_schritte-1-1024x447.png 1024w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/haarwaesche_schritte-1-768x336.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When are the crusts gone after a hair transplant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Crusts are part of healing, not dirt.<\/strong> They usually come away on their own within 10 to 14 days through the daily washes, and patient information from ISHRS, the international specialist society, gives a range of 4 to 14 days. Picking, scratching or pulling is the most common self-inflicted cause of lost grafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The evidence for this is solid: in the pull test by Bernstein and Rassman, pulling on a crust that was still attached up to day 5 meant the graft came away with it in every case. That is why even a half-detached crust stays where it is. Timing and details are in the article Removing crusts after a hair transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does the swelling last after a hair transplant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The swelling is usually at its worst on day 2 to 4 and has generally gone within a week. Gravity pulls it down into the forehead and around the eyes, which looks more dramatic than it is. Staying upright, sleeping with your upper body raised and cooling the forehead all help, and the recipient area is never cooled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Numbness and a feeling of tightness in the donor area also belong to this week. They come from irritation of fine nerve fibres and fade over weeks to months, in some cases later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Work and travel:<\/strong> desk work is often possible after a few days, and ASPS, the American specialist society, gives 2 to 5 days for non-physical work. Physical work takes considerably longer, and how much time off you need is a decision for your doctor. Flying is usually possible early on if you avoid pressure and contact with headrests (see the article Flying after a hair transplant).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Week 2: what helps with itching, and what is allowed again?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 22px;padding:13px 17px;background:#f4f8fd;border-left:3px solid #0079F1;border-radius:8px;color:#013366;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\"><strong>In short:<\/strong> in week 2 after a hair transplant, pulling no longer puts the grafts at risk. According to Bernstein and Rassman, that point is reached from day 9 onwards, and the daily wash now takes most of the crusts away. The typical itching is best handled by moistening, never by scratching. Showering with a direct jet and loose headwear are usually cleared by clinics from day 10 to 14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Week 2 is the week of the first relaxations, and that is exactly where the risk lies. The recipient area is still pink and the skin over the grafts has only just closed. Sweat, heat and friction therefore remain off limits, even though your head already feels far less conspicuous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Itching<\/strong> is a sign of healing, not a warning signal. Do not scratch, but moisten as instructed and keep washing gently. What else helps is covered in the article Itchy scalp after a hair transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Showering and exercise:<\/strong> normal showering with a direct jet is usually cleared from around week 2, still without pressure and without rubbing. Light movement is possible, exercise that makes you sweat is not yet. Which level of activity fits when is covered in the article Exercise after a hair transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Headwear and styling:<\/strong> clinics usually clear loose, soft headwear from day 10 to 14. Nothing tight, nothing with an inner seam, no helmet. Styling products stay away, dry shampoo included (see the article Hair gel after a hair transplant).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sun:<\/strong> keep avoiding direct sun. According to StatPearls and DermNet, UV exposure intensifies and prolongs redness and pigment changes in healing skin, which is why consistent broad-spectrum sun protection is standard advice at this stage. Why this matters right now is covered in the article Avoiding the sun after a hair transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Month 1: when are exercise, sauna and swimming allowed again after a hair transplant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 22px;padding:13px 17px;background:#f4f8fd;border-left:3px solid #0079F1;border-radius:8px;color:#013366;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\"><strong>In short:<\/strong> after a hair transplant, moderate exercise is usually cleared from week 3 to 4, intensive training from about week 4, swimming pools and the sea from about four weeks, sauna and sunbeds from four to six weeks, and contact sport not until about week 6 to 8. Unprotected direct sun should be avoided for considerably longer, with about three months as a rough guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After about four weeks the transplanted grafts are firmly anchored and everyday life is back to normal. The only remaining restrictions concern water, heat, chemicals and hard physical strain. These time windows are consensus figures from clinical practice rather than study data, which is why they are deliberately given as ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exercise:<\/strong> moderate training usually from week 3 to 4, intensive weight training and running from about week 4, contact sport and ball sports not until about week 6 to 8. How to build training back up and the special cases are covered in the articles on Exercise, Running and Boxing after a hair transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water and heat:<\/strong> swimming pools and the sea usually from about four weeks (see the article Swimming), sauna, steam room and sunbeds usually from four to six weeks (see the article Sauna and sunbeds). Unprotected direct sun should be avoided considerably longer, with about three months as a rough guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hair and chemicals:<\/strong> in the donor area, trimming is usually safe sooner, while in the recipient area only scissors are used, without pulling and with no clippers until it has been cleared. Colouring or bleaching is pushed back by several months, because harsh chemicals have no place on healing skin. Mild styling products are usually possible from about four weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If the recipient area is still red:<\/strong> erythema, meaning persistent redness, can last for weeks and usually fades slowly, and it often stays visible longer on fair skin. A slightly bumpy surface (cobblestoning) does occur and usually smooths out over weeks to months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both are normal as long as they are decreasing. If the redness increases, spreads or feels warm, the warning signs section further down applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Month 2 to 4: why do the transplanted hairs fall out again?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 22px;padding:13px 17px;background:#f4f8fd;border-left:3px solid #0079F1;border-radius:8px;color:#013366;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\"><strong>In short:<\/strong> roughly two to four months after a hair transplant the transplanted hairs fall out. This shedding is a normal part of healing and not a loss of the grafts, because only the visible hair is shed while the root stays in the scalp. According to the NHS, visible new growth starts at around month 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The shedding is triggered by the surgical stimulus itself: it pushes the follicles into the resting phase prematurely. This happens with virtually every hair transplant and says nothing about the later result. If you expect it, you get less of a shock when you see hairs in the plughole after washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In medical terms this process is called <strong>telogen effluvium<\/strong>. The follicle stays intact, spends a few weeks in telogen and then starts a new anagen phase in which it pushes out a new hair. The NHS puts the start of visible new growth at around four months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Shock loss<\/strong>, by contrast, affects the surrounding native hair: some of it can temporarily become thinner as a result of the procedure. Experience shows that in most cases this recovers over months, and it should not be confused with a loss of the transplanted grafts. There is more on this in the article Hair loss after a hair transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The back of the head can also look patchy or thinned in the first months, because the extraction sites stand out at first and hairs there also go temporarily into the resting phase. This usually resolves as the hair grows back (see the article Donor area).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to do in this phase:<\/strong> normal, gentle care, no plucking and no test tugs on the hair, and keep protecting the scalp from the sun. Whether and when you restart active ingredients such as minoxidil belongs in a conversation with your doctor, not in a blanket number of weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Living with the shedding phase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medically, the shedding phase after a hair transplant is unremarkable, and yet it is the stage most patients struggle with: between the shedding around month 2 to 4 and visible new growth from about month 4 there are weeks in which nothing happens visually, or it even looks thinner than before the procedure. That is not a step backwards, it is the gap in the hair growth cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practical terms, a short, even haircut helps more than any attempt to cover something up: it takes the sharpness out of the contrast between thinner and denser areas. Loose headwear has long been cleared by this phase. Check hair fibres, powders and thickening sprays with your clinic first, because washing them out involves friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you catch yourself checking the mirror every day, one simple method helps: one photo a month, always the same spot, same light, same distance, ideally on dry hair. Comparing with the previous month shows progress that the eye misses day to day. Comparing with the picture in your head only shows frustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And at work: no explanation is needed if you do not want to give one. If you do explain, one sentence gets you further (\u201cminor procedure, it is growing back\u201d) than any amount of detail. If your mood dips for weeks and it weighs on you, that is a reason to raise it at your follow-up appointment. That is what aftercare is for too.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\" style=\"max-width:560px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1405\" height=\"961\" src=\"https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/shedding_neuwachstum-1.png\" alt=\"Illustration: shedding and new growth after a hair transplant, the hair root stays in the scalp\" class=\"wp-image-96102\" style=\"width:560px;max-width:100%;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/shedding_neuwachstum-1.png 1405w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/shedding_neuwachstum-1-300x205.png 300w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/shedding_neuwachstum-1-1024x700.png 1024w, https:\/\/elithair.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/shedding_neuwachstum-1-768x525.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Month 6 and month 12: when do you see the final result of a hair transplant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 22px;padding:13px 17px;background:#f4f8fd;border-left:3px solid #0079F1;border-radius:8px;color:#013366;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\"><strong>In short:<\/strong> after about six months there is a clear interim result, and the final result of a hair transplant is usually visible after twelve months. The NHS gives a range of 10 to 18 months for the full result, and for the crown and densely transplanted areas, specialists report 15 months and more from experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reason for the longer wait on the crown is anatomical: the blood supply there is weaker, and the whorl runs in several directions, so the density only visually fills in later. Anyone judging only the whorl regularly underestimates their result at twelve months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between month 4 and 6, fine and sometimes lighter hairs come through first, and they darken and gain in diameter. It is normal for areas to start unevenly, because the follicles do not enter the growth phase in sync. It is also common for one side to heal faster than the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between month 6 and 12, density and structure increase, the hairline looks increasingly natural, and the areas grow together. Month 12 is the point of assessment: from then on it is worth discussing with your clinic whether further densification makes sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the long term: the transplanted hairs come from the DHT-resistant donor area and are therefore usually retained permanently. That is a biological property of the hair root, not a promise of success. The surrounding native hair can continue to fall out, which is why medical monitoring over time remains sensible (see the article How long a hair transplant lasts).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Knocked your head after a hair transplant: what now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have knocked your head after a hair transplant, in most cases you will not lose a graft because of it. A knock mainly matters in the first days, while the grafts are not yet anchored, and if the skin splits or bleeds. From day 9 the grafts are considerably less sensitive mechanically, according to Bernstein and Rassman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Do not press on it and do not keep feeling it.<\/strong> Every touch increases the risk of dislodging a graft.<\/li><li><strong>Check in the mirror:<\/strong> bleeding, an open area, a missing hair at the point of impact, a noticeable lump.<\/li><li><strong>If it bleeds slightly,<\/strong> place a sterile compress on it without friction, but only as your clinic instructs. Do not wipe.<\/li><li><strong>Tell your aftercare team,<\/strong> especially within the first ten days, ideally with a photo.<\/li><li><strong>Get medical help straight away<\/strong> if there is persistent bleeding, sharply increasing swelling, an open wound, fever or severe pain.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To put it in perspective: with several thousand transplanted grafts, one lost graft does not usually change the overall result visibly. So a knock almost never puts the result at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should still report the knock so that inflammation at the point of impact can be ruled out. The real risk is an unnoticed open wound, not the single graft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prevention is easier than repair: door frames, car doors, the towel over your head, children, pets, crowds on buses and trains. For the first two weeks it pays to think each movement through with your head in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sweating after a hair transplant: why sweat is a risk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sweat is a risk after a hair transplant above all in the first two weeks, because it softens the crusts, brings salts and germs onto the fresh implantation channels and thereby encourages inflammation. A multicentre study of 1,317 patients found postoperative folliculitis in 12.11% of cases, and a procedure in summer was a risk factor in its own right (odds ratio 1.772).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mechanisms in detail: sweat softens crusts so that they come away too early. Salt irritates healing skin. The warm, moist environment encourages germs. The extra itching tempts you to scratch. Exercise adds rising blood pressure and the risk of knocks on top of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What helps: cool rooms, no activity that makes you sweat, no hairdryer and no heat on the head, and airy headwear only once cleared. If you have sweated anyway, rinse gently as your clinic instructs rather than wiping or rubbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sweating stops being a risk once the crusts have healed, usually after about two weeks. For intensive exercise it takes longer (see the article Exercise after a hair transplant). In summer it is also worth reading the articles Hair transplant in summer and Avoiding the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Smoking, alcohol and medication after a hair transplant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nicotine and alcohol are the two factors you influence most yourself after a hair transplant. Nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows the fine blood vessels and worsens the oxygen supply to the grafts. Alcohol impairs wound healing and immune function, and in the first days it is also a reason for restraint because of the tendency to bleed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For smoking there is good surgical evidence: the systematic review by S\u00f8rensen (Archives of Surgery, 2012) pooled 140 cohort studies and found postoperative wound healing complications significantly more often in smokers. After stopping smoking, tissue oxygen supply normalises within days and inflammatory cell function within about four weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The usual recommendation is therefore to abstain in the first weeks after the procedure, and ideally beforehand too: a Cochrane review (Thomsen et al.) shows that stop-smoking programmes four to eight weeks before an operation are more effective than short-term ones. E-cigarettes, shisha and nicotine patches are no free pass, because the critical substance is the nicotine itself (see the article Hair transplants and smoking).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid alcohol completely in the first days, and after that follow your clinic&#8217;s instructions. The reasons are the tendency to bleed, interactions with painkillers and antibiotics, and its dehydrating effect. Surgical reviews report more infections and wound complications where alcohol consumption is heavy around the time of a procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Medication belongs firmly in medical hands.<\/strong> Take painkillers and antibiotics only as your clinic instructs. Discuss blood-thinning substances such as acetylsalicylic acid, as well as blood pressure or diabetes medication, with your doctor beforehand and never stop them on your own initiative. If you are on long-term anticoagulation, your doctor manages that in any case (see the article Hair transplants and anticoagulant medication).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Minoxidil and finasteride after surgery:<\/strong> the timing and the go-ahead belong in a conversation with your doctor. Topical minoxidil has no place on skin that has not yet closed, because it stings there and is absorbed differently. That is why this article deliberately gives no number of weeks (see the article Hair growth products after a hair transplant).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vitamins and supplements<\/strong> are no substitute for aftercare. They are useful mainly where a deficiency has been demonstrated, not as a growth accelerator (see the article Vitamins after a hair transplant).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How important is aftercare following a hair transplant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aftercare following a hair transplant is the part of the treatment that helps determine wound healing, the risk of infection and how well the grafts take. It consists of clear washing instructions, check-ups at set intervals and a contact person you can reach in the first weeks. Just how much depends on it is shown by the folliculitis study in 1,317 patients, where starting initial care later than three days was a risk factor in its own right (odds ratio 1.555).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In concrete terms, aftercare does four things: wound monitoring with early detection of inflammation, correcting mistakes in how the washing is done, putting swelling, itching and shedding into context so that nobody intervenes out of panic, and monitoring progress through to the result. Incidentally, the most common mistake in practice is too much pressure when rinsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:10px;padding:18px 22px;margin:0 0 28px;background:#f8fbff\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#013366;font-weight:700;font-size:16px\">How to recognise serious aftercare<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.75\">\n<li>written, specific instructions for washing, sleeping and medication, not just verbal advice<\/li>\n<li>a named contact who really is reachable in the first weeks, including after you have travelled home<\/li>\n<li>check-up appointments at set intervals instead of \u201cget in touch if something comes up\u201d<\/li>\n<li>care products whose use is explained, not just handed over<\/li>\n<li>monitoring of progress through to the result at around twelve months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elithair specialises in hair transplants and treats aftercare as part of the procedure, not as an add-on. The procedure is medically supervised and signed off, DHI implantation is standard and included, patients receive fixed instructions plus a contact person for the healing phase, and there is a 20-year guarantee on the transplanted grafts. What happens technically is explained on our hair transplant page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you were treated elsewhere and nobody there replies any more: contact a local dermatologist, especially if there are signs of inflammation. What you need then is not a second opinion on the result, but someone to look at the wound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#013366;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 26px;margin:10px 0 26px\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 10px;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:16px\">A view from Elithair&#8217;s aftercare practice<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;color:#dbe7f5;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65\">Most queries reach our aftercare team not in week 1, but in the third month, when the transplanted hairs fall out. That is exactly when we have the most to explain and the least to treat. Anyone who knows in advance that this shedding is part of healing saves themselves weeks of worry. In week 1, on the other hand, it is almost always the same two things: too much pressure when rinsing, and the question of whether the crusts really have to stay put. They do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are still planning a procedure, find out beforehand what the aftercare actually looks like: which instructions you will get, who is reachable in the first week and which check-up appointments are planned. A free hair analysis is the first step: it shows whether a hair transplant makes sense for you, and how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"justify-content:center;margin-bottom:44px\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" style=\"background-color:#0079F1;color:#ffffff;border-radius:8px;padding:15px 36px;font-weight:700;font-size:17px\" href=\"\/uk\/hair-analysis\/\">Start your free hair analysis<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"warnzeichen-ampel\">Warning signs: when to seek medical advice after a hair transplant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 22px;padding:13px 17px;background:#f4f8fd;border-left:3px solid #0079F1;border-radius:8px;color:#013366;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\"><strong>In short:<\/strong> most complaints after a hair transplant are normal steps in healing. Fever, pus, increasing pain, sharply increasing or one-sided swelling and a spreading, warm redness need prompt medical assessment. The NHS explicitly recommends contacting the treating clinic in the case of severe pain or unexpected symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The traffic-light table below sorts the most common observations into three levels: green means carry on, amber means report it and keep an eye on it, red means have it looked at by a doctor today. It is not a substitute for a diagnosis, it simply saves you wondering whether a phone call is justified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It helps to know how common the harmless findings are: in a retrospective analysis of 73 procedures (International Journal of Trichology, 2014), oedema at 42.47% and sterile folliculitis at 23.29% were the most frequent complications, while paraesthesia stood at 10.96%. The group was predominantly FUT, so the figures are a historical guide and do not apply directly to modern FUE and DHI procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n@media (max-width:640px){\n.rt-table-wrap{overflow-x:visible!important;border:0!important;border-radius:0!important}\n.rt-table{min-width:0!important}\n.rt-table thead{display:none}\n.rt-table,.rt-table tbody,.rt-table tr,.rt-table td{display:block;width:100%}\n.rt-table caption{display:block;padding:0 0 12px!important}\n.rt-table tr{margin:0 0 12px;border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden}\n.rt-table tr:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\n.rt-table td{display:flex!important;flex-direction:column;gap:3px;padding:12px 14px!important;\nborder:0!important;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef!important;background:#ffffff!important}\n.rt-table tr td:last-child{border-bottom:0!important}\n.rt-table td::before{content:attr(data-label);font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;\ntext-transform:uppercase;color:#5799F1}\n.rt-table td:not([data-label])::before,.rt-table td[data-label=\"\"]::before{display:none}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"rt-table-wrap\" style=\"overflow-x:auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;margin:28px 0;border:1px solid #dbe4f0;border-radius:12px\">\n  <table class=\"rt-table\" style=\"width:100%;min-width:620px;table-layout:fixed;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;font-size:15px;margin:0\">\n    <caption style=\"caption-side:top;text-align:left;color:#003366;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;line-height:1.35;padding:14px 16px 10px;background:#ffffff\">Warning-sign traffic light: sorting complaints after a hair transplant into three levels<\/caption>\n    <thead>\n      <tr>\n        <th style=\"width:22%;background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Level<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">What you notice<\/th>\n        <th style=\"background:#003366;color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.4;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">What to do now<\/th>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n    <tbody>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Level\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\"><span style=\"color:#1a8f4c\">&#9679; Green<\/span><br>normal in the healing process<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you notice\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">&bull; crusts and slight redness in week 1 to 2<br>&bull; swelling on day 2 to 4, decreasing afterwards<br>&bull; itching from week 2<br>&bull; numbness in the donor area<br>&bull; a few small spots after some weeks<br>&bull; persistent redness (erythema) and slightly bumpy skin that is decreasing<br>&bull; patchy donor area in the first months<br>&bull; one side healing faster than the other<br>&bull; the transplanted hairs falling out from month 2<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What to do now\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Carry on as instructed and change nothing. Raise it at your next check-up if it is on your mind.<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Level\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\"><span style=\"color:#c07800\">&#9679; Amber<\/span><br>keep an eye on it and report it<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you notice\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">&bull; redness that is not reducing after weeks<br>&bull; crusts still firmly attached after 14 days<br>&bull; several spots that are spreading or feel tender<br>&bull; slight oozing after day 3<br>&bull; swelling that does not go down after day 4 to 5<br>&bull; a knock to the head in the first ten days, even without an open wound<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What to do now\" style=\"background:#f6f9fc;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;border-bottom:1px solid #e3e8ef;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Take a photo and tell your aftercare team; in the first two weeks, do so the same day. Do not treat anything yourself and do not pick anything off.<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n      <tr>\n        <td data-label=\"Level\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#003366;font-weight:700;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\"><span style=\"color:#c0341d\">&#9679; Red<\/span><br>seek medical assessment promptly<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What you notice\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">&bull; fever or chills<br>&bull; pus, a bad smell, weeping areas<br>&bull; pain that increases instead of decreasing<br>&bull; spreading, warm redness<br>&bull; persistent bleeding or an open wound after a knock<br>&bull; sharply increasing or severe one-sided swelling<br>&bull; dark discolouration or skin that looks necrotic<br>&bull; a bald, shiny patch with no signs of healing<br>&bull; hair loss with pain, weeping or hardening<\/td>\n        <td data-label=\"What to do now\" style=\"background:#ffffff;color:#22303e;font-weight:400;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;padding:13px 16px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;border:0;overflow-wrap:break-word\">Contact the treating clinic or a dermatologist the same day, and with fever or severe pain use out-of-hours care. Do not wait.<\/td>\n      <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n  <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin:-14px 0 30px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#5b6470\">This overview is not a diagnosis. If you notice warning signs, contact the treating clinic or a dermatologist promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When in doubt, call: one call too many is better than one too few. A phone call costs nothing, whereas an untreated inflammation can cost grafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The most common misconceptions about what to do after a hair transplant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most mistakes after a hair transplant do not come from carelessness but from well-meant over-caution: too much cooling in the wrong place, washing too thoroughly and intervening too early with the crusts. These six misconceptions are the ones we hear most often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin:0 0 30px\">\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-left:4px solid #0079F1;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#8a94a6;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Myth<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">An ice pack directly on the transplanted areas helps with the swelling.<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#013366;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Fact<\/p><p style=\"margin:0;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">Only the forehead and the bridge of the nose are cooled, never the recipient area. Pressure and cold on the fresh grafts are a risk, not a benefit.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-left:4px solid #0079F1;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#8a94a6;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Myth<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">The more thoroughly you wash, the sooner the crusts are gone.<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#013366;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Fact<\/p><p style=\"margin:0;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">Crusts come away through soaking time, not through force. Pressure and friction are the main risk of the first week.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-left:4px solid #0079F1;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#8a94a6;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Myth<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">The transplanted hairs are falling out, so the procedure has failed.<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#013366;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Fact<\/p><p style=\"margin:0;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">The shedding around month 2 to 4 affects only the visible hair. The root stays in the scalp and pushes out a new hair later.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-left:4px solid #0079F1;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#8a94a6;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Myth<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">A cap protects the new hairs.<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#013366;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Fact<\/p><p style=\"margin:0;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">In the first days the opposite is true, because tight headwear rubs and presses. Your clinic clears it, usually from day 10 to 14, and only if it sits loosely.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-left:4px solid #0079F1;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#8a94a6;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Myth<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">E-cigarettes or nicotine patches are unproblematic.<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#013366;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Fact<\/p><p style=\"margin:0;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">The critical factor is the nicotine, not the smoke. It narrows the vessels regardless of how it gets into the body.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-left:4px solid #0079F1;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#8a94a6;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Myth<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 12px;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">Plenty of vitamin supplements speed up growth.<\/p><p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#013366;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.04em;text-transform:uppercase\">Fact<\/p><p style=\"margin:0;color:#2e3033;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6\">Without a demonstrated deficiency, no additional benefit has been shown. Aftercare and patience do more here than capsules.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#f4f8fd;border-left:4px solid #013366;border-radius:10px;padding:18px 22px;margin:0 0 34px\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 8px;color:#013366;font-weight:700;font-size:16px\">One last important point<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;color:#2e3033;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65\">All the timings in this article are guide figures from the medical literature and from common clinical practice, not individual treatment instructions. The instructions of your treating clinic always take precedence. Discuss any deviations, uncertainties and anything unusual with your treating doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ: more questions about aftercare after a hair transplant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin:0 0 8px\">\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">How should I sleep after a hair transplant, and for how long?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">On your back, with your upper body raised by about 35 to 45 degrees and a neck or travel pillow, so that nothing touches the recipient area. Most clinics ask you to keep this position for about seven to ten days. If you roll onto your side in your sleep, that is not an emergency, but it is a reason to build your setup more securely.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">When are the transplanted hairs secure and no longer at risk?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">According to the controlled pull test by Bernstein and Rassman, grafts could no longer be dislodged by pulling from day 9 onwards. In practice, a safety margin of two weeks is applied, because the crusts also still carry a residual risk during that time.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">When can I go to the hairdresser or colour my hair again?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">In the donor area, trimming is usually safe sooner. In the recipient area the rule is: once cleared, usually from week 4, only with scissors and without pulling, no clippers. Colouring or bleaching is pushed back by several months, because harsh chemicals have no place on healing skin.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">When can I use minoxidil again after a hair transplant?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">Your doctor decides that, which is why no number of weeks is given here. Topical minoxidil does not belong on skin that has not yet closed, because it stings there and is absorbed differently. Have the restart cleared by a doctor, and the same goes for finasteride.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">How much time off work do I need after a hair transplant?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">For non-physical work, ASPS, the American specialist society, gives 2 to 5 days, while physically demanding work takes considerably longer. How long you need off is set by your doctor, depending on your job, the swelling and wound healing.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">When can I drive again after a hair transplant?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">As soon as you are no longer under the influence of painkillers, can move your head freely and the headrest does not touch the recipient area. In the first days, swelling and tension add to that, which is why having someone with you for the journey home after the procedure makes sense.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">When can I wear glasses or sunglasses?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">As soon as the arms do not press on the extraction sites at the sides and the back of the head. Wide, soft arms are kinder in the first days than thin metal ones, and you should put the glasses on slowly, without dragging them over the recipient area.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">Why is my scalp still red weeks after a hair transplant?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">That is usually erythema, a persistent redness of the healing skin. It can last for weeks and usually fades slowly, often staying visible longer on fair skin. According to StatPearls and DermNet, UV exposure intensifies and prolongs such discolouration, which is why sun protection is standard at this stage.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:12px\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">Why does my donor area at the back of my head look thinned out?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">Because the extraction sites stand out at first and some of the hairs there go temporarily into the resting phase. That can make the back of the head look patchy in the first months. It usually resolves as the hair grows back. If a patch stays bald and shiny, it needs to be looked at by a doctor.<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"border:1px solid #e3e8ef;border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:0\"><p style=\"color:#013366;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 6px\">Can I drink coffee after a hair transplant?<\/p><p style=\"color:#2e3033;margin:0;line-height:1.6\">Go easy in the first days, because caffeine can raise blood pressure and blood pressure spikes are unwelcome at this stage. After that coffee is unproblematic. The same applies to energy drinks, which often come with a lot of sugar on top, and with alcohol if used as a mixer.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:#2e3033\">\n<ul style=\"padding-left:20px;margin:0\">\n<li>Bernstein RM, Rassman WR (2006): Graft anchoring in hair transplantation. Dermatologic Surgery 32(2):198-204, PMID 16442039. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16442039\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<li>S\u00f8rensen LT (2012): Wound healing and infection in surgery. The clinical impact of smoking and smoking cessation. Archives of Surgery 147(4):373-83, PMID 22508785. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22508785\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Characterization and Risk Factors of Folliculitis after Hair Transplantation: A Multicenter Retrospective Study (1,317 patients), PMID 37904273. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37904273\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Complications of Hair Restoration Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis. International Journal of Trichology, 2014. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4212293\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Thomsen T et al.: Interventions for preoperative smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD002294. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochrane.org\/CD002294\/TOBACCO_can-people-be-helped-to-stop-smoking-before-they-have-surgery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cochrane.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li>NHS: Hair transplant (recovery timeline, warning signs). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/cosmetic-procedures\/hair-transplant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nhs.uk<\/a><\/li>\n<li>American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Hair Transplant Recovery. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plasticsurgery.org\/cosmetic-procedures\/hair-transplantation-and-restoration\/recovery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plasticsurgery.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li>StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf): Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation, and DermNet NZ on the same topic (UV protection during the healing phase). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK559150\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin:16px 0 0;font-size:13px;color:#5b6470\">Last reviewed 2026. This article is for general information and is no substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All timings are guide figures; the instructions of your treating clinic are what count.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How should I sleep after a hair transplant, and for how long?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"On your back, with your upper body raised by about 35 to 45 degrees and a neck or travel pillow, so that nothing touches the recipient area. Most clinics ask you to keep this position for about seven to ten days. 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