Use of Styling Products After Hair Transplant Surgery
One of the major concerns after hair restoration surgery is keeping the new hair grafts undisturbed so that they can heal properly. It is important to avoid washing your hair for at least the first 24 hours. Once that time has passed, Chicago Hair Institute patients must continue to protect the transplanted follicles, though keeping the scalp clean and free from irritants is also important.
Knowing what to do after surgical hair loss treatment can be confusing, but Dr. Raymond Konior and Dr. Sahar Nadimi are here to help. The team at our Chicago, IL hair restoration center would like to consider what styling products and styling concerns patients should keep in mind after they’ve undergone a hair transplant.
Shampoo
In the first days after hair transplant surgery, patients can use baby shampoo to wash their hair using the cup method. This reduces the risk of harming the new follicles while keeping the scalp clean.
Once the first week or so has passed, patients can resume shampooing their hair normally, though taking care not to tug or pull at their hair. Patients should avoid shampoos with strong or harsh ingredients until they have fully healed from surgery.
Conditioner
Conditioners should not be used until they are approved for use by your surgeon. There are numerous kinds of conditioners to consider. Some conditioners are meant to be washed in and then rinsed away, others will stay on the hair for several minutes before being rinsed to enhance the hair and the hair follicles, and yet others are intended to be left in to help with hair styling.
As with shampoo, start with mild conditioners at first, and try to avoid conditioners that have any harsh chemicals. You will likely want to wait until full hair growth has occurred before you use any of the deep protein conditioners or leave-in conditioners.
Blow Dryers
Blow drying your hair too soon after hair transplant surgery can lead to serious scalp damage and negative effects on the healing hair particles. This is why patients should first allow their hair to air dry, and then carefully pat their hair dry with a towel after they’ve healed sufficiently.
Styling Gel, Mousse, and Hairspray
Gel, mousse, and hairspray can be used roughly two weeks after hair transplant surgery. However, it may be a good idea to wait a bit longer depending on your surgeon’s advice. When using these typing products, try to find gels, hairsprays, and mousses that contain natural and gentle ingredients. Hair products with harsh chemicals should be avoided to protect the hair follicles and the new hair strands that grow in.
Dyeing and Bleaching Your Hair
Given the harsh chemicals in hair dyes, patients should avoid changing their hair color until at least three weeks after their surgery. Bleaching the hair should similarly be avoided until your surgeon permits it. This is to protect the newly transplanted hair follicles, the scalp, and the hair that is growing in.
Learn More About Life After Hair Restoration
For more information about proper aftercare following hair transplant surgery, be sure to contact an experienced hair restoration specialist. The team at Chicago Hair Institute is here to help. You can reach us by phone at (630) 932-9690.
