Use of Hot Styling Tools after Hair Transplant Surgery
Surgical hair loss treatment can lower the hairline to restore a more youthful, attractive appearance for patients. As with any surgery, following the doctor’s post-surgical instruction are key to achieving good results.
At the Chicago Hair Institute, Drs. Raymond Konior and Sahar Nadimi help patients protect their new investment by providing aftercare tips. Avoiding or cutting back on the use of hot styling tools after hair transplant surgery is recommended until patients have completely healed.
When Can I Use Hot Styling Tools after Surgery?
Your scalp will be sensitive after hair transplant surgery, so you should avoid any grooming that will cause discomfort or run the risk of damaging your newly transplanted hair follicles. For this reason, you should wait at least one week before using any type of styling product on the hair, including hot styling tools.
To improve your comfort, it is recommended that you avoid using hot styling tools for four weeks to six months after surgery. By this time, all incisions in the scalp should be fully closed over and healed.
Check with your doctor before using hot styling products, and start on the coolest setting when you do style your hair again.
Why Are Hot Styling Tools Dangerous to My Hair?
Although it is safe to use hot styling tools several weeks after hair transplant surgery, it is important to remember that these tools can damage your hair.
Many hair styling devices use high temperatures to control, straighten, or manage the hair. Some devices can reach temperatures as high as 400-degrees. At these temperatures, prolonged exposure can deplete strands of nutrients, proteins, natural oils, and moisture. As a result, hair can become brittle, weak, and prone to breakage. Even at temperatures below 400 degrees, permanent damage can be done to once-healthy hair.
The following devices can damage the hair:
- Curling irons
- Hair steamers
- Styling wands
- Flocked rollers
- Blow dryers
- Flat irons
Tips for Protecting Your New Hair Transplants
After undergoing hair transplant surgery at our Chicago clinic, protecting your new investment requires more than avoiding hot styling tools during the healing period. The health of the hair reflects our overall health. Eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and avoiding tobacco products can make your hair shinier and thicker.
Excessive sun exposure can damage your hair for many of the same reasons that hot styling products do. If you are going to be outdoors for prolonged periods of time, consider wearing a hat or scarf to cut down on direct sun exposure. Finally, avoid tight hairstyles that put excessive pressure on your roots.
If you find yourself having a hard time parting with hot styling tools, try these tips.
- Use hot styling tools that give real-time temperature readings
- Consider dialing down from hot to medium or from medium to low
- Do not rush drying your hair
- Use hot styling tools sparingly
- Try air drying
- Use heat protectants if you do use a hot styling tool
- Use conditioners and hair treatments to restore your hair
- Avoid overly hot showers
- Do not use hot styling tools on wet hair
- Learn what temperatures are appropriate for your hair type (curly, thick, wavy)
- Avoid cheap hot styling tools
Contact Our Office Today
To schedule your hair transplant surgery consultation, contact our office online or call us in Chicago at (630) 932-9690.