8 Post-Transplant Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Results
Hair transplantation, sometimes called hair restoration, hair implantation, follicle grafting surgery, etc., offers a success rate of up to 97-98% when performed and cared for correctly. Thanks to automated FUE methods and modern hair harvesting blades -which have developed rapidly since the 2020s- it has become easier to maximise efficiency while limiting damage. However, there are some post-transplant mistakes that can undo all the hard work. Mistakes, negligence and some critical points that are forgotten during the healing process… We have compiled 8 post-transplant mistakes for you!
Outline
Mistake 1: Neglecting scalp hygiene
Mistake 2: Getting too much sun exposure.
Mistake 3: Not Following Proper Aftercare Instructions
Mistake 4: Wearing tight hats that put pressure on your scalp.
Mistake 5: Smoking & drinking alcohol too soon.
Mistake 6: Using harsh hair products
Mistake 7: Washing your hair the wrong way
Mistake 8: Touching, scratching or picking at the transplanted area before the grafts are anchored.
Post-Hair Transplant: Risky Actions by Days
| Days | Risky Behaviors | Why It’s Risky | Recommended Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 0-2 | – Avoid washing or washing too harshly | Grafts are extremely fragile and not secured | Do not wash; use very gentle cleansing if instructed |
| – Touching or scratching the scalp | Grafts can be damaged; infection risk increases | Minimize contact with scalp; wash hands thoroughly | |
| – Wearing tight or unclean hats | Pressure can harm grafts; bacteria cause infection | Use loose, clean headwear or avoid hats altogether | |
| Days 3-7 | – Washing more than once a day or scrubbing vigorously | Grafts are still delicate and settling in | Wash once daily with a gentle touch; avoid rubbing |
| – Persistent scratching or picking at scalp | High chance of graft damage | Use prescribed remedies to ease itching; don’t scratch | |
| – Smoking and drinking alcohol | Reduces blood flow; slows healing | Avoid at least for the first week | |
| Days 8-14 | – Heavy exercise and excessive sweating | Sweat and friction increase infection risk | Engage in light activity; clean scalp gently after sweat |
| – Wearing tight hats or headgear | Pressure can dislodge grafts | Opt for loose headwear | |
| – Using harsh shampoos or chemical products | Can irritate and cause allergic reactions | Stick to doctor-recommended products | |
| Day 15 and onwards | – Neglecting proper hygiene or deviating from care routine | Generally low risk but still important | Return gradually to normal hair care routines |
Can Poor Scalp Hygiene Affect Hair Transplant Results?
At the top of our 8 post-transplant mistakes list is poor hygiene.
Maintaining hygiene can be difficult after a hair transplant, especially during the first 10 days due to wounds. If dirt and dust penetrate these areas, there is a risk of infection from germs and fungi. Here are the common examples of poor hygiene after surgery:
- Not washing the scalp properly. Between the 3rd and 7th day after a hair transplant, you should wash your hair gently once a day using a suitable shampoo. After one week, you can wash it every other day.
- Touching the scalp with dirty hands. Oil and dirt residues on your hands can clog your pores.
- Using contaminated towels, pillowcases or wearing dirty headgear. They can especially slow down the healing of your donor area. Moreover, when combined with sweat, dirt can penetrate your skin and cause infections.
- Skipping prescribed antiseptic care.
Mistake 2: Photothermal Effects of Sunlight on Post-Transplant Scalp
One of the most common post-transplant mistakes that patients often overlook is sun exposure. Before the epidermal barrier fully heals, your skin is vulnerable to UV rays. UVB rays (290–320 nm) in particular cause denaturation of cellular proteins, which makes it difficult for the grafts to adhere to the scalp. Sun exposure can also worsen erythema and oedema and increase the risk of graft necrosis.
Most Patients Ignore Post-Transplant Aftercare Instructions
One of the biggest mistakes that can be made after a hair transplant is to ignore the aftercare instructions. Proper scalp care is essential because the transplanted grafts are fragile and the epidermal barrier has not fully healed yet. Failing to follow the guidelines increases the risk of infection, dislodgement of the grafts, and inflammation. Failing to wash the scalp gently or to apply prescribed antiseptics can result in folliculitis, fungal infection and graft damage. To avoid fungal infection, it is beneficial to get a post-transplant hair care set. You can get Perseus’ six-month post-transplant hair care set while it is on sale, if you wish! Please remember, you need to gently but frequently cleanse the transplanted hairs after the procedure. Sweat, dust, sun exposure and shampoos with a pH level higher than 5.5 can cause dermal irritation.
Hats can put pressure on the grafts
Avoiding pressure, friction, etc. on the grafts is also important. For the first month of healing, wear only loose-fitting headgear. Tight hats, helmets, or headbands can press on the new follicles and knock them loose. For example, top clinics advise wearing a loose hat and using sunscreen if you go outside, and also suggest waiting 10 days before wearing a hat.
Don’t use such hats, helmets, or hair accessories:
- Motorcycle or sports helmets
- Tight-fitting caps
- Wool hats
- Dirty hats
- Hats with tight elastic bands
- Tight headbands
- Hair clips or pins
How Smoking and Drinking Can Sabotage Your Hair Transplant Recovery?
Smoking and alcohol sabotage bone healing after surgeries and also delay overall recovery, as detailed in this medical study. Both nicotine and alcohol cause narrowing of blood vessels, which leads to reduced blood flow to the scalp. This results in poor hair regrowth and delays wound healing.
Some hair care products may mess up your hair growth!
Using the wrong shampoo, conditioner, hair oil or styling tools too soon can harm your new hair. Shampoos and conditioners with sulfates, alcohol, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or silicone can irritate your scalp and weaken the newly placed grafts.
Heat from blow dryers, straighteners or curling irons can also damage follicles that haven’t fully settled yet.
Instead, use a gentle, pH-balanced, sulfate-free shampoo that has been approved by your clinic. Avoid all heat styling for at least four weeks. Being gentle with your hair and scalp during this time will help your new grafts to grow stronger and healthier without any complications.
You can take a look at our “best shampoo after hair restoration” article for things to consider in shampoo preferences after hair transplantation.
Post-transplant mistake 7: Scrubbing or tugging the hair during washing
Maybe one of the most common post-transplant mistakes is washing hair too roughly. Patients often call clinics’ post-op teams when they rub the area, use daily shampoos, or rinse with high-pressure water. They may not understand it in the first place, but those actions can loosen grafts or lead to high sensitivity on the skin. On top of these, harsh scrubbing or tugging can also lead to scabbing or even graft failure.
To avoid damaging hair, it’s essential to follow a gentle, step-by-step washing routine recommended by specialists. We’ve explained exactly how to do it safely in our care guide.
👉 Read: Post Hair Transplant Timeline
Many patients accidentally rip out their grafts!
Touching, scratching, or picking at the transplanted area before the grafts are anchored is a big no-no.The new follicles haven’t fully settled into your scalp yet; so, whatever you do, don’t touch at the area before the grafts are anchored. Because they’re super fragile, they need time to attach. If you mess with the area, you risk pulling out the grafts. You might even leave scars. Let the scalp do its thing, heal naturally, and give those grafts time to take root.
Receive offers, product alerts, styling inspiration and more. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
- info@perseusstyle.com
Media
