Exercise and Hair Transplant: How Long Should You Wait to Work Out?

• July 8, 2025
• Dr Tony Prochazka

Last updated on July 8, 2025

For many individuals, staying active is a big part of everyday life. Whether it’s gym sessions, morning jogs, or weekend footy, regular exercise contributes to physical and mental wellbeing. So it’s natural to ask: How long after a hair transplant can I exercise?

The answer depends on your healing process and the intensity of your workout routine. Exercising too soon after your procedure can lead to complications—while waiting too long may feel frustrating.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about working out after a hair transplant, including safe timelines, what to avoid, and how Crown Clinic helps you return to movement without compromising your results.

Why You Need to Be Careful with Exercise After a Hair Transplant

Hair transplant surgery, no matter how minimally invasive, is still a medical procedure. During your operation, hundreds or even thousands of tiny incisions are made in the scalp to transplant grafts from the donor area to areas affected by hair loss. In the early stages of healing, these grafts are not yet fully anchored, and the scalp is still tender.

• Strenuous physical activity increases your body temperature, heart rate, and blood flow. This can cause:
• Sweating, which may increase the risk of infection
• Swelling in the scalp
• Dislodgement of grafts due to pressure or rubbing
• Poor healing outcomes and visible scarring
• Reduced graft survival due to excess moisture or friction

For this reason, Crown Clinic recommends a phased return to activity, which we tailor to the type of procedure you’ve undergone and how your body responds post-surgery.

You should wait for at least 10 -14 days before resuming low-intensity exercise.

How Long After a Hair Transplant Can I Exercise?

Days 0–3: Total Rest

The first 72 hours post-surgery are critical. Your scalp will be tender, and scabbing will begin to form. You should avoid any physical activity during this period—including bending over, lifting heavy items, or long walks. Prioritise rest, hydration, and follow all aftercare instructions provided by your Crown Clinic surgeon.

Days 4–10: Light Movement Only

After a few days, gentle walking is acceptable, but avoid anything that raises your body temperature too much. This includes:

• Jogging
• Sauna or steam rooms
• Hot yoga
• Cycling or swimming
• Wearing tight hats or helmets

At this stage, your newly implanted grafts are beginning to set, but they are still fragile.

Day 10–14: Resume Low-Intensity Exercise

By this time, scabs have typically fallen off and redness has reduced. You can begin light cardio workouts such as:

• Treadmill walking
• Stationary bike
• Low-impact elliptical

Still avoid anything that could cause excessive sweating, rubbing, or head pressure.

Week 3–4: Gradual Gym Return

You can begin strength training (without direct pressure on the scalp) and moderate cardio. Take care with:

• Chest/shoulder exercises that involve lying on a bench
• Weight machines that require contact with the back of your head
• Overhead lifting that causes straining

After 4 Weeks: Resume Heavy Exercise After Hair Transplant

At this point, most patients can safely return to their full workout routine, including:

• Running
• Weightlifting
• HIIT
• Martial arts or contact sports

However, individual healing varies and it may be possible to resume some activities sooner. It is best to speak with our team about your post op exercise plan.

Recovery for FUE is generally quick, with patients able to return to light activity within 10 to 14 days. Speak with our team about your exercise timeline post op.

Tips for Returning to the Gym After a Hair Transplant

• Shower promptly after sweating using a gentle, clinic-approved shampoo. This helps reduce the risk of infection and keeps your scalp clean as it heals. Pat your scalp dry gently—never rub.
• Always use a clean, soft towel and avoid any aggressive rubbing or friction on your scalp. Let your scalp air-dry when possible, especially during the first few weeks post-op.
• Avoid headwear for the first couple of weeks, unless your surgeon advises otherwise. Tight hats, helmets, or sweatbands can place pressure on the grafts and interfere with healing.
• Stay well-hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet to support your body’s healing process. Prioritise foods high in protein, vitamins C and E, and iron to promote faster recovery and healthy hair growth.
• Start slow and build up exercise intensity gradually. Begin with light activities like walking or stretching after the initial recovery period. Avoid weight training or high-impact workouts until given the all-clear.

Book a Free Hair Consultation

Thinking of undergoing a hair transplant?

At Crown Clinic, we bring over 50 years of experience in hair restoration and offer a truly personalised, doctor-led approach to treatment. Whether you’re exploring FUE hair transplantation or non-surgical options, our expert team will take the time to understand your medical history, hair loss concerns, and goals—so we can recommend a solution that works for you.

Call us on +61 2 9134 4788 or book a free consultation here.

FAQs

How long after a hair transplant can I exercise?

It’s best to avoid all forms of exercise for the first 7 days after your procedure. Light walking can be resumed after 10–14 days, but anything that causes sweating or strain should be delayed. Intense workouts should only be resumed after 4 weeks, once grafts have fully settled.

Can I go to the gym after a hair transplant?

You should wait at least 10 days before returning to the gym. Start with light, non-sweaty routines and avoid exercises that involve bending or head contact. Gradually ease back into your regular routine after receiving clearance from our team.

Is heavy exercise after a hair transplant safe?

Heavy workouts, such as weightlifting or HIIT, should be avoided for at least 4 weeks post-surgery. Doing so too early can cause grafts to dislodge and delay the healing process. Always prioritise healing before resuming strenuous activity.

What happens if I sweat after a hair transplant?

Sweating too soon after surgery can increase the risk of infection and interfere with graft retention. It can also cause irritation or premature scab removal. For best results, try to keep your scalp cool and dry for the first two weeks.

When can I wear a hat to the gym after a hair transplant?

You can usually start wearing a loose, breathable hat after 3 to 4 weeks. Avoid tight or rough fabrics that could rub against the grafts. Always follow our advice before wearing any headgear post-procedure.