What Not to Do After a Hair Transplant: A Post-Surgery Survival Guide

• August 6, 2025
• Dr Tony Prochazka

Last updated on August 6, 2025

Undergoing a hair transplant is an exciting step toward restoring your confidence. But to make sure your results look as natural and long-lasting as possible, what you do after the procedure is just as important as the surgery itself.

At Crown Clinic, we guide every patient through personalised hair transplant aftercare to help them avoid common pitfalls. In this article, we break down the most important things to avoid after hair transplant surgery, no matter the technique used.

Why Aftercare Matters So Much

Hair transplants—whether done through FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), Sapphire Hair Transplant or CPI Hair Transplant —involve delicately relocating individual hair follicles from a donor zone (usually the back or sides of the scalp) to areas experiencing thinning or baldness. While the procedure itself is highly advanced and minimally invasive, the real magic happens in the weeks that follow.

Once implanted, those tiny grafts need time, protection, and the right environment to “take root” and establish a stable blood supply. This is when they’re at their most vulnerable. Even small missteps—like scratching your scalp, sweating too much, or using the wrong shampoo—can interfere with their survival.

Ignoring post-op care can result in dislodged grafts, infections, delayed healing, or patchy regrowth. But when aftercare is done right, you’re not just protecting your results—you’re actively enhancing them. Think of it as the essential final step in your transplant journey, where the foundation is laid for thicker, healthier, and longer-lasting hair.

There are a few things you should not do after a hair transplant to prevent dislodged grafts, infections, delayed healing or patchy regrowth.

What NOT to Do After a Hair Transplant

Don’t Touch, Pick or Scratch the Scalp

This is one of the hardest habits to break but also one of the most important. The newly implanted grafts are fragile. Picking at scabs or scratching your scalp can dislodge grafts before they’ve had a chance to anchor, increasing the risk of infection and scarring.

Avoid Exercise (Especially Heavy Workouts)

One of the top questions we get is, “How soon can I work out after a hair transplant?” In general, avoid all forms of exercise for the first 7–10 days. Sweat can irritate healing incisions and increase your risk of infection.

High-impact activity (including weightlifting and running) should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks. This is especially important for patients recovering from FUE and Sapphire FUE, where minimal trauma to the donor and recipient areas is key.

Don’t Sleep Flat on Your Back

In the first 3-4 days post-surgery, sleep with your head elevated (around 45 degrees). This reduces swelling and helps avoid pressure on the recipient area. Lying flat can increase fluid retention around your eyes and forehead.

Don’t Wear Tight Hats or Helmets

Headwear can rub against the newly transplanted area and dislodge grafts. Avoid hats, helmets, or anything that places pressure on your scalp until the scabs have cleared.

Avoid Washing Your Hair Too Soon

Washing your hair too early can dislodge grafts and cause complications. We provide you with detailed instructions for post op care. Typically, a gentle rinsing starts on day 3 after the procedure, and full shampooing allowed on day 12.

Say No to Alcohol and Smoking

Both alcohol and smoking restrict blood flow and slow down the healing process. We recommend avoiding alcohol for at least one week, and refraining from smoking for as long as possible—ideally two weeks or more—to promote optimal healing.

Avoid Sun Exposure

UV rays can damage healing skin and affect pigment in both donor and recipient areas. Limit sun exposure for at least a month and wear a loose-fitting hat (once allowed) or stay shaded when outdoors.

Don’t Dye or Chemically Treat Your Hair

It may be tempting to colour or treat your hair after surgery, but chemical processes can irritate your scalp and interfere with healing. Wait at least 4–6 weeks before considering any hair dye, perm, or relaxer.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Hydration is your friend: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your body flush out toxins and keep your skin and scalp hydrated. Proper hydration plays a key role in tissue repair and overall recovery.

Stick to a nutrient-rich diet: Fuel your body with foods high in protein, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and biotin. These nutrients are crucial for supporting hair follicle health, speeding up tissue healing, and encouraging stronger, healthier hair regrowth.

Follow the post-op care & instructions: We monitor your progress during the healing phase, to ensure the grafts are healing as expected, and address any early signs of issues. Skipping follow-ups may delay important interventions.

Communicate concerns early: Don’t wait if you notice unusual swelling, prolonged redness, pain, or anything that feels off. The Crown Clinic team is here to help—reaching out early can prevent minor issues from becoming major complications.

Take it slow: Even if you’re feeling fine, remember that your scalp is still healing. Give yourself permission to rest, avoid unnecessary stress, and follow all your aftercare instructions diligently.

Book a Free Hair Consultation

Worried about hair loss or noticing changes in your hair that concern you?

At Crown Clinic, we bring over 50 years of experience in hair restoration and offer a truly personalised 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

What can I not do after a hair transplant?

Avoid touching the scalp, sweating excessively, wearing tight headwear, and exposing your scalp to the sun. You should also skip alcohol, smoking, and heavy exercise for the first few weeks.

What are the rules after a hair transplant?

Sleep with your head elevated, use gentle shampoo, stay hydrated, avoid stress, and follow the timeline for when to resume normal activities like working out, washing your hair, or wearing hats.

How soon can I exercise after a hair transplant?

Light walking is okay after 7–10 days, but avoid high-intensity exercise for 2-3 weeks. Sweating too early can irritate grafts and affect results.

Can I use hair products after a hair transplant?

Avoid gels, sprays, or styling creams for at least 2–3 weeks. After that, use only products we recommend.

What happens if I don’t follow aftercare instructions?

You risk dislodging grafts, delaying healing, increasing infection risk, and potentially compromising your final result. Proper care is essential for long-term success.