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7 Days After Hair Transplant - What to Expect? and Precautions

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Priyanka Sharma
Written by Hexahealth Care Team, last updated on 26 September 2023| min read
7 Days After Hair Transplant - What to Expect? and Precautions

Quick Summary

Here are 3 things you should know about the 7-10 days after a hair transplant:

  • Most of the healing and regrowth process occurs during this time.
  • It is important to take good care of the hair follicles to ensure that your transplanted hair grows healthy.
  • You should expect some swelling, redness, and scabbing.

Did you know most of your hair transplant's healing and regrowth process occurs 7-10 days after the procedure? It's true – with just 7 to 10 days, you can begin to see excellent results after your hair transplant. Hence, 7-10 days after a hair transplant is critical for the success of your new hair follicles. Thus, taking good care of the hair follicles is crucial to ensure that your transplanted hair grows healthy!

So, what should you expect 7-10 days after getting a hair transplant? This blog post will discuss the 7-10 days after the hair transplant and what you should do to ensure optimal results.

Recovery Stages after a Hair Transplant

When it comes to hair transplant, the focus is often on the "after" rather than the "during." But understanding the hair growth stages post-hair transplant can help give you a better idea of what to expect during your journey.

  1. Shedding Phase: The first stage of hair growth post-transplant is the shedding phase. This usually begins around two weeks after your surgery and lasts up to six weeks. You may notice that your transplanted hairs are falling out during this time. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about—it's a good sign! The shedding phase means that your new hairs are starting to grow.
  2. Latent Phase: This usually lasts for around three months post-surgery. During this time, your new hairs will start to grow, but they'll be fine and downy at first. You probably won't be able to see them very well (or at all).
  3. Anagen Phase: In this phase, your new hairs start to fill in and thicken. Depending on how many grafts were used in your transplant, this could take six months to one year. 
  4. Catagen phase: This phase typically lasts for 2 to 3 weeks and is characterised by the regression of the hair follicle into the dermal papilla. During this time, the cells at the follicle's base undergo apoptosis or programmed cell death.
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What Happens 7 Days After Hair Transplant?

  1. 7 days after a hair transplant, the transplanted hairs will start to shed. This is a normal process as the follicles adjust to their new environment on the scalp.
  2. Scalp swelling may occur seven days post-procedure and can last up to several weeks. Some swelling may be visible around the ears or forehead and is a normal part of the healing process.
  3. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions for care carefully. This includes avoiding activities that could cause excessive sweating or irritation, such as vigorous exercise.
  4. You may experience some redness and itching on the scalp. It is important not to scratch or pick at the area as this can cause damage.
  5. It will help if you avoid alcohol and smoking, as these activities can impair healing.
  6. Your doctor may recommend taking antibiotics to help heal and reduce the risk of Hair Transplant Infection.
  7. You may notice some bruising around the donor site. This is normal and should resolve within a few weeks.
  8. Your doctor may recommend taking anti-inflammatory or other pain medications to help manage discomfort.

What Happens 10 Days After Hair Transplant?

You'll notice changes at least ten days after your hair transplant. Here's what you can expect:

  1. The area where the transplanted hair was taken will have scabbed over and look like it's healing correctly.
  2. Your scalp may be tender or uncomfortable as the healing process continues.
  3. The transplanted hair will also appear thicker and fuller as the 7-10 day mark approaches.
  4. You may experience redness, swelling, and bruising around the treated area. This is normal and should pass in a few days.
  5. You may feel itchy or irritated as your scalp adjusts to the new hair.
  6. If you experience pain or discomfort after 7-10 days, you must contact your doctor to discuss further treatment options.

Things to Do during 7-10 Days After Hair Transplant

Patients can achieve a successful recovery and hair growth by carefully following the below-mentioned steps and taking all necessary precautions during 7-10 days post-hair transplant should be carried as this is a crucial period for proper Hair Transplant Recovery. During this period, the patient should follow these steps to ensure successful hair growth:

  1. Rest and relax: During the 7-10 days following your hair transplant procedure, getting plenty of rest is essential to allow your hair follicles to settle in properly and start growing. 
  2. Keep the area clean: It is essential to keep the area surgical site clean and dry during 7-10 days after your hair transplant. You can do this by taking short showers and avoiding soaking in hot tubs or swimming pools. Also, refrain from applying cosmetics to the scalp, which can irritate the area.
  3. Follow medication instructions: Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics and other medications to help the area heal. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor carefully to promote proper healing.
  4. Avoid sun exposure: Sun exposure can be detrimental 7-10 days after a hair transplant, so it is essential to stay out of direct sunlight. If you must be outdoors, be sure to wear a hat or use sunscreen for added protection.
  5. Eat healthy: Eating nutritious foods 7-10 days after your hair transplant can help promote healing and ensure that the hair follicles settle properly. Incorporating leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and other healthy foods into your diet can help promote optimal health.
  6. Regular follow-up with the doctor: It is essential to keep up with regular follow-up visits and any additional instructions they may suggest.

Things to Avoid during 7-10 Days After Hair Transplant

The 7-10 days following your hair transplant are essential for ensuring that the hair follicles settle in properly and start to grow. During this period, you should focus on taking good care of yourself so that the area can heal properly. Here are some tips to avoid during 7-10 days after hair transplantation.

  1. It is essential to avoid any strenuous activities 7-10 days after your hair transplant. This includes heavy lifting, running, or any other high-impact physical activity.
  2. You should also avoid swimming 7-10 days post-hair transplant. It is best to allow your scalp time to heal before you take a dip in the pool or ocean.
  3. 7-10 days post hair transplant, you should avoid using heat styling tools on your hair, as they may damage new follicles and prevent proper healing.
  4. After ten days, avoiding direct sunlight on the scalp is essential, as this can interfere with the healing process. Wear a hat or cap outdoors and ensure your scalp is shielded from the sun.
  5. 7-10 days after a hair transplant, it is essential to avoid alcohol as it can interfere with the healing process.

How to Wash Hair During 7-10 Days After Hair Transplant?

7-10 days after a hair transplant, it's essential to take extra care of your scalp and new hair follicles. Here are some tips for washing hair during 7-10 days after a hair transplant:

  1. You can begin washing your hair carefully seven days after the procedure, but not sooner.
  2. Use a baby shampoo or one specifically formulated for sensitive scalps, and avoid using too much pressure on the area.
  3. Pat the scalp gently with a towel after washing, and avoid rubbing it vigorously.
  4. Avoid using conditioner on your hair 7-10 days after the hair transplant, as this can disrupt the healing process.
  5. If you are wearing a dressing, like a bandage or gauze, over the transplanted area, keep it dry when showering or use a shower cap.
  6. Apply a cold compress or ice pack for 10 minutes after your shower and before sleep. This will reduce swelling in the area of the hair transplant.
  7. Follow all post-surgery instructions carefully and contact your doctor if you experience any abnormal signs such as redness, inflammation, or bleeding.

Takeaway

After a hair transplant, taking care of your scalp and new hair follicles is essential. For the first 7-10 days after the hair transplant, you should avoid washing your hair too often, exposing your scalp to sunlight, and using harsh chemicals or treatments on your hair. After the initial period, you can start slowly incorporating these into your routine. However, consult your doctor regularly and take good care of yourself during the recovery time to ensure optimal results.

Whether you’re looking for advice on haircare post a transplant or hunting for an experienced Trichologist, HexaHealth is your one-stop destination to find all medical requirements under one roof. Contact a HexaHealth expert TODAY

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, your grafts should be secure 7 days after hair transplant, as it typically takes 5-10 days for them to be secured. However, it is typically recommended that patients wait at least two weeks before participating in strenuous activities.

After the transplant, protecting your head from the sun is essential. You should avoid direct sunlight for at least 7 days after the transplant.

FUE grafts are typically secure after 10 days. This is because the donor hair follicles are transplanted into the recipient area with great precision and care. The transplanted hair follicles then begin to grow new hair in the recipient area, which helps to anchor them in place.

After a hair transplant, you must wait ten days before touching or shampooing your hair. After 10 days, you can gently touch and shampoo your hair. Be sure to touch and not pull on the grafts gently. This allows the transplanted follicles to settle into their new location.

After 10 days, a hair transplant should look natural and undetectable. The grafts will be well-anchored in the scalp, and the incisions will have healed. The transplanted hairs will have shed, and new growth will be visible.

  1. Expectations: Some people may expect significant hair growth or a reduction in hair loss 10 days after a hair transplant.
  2. Reality: It is normal to see some swelling and scabbing on the scalp 10 days after a hair transplant. The transplanted hair may also be shed during this time, a normal part of the growth cycle. It may take months for the transplanted hair to grow fully, and patience is vital during this process. It is also essential to follow the post-surgery instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure proper healing.
10 days after a hair transplant, it is normal to see some swelling and scabbing. The transplanted hair will also start to shed, a normal part of the growth cycle. It is crucial to follow the post-surgery instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure proper healing.
Scabs can form on the scalp after a hair transplant as part of the normal healing process. They may appear about a week after the procedure and last several days. It is crucial not to pick at the scabs, as this can cause the transplanted hair follicles to fall out.
To minimize scabbing, gently wash your scalp with a mild shampoo and apply ointments or creams as recommended by your surgeon.
To reduce swelling after a hair transplant, it's necessary to sleep with your head raised. Using a couple of pillows to prop up your head can help. You should also avoid sleeping on your transplanted area to prevent rubbing or pressure on the transplanted hair follicles.
Before washing your hair normally, you should wait until the scabs have fallen off and the transplanted area has fully healed. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on when you can resume your normal hair care routine.
Yes, hair will grow after a hair transplant. The transplanted hair will typically start to grow within a few months and will continue to grow for the rest of your life. It is important to be patient as it can take up to a year for the transplanted hair to grow fully.
It is generally safe to wear a cap after a hair transplant, but you should consult your surgeon first. Be sure to avoid wearing a too-tight cap or putting pressure on the transplanted area.
Your surgeon will advise you to hold off on wearing headgear for at least 10 days. However, after discussing it with your doctor, you can wear a loose hood or cap if you still wish to cover your head.

Most grafts are well-tolerated after two weeks, but it is still possible to damage them. Avoiding arduous activities and keeping the area clean are essential. Contact your doctor if you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge from the graft site.

Post the hair transplant, and it is important to wait until your scalp has healed before wearing a shirt. This can take anywhere from 7-14 days. You should also avoid tight-fitting shirts as they can pressure your newly transplanted hair follicles and cause them to fall out.

After a hair transplant, you must wait until the incisions have healed and the transplanted hair has had a chance to take root before combing. Depending on the individual, this can take anywhere from 10 days to two weeks. Once the transplanted hair has taken root, it can be treated like any other hair and combed as normal.

The recovery process is different for everyone, but most people see new hair growth within 3-6 months. The transplanted hair can take up to 12 months to look completely normal.

Yes, it is possible to dislodge a hair transplant. This can happen if the transplanted hair follicles must be anchored correctly in the recipient site. It can also occur if the incisions made during the surgery heal poorly. In either case, the transplanted hair may fall out and not grow back.

 

Hair may fall out with scabs, but it is more likely that hair will become trapped under the scab, which can cause the hair to break off.

You should avoid massaging scabs for at least the first week after a hair transplant. After that, you can start to massage the area to help promote healing gently.

The general thumb rule is that it is usually best to wait until the scabs fall off on their own before massaging them. This typically takes 7-10 days after the transplant. Massaging too early can disrupt healing and cause additional bleeding and swelling.

There are a bunch of ways to determine if grafts are secure. One is to look for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, and tenderness at the incision site. Another is to check for leaking fluid from the incision. Finally, you can ask your doctor or surgeon about how the grafts are healing and whether they are still in place.

There can be several reasons why a hair transplant may appear patchy. One reason may be that the follicles were not transplanted deep enough into the scalp. This can cause the new hair to fall out quickly and become patchy. Another reason may be that the follicles were damaged during the transplantation process, which can lead to patchy growth. Finally, it is also possible that the body rejects the transplanted follicles, resulting in patchy growth.

After FUE, the crusts will naturally fall off on their own within 7-10 days.

You can generally expect to see new hair growth within a few months. The transplanted hair typically falls out within a few weeks, which is normal and expected. The new hair will begin to grow back within a few months and continue to grow for the next year or so. Full results are usually seen within 12 to 18 months.

 

No, there should not be any pain after your hair transplant. You may have some tightness or soreness in the donor area where the grafts were taken from and in the recipient sites where the grafts were placed, but it is a normal condition that will subside within a few days. Some patients experience mild discomfort that can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication, but this is rare. If you experience pain after your hair transplant, contact your doctor.

Last Updated on: 26 September 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Priyanka Sharma

Dr. Priyanka Sharma

MBBS, DNB Plastic Surgery

14 Years Experience

Dr Priyanka Sharma is a well-known Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon associated with HealthPort Clinic in Delhi. She has 14 years of experience in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery and worked as an expert Plastic,...View More

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HexaHealth Care Team brings you medical content covering many important conditions, procedures falling under different medical specialities. The content published is thoroughly reviewed by our panel of qualified doctors for its accuracy and relevance.

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