After Your Hair Transplant — The First 14 Days
The first two weeks after a hair transplant are the most critical for graft survival. Following these instructions precisely directly affects your final result.
Day-by-Day Recovery Guide
D0
Day of surgery
Leave the clinic with your scalp protected. VIP transfer to hotel. Sleep with head slightly elevated. Do not touch, rub or wet the scalp. Mild swelling may develop on the forehead — this is normal and resolves within 3–5 days.
D1
First post-op wash
Hairmedico provides LOREW Paris aftercare kit. First gentle wash using the spray technique — no direct water pressure on grafts. Dr. Arslan's team demonstrates the washing technique before you leave Istanbul.
D2–5
Gentle washing daily
Continue gentle daily washes. Small crusts forming at graft sites is normal. Do not pick or scratch. Sleep on clean pillowcases. No direct sunlight on the scalp — wear a loose cap outdoors.
D7–10
Crusts begin to separate
With continued gentle washing, the crusts will start to loosen and fall off naturally. Do not force this process. By day 10–14, most patients are presentable in a casual setting.
D14
Resume normal washing
Standard shampoo and normal water pressure can be resumed. You can return to most physical activities (no contact sports until week 4). See the shampoo guide →
Wk 3–4
Shock loss — normal
Transplanted hairs shed. This is expected and normal — called "shock loss". The follicles remain intact below the skin surface. New growth begins from month 3 onwards.
Shock loss: Almost every patient experiences shedding of transplanted hairs 2–6 weeks after surgery. This is not failure — the follicle root is intact and will produce new permanent hair from month 3. Many patients also experience temporary shedding of native hair near the transplanted zone, which similarly recovers. See the full recovery timeline →
What to Avoid After Surgery
- Weeks 1–2: No swimming, saunas, steam rooms, intense exercise or direct sun on the scalp
- Weeks 2–4: No contact sports, no motorcycle helmets that press on the scalp, no scratching
- Month 1–3: Resume minoxidil if prescribed (confirm timing with Dr. Arslan)
- Ongoing: Use SPF on the scalp when outdoors during the first 3 months of growth
