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How to Sleep After a Hair Transplant: Sleep on your back with your head elevated using a neck pillow or an extra pillow under your head. This position minimizes swelling and protects the grafts from friction.
Water & Hygiene: Avoid direct contact with water on the transplanted area for the first three days. You may take body-only showers. On day 2, your first professional hair wash is performed at the clinic under the supervision of a medical expert. This wash helps clean the scalp of dried blood and residue while preserving the newly implanted grafts.
Start gentle scalp washing on day 3 following your clinic's instructions. For step-by-step washing instructions, visit our Hair Transplant Washing Guide. Use only lukewarm water, and never apply pressure or hot water on the scalp.
The first 72 hours after your hair transplant are the most crucial. During this period:
Avoid touching or scratching your scalp
Sleep on your back with your head elevated
Do not exercise, sweat, or engage in strenuous activities
Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption
Proper rest and hygiene help ensure graft survival and minimize complications.
Discover our complete washing instructions after hair transplant
Post Operation
Undergoing a hair transplant is not only a transformative aesthetic procedure but also the beginning of a crucial healing journey. The first few weeks after your surgery play a vital role in determining how successful and natural your final results will be. Proper care enhances graft survival, accelerates hair regrowth, and minimizes the risk of complications. Many patients focus heavily on the day of the operation, but what truly determines long-term success is what happens after the procedure.
At Hairmedico, we understand that post-transplant care must be just as personalized and professional as the surgery itself. That’s why we provide clear, step-by-step instructions tailored to each patient’s scalp condition, graft number, and chosen technique (FUE, DHI, or Sapphire DHI). With nearly two decades of experience and thousands of international cases, we know that structured aftercare ensures consistent, high-quality results.
This guide will walk you through the key phases of healing, what to avoid, and how to protect your scalp through each stage. From how to sleep on the first night to how to wash your hair properly, we cover everything you need to support natural and permanent hair growth. Our global follow-up program and multilingual medical support ensure that even after you return home, you are never alone in your hair restoration journey.
Discover how Hairmedico leads in patient-centered hair transplant care
Hair transplantation is one of the most effective solutions for people looking to restore their lost hair. However, the post-transplant care process is just as critical as the surgery itself to ensure long-lasting and natural results.
At Hairmedico, we provide our patients with this detailed guide to help them follow the right steps during recovery.
How to Sleep After a Hair Transplant: Sleep on your back with your head elevated using a neck pillow or an extra pillow under your head. This position minimizes swelling and protects the grafts from friction.
Water & Hygiene: Avoid direct contact with water on the transplanted area for the first three days. You may take body-only showers. On day 2, your first professional hair wash is performed at the clinic under the supervision of a medical expert. This wash helps clean the scalp of dried blood and residue while preserving the newly implanted grafts.
Start gentle scalp washing on day 3 following your clinic's instructions. For step-by-step washing instructions, visit our Hair Transplant Washing Guide. Use only lukewarm water, and never apply pressure or hot water on the scalp.
The first 72 hours after your hair transplant are the most crucial. During this period:
Avoid touching or scratching your scalp
Sleep on your back with your head elevated
Do not exercise, sweat, or engage in strenuous activities
Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption
Proper rest and hygiene help ensure graft survival and minimize complications.
Discover our complete washing instructions after hair transplant
| Day | What to Expect | Care Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Mild swelling, sensitivity | No touching or washing, sleep on your back, avoid alcohol/smoking |
| 4–7 | Scabbing begins | Start gentle washing with clinic-provided products |
| 8–10 | Scabbing continues | Continue washing, avoid scratching or peeling |
| 11–14 | Scabs fall off naturally | Resume light daily activities, no exercise yet |
| 15–20 | Shock loss may begin | Maintain healthy diet and hydration |
| 21–25 | Visible shedding | Stay patient, this is normal recovery phase |
| 26–30 | Scalp normalizing | Avoid sun exposure and intense activities, continue aftercare routine |
This timeline helps guide patients step-by-step through their recovery process. Consistent care during the first month significantly impacts the quality and density of future hair growth.
After the initial phase, it is essential to protect your scalp and follow your treatment plan closely:
Use only the shampoo and lotion provided by the clinic
Wash your hair gently without rubbing
Avoid hot water and pressure from showerheads
Stay away from direct sunlight for 10 days
Do not swim or visit saunas, Turkish baths, or pools for at least 1 month
If you experience scabbing, allow it to fall off naturally. Never pick or scratch.
In addition to the shampoo and lotion provided by the clinic, Hairmedico also recommends selected complementary products for post-transplant hair care. One of the most trusted lines is Folliactiv, which includes specially formulated shampoos, serums, and sprays to support hair strengthening and regrowth after surgery.
You can explore Folliactiv hair restoration products here to enhance your post-transplant routine under professional guidance.
Your diet also plays a role. Drink at least 2–3 liters of water per day and eat foods rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins.
To support the hair growth cycle from within, Hairmedico recommends the use of Folliactiv Hair Multi-Vitamin supplements, which are specifically formulated to provide essential nutrients for scalp health and follicle strength. In addition, Saw Palmetto, a natural DHT blocker, can help reduce hair loss and support thicker regrowth, particularly in patients with androgenetic alopecia.
You can find more about these products in the Folliactiv product range here.
Avoid any other supplements unless approved by your doctor.
Support your recovery with PRP treatment
Hairmedico offers one of the most comprehensive follow-up systems in the world. In addition to our Istanbul headquarters, we operate with partner clinics across the United States and Europe, including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Paris, Lyon, Luxembourg, Brussels, Berlin, and Barcelona.
Through this global network:
You can attend follow-up appointments in your country
Receive local PRP, mesotherapy, and other medical aesthetic support
Benefit from a fully integrated remote follow-up system including WhatsApp and video consultations
Learn more about Hairmedico’s international patient services
Begin your hair transplant journey with Hairmedico
1. When can I start washing my hair after a hair transplant?
You can begin washing your hair gently on the third day using only the products provided by your clinic.
2. Can I sleep on my side after a hair transplant?
It’s recommended to sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first 5–7 days to avoid disturbing the grafts.
3. Is it normal to experience swelling or redness?
Yes, mild swelling and redness are common and typically subside within a few days.
4. When can I resume exercise or gym workouts?
You should wait at least 10 days before light activity and one month for intense workouts.
5. Do I need to take medication after the procedure?
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, pain relievers, or anti-inflammatory medication. Always follow your post-op instructions.
6. Will my transplanted hair fall out?
Yes, temporary shedding (shock loss) is expected after 2–4 weeks. New hair growth begins after 3 months.
7. Can I color or dye my hair after a transplant?
Hair coloring should be avoided for at least 6 weeks, and only with your doctor’s approval afterward.
8. When will I see the final results of my transplant?
Most patients see noticeable growth by month 6 and final results by month 12.
9. Is PRP therapy necessary after a hair transplant?
While not mandatory, PRP can support healing and boost hair growth, especially in the early months.
10. What if I have concerns after returning home?
11. Can I have sex after a hair transplant?
It is recommended to avoid sexual activity for the first 7–10 days after a hair transplant. Physical exertion, sweating, and changes in blood pressure during sex can negatively impact graft stability and healing in the early recovery phase. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.Hairmedico provides continuous remote support through WhatsApp, email, and video follow-ups as part of our international aftercare system.
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