Knowing when and how to wash your hair after a hair transplant is one of the most common concerns patients have after surgery. Many people worry that washing too soon could damage grafts or affect their final results.

Post transplant washing helps keep the scalp clean, supports healing, and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.

This guide explains exactly when you can wash after a hair transplant, how the process changes during the first two weeks, and what to avoid.

Washing Your Hair After a Hair Transplant

Post transplant washing helps keep the scalp clean, supports healing, and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.

This guide explains exactly when you can wash after a hair transplant, how the process changes during the first two weeks, and what to avoid.

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The First 48 Hours: Spray Only

During the first two days after surgery, the grafts are the most vulnerable. At this point, grafts are still stabilising and should not be disturbed.

What to do:
• Use the saline spray provided by our clinic
• Spray the new grafts regularly
• Allow the scalp to heal without touching

What to avoid:
• No non-sterile water
• No shampoo
• No rubbing or scratching

This is all about protecting the new grafts.

Days 3 to 4: Clean Water Only, Gently Poured

After the first 48 hours, you can begin cleansing the scalp with clean water.

How to wash:
• Use clean, lukewarm water
• Gently pour water over the scalp
• Avoid direct shower pressure

There should still be no rubbing, massage, shampoo or attempt to remove scabs.

Days 5 to 6: Water and Shampoo Using a Pour Over Method

Shampoo is usually introduced around day five.

How to shampoo after a hair transplant:
• Use a mild or clinic recommended
• Dilute the shampoo with water
• Gently pour it over the scalp
• Rinse using the same pour over method

Do not touch the grafts yet when washing.

What to Avoid During the First Week

The first week is critical for graft stability. Even if the scalp feels itchy or scabby, it is important not to rush the process.

Avoid:
• High pressure showers
• Scrubbing or rubbing the scalp
• Trying to remove grafts or scabs manually

Attempting to rub away grafts or scabs within the first two weeks can irritate the scalp and affect results.

After 7 Days: Gentle Tapping Begins

After the first week, grafts are more secure and washing becomes slightly more hands on.

What changes:
• Very gentle tapping with fingertips is allowed
• No circular rubbing yet
• Pressure should remain minimal

This helps loosen scabs naturally during washing. For the first couple of days, keep the tapping very light, then gradually progress to a very gentle massage from around week 2. Keep everything light — the goal isn’t to scrub or speed things up, but to let the scabs come away on their own.

Week 2: Very Gentle Massage

By week two, most patients can begin very gentle massage.

How to massage:
• Use soft circular motions
• Apply minimal pressure

This stage helps remaining scabs fall away naturally. Do not rush this step. Scabs that are not ready will resolve on their own by week 3.

The First 48 Hours: Spray Only

During the first two days after surgery, the grafts are the most vulnerable. At this point, grafts are still stabilising and should not be disturbed.

What to do:
• Use the saline spray provided by our clinic
• Spray the new grafts regularly
• Allow the scalp to heal without touching

What to avoid:
• No non-sterile water
• No shampoo
• No rubbing or scratching

This is all about protecting the new grafts.

Days 3 to 4: Clean Water Only, Gently Poured

After the first 48 hours, you can begin cleansing the scalp with clean water.

How to wash:
• Use clean, lukewarm water
• Gently pour water over the scalp
• Avoid direct shower pressure

There should still be no rubbing, massage, shampoo or attempt to remove scabs.

Days 5 to 6: Water and Shampoo Using a Pour Over Method

Shampoo is usually introduced around day five.

What to Avoid During the First Week

The first week is critical for graft stability. Even if the scalp feels itchy or scabby, it is important not to rush the process.

Avoid:
• High pressure showers
• Scrubbing or rubbing the scalp
• Trying to remove grafts or scabs manually

Attempting to rub away grafts or scabs within the first two weeks can irritate the scalp and affect results.

After 7 Days: Gentle Tapping Begins

After the first week, grafts are more secure and washing becomes slightly more hands on.

What changes:
• Very gentle tapping with fingertips is allowed
• No circular rubbing yet
• Pressure should remain minimal

Week 2: Very Gentle Massage

By week two, most patients can begin very gentle massage.

How to massage:
• Use soft circular motions
• Apply minimal pressure

This stage helps remaining scabs fall away naturally. Do not rush this step. Scabs that are not ready will resolve on their own by week 3.

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When Do Scabs Fall Off After a Hair Transplant?

Scabs usually begin to soften and improve gradually.

What to expect:
• Most scabs resolve between two and three weeks
• Some areas may take slightly longer

As long as washing instructions are followed, scabs resolve naturally.

When Can You Wash Your Hair Normally Again?

Most patients return to a normal hair washing routine after two to three weeks.

At this point:
• Shower pressure can increase gradually
• Normal shampoo use resumes

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing After a Hair Transplant

Can washing dislodge grafts?
When done correctly, washing should not dislodge grafts. Damage usually occurs from rubbing, high pressure showers, or rushing the process.

When is the first wash after a hair transplant?
The first hair wash typically begins between days three and five.

What shampoo should I use after a hair transplant?
Use shampoo provided by our clinic.

Can I rub scabs off early?
No. Scabs should fall off naturally. Rubbing them away too early can affect results.

Does washing cause shedding?

No. Any shedding that occurs later is part of the normal hair growth cycle, not washing.

When Do Scabs Fall Off After a Hair Transplant?

Scabs usually begin to soften and improve gradually.

What to expect:
• Most scabs resolve between two and three weeks
• Some areas may take slightly longer

As long as washing instructions are followed, scabs resolve naturally.

When Can You Wash Your Hair Normally Again?

Most patients return to a normal hair washing routine after two to three weeks.

At this point:
• Shower pressure can increase gradually
• Normal shampoo use resumes

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing After a Hair Transplant

Can washing dislodge grafts?
When done correctly, washing should not dislodge grafts. Damage usually occurs from rubbing, high pressure showers, or rushing the process.

When is the first wash after a hair transplant?
The first hair wash typically begins between days three and five.

What shampoo should I use after a hair transplant?
Use shampoo provided by our clinic.

Can I rub scabs off early?
No. Scabs should fall off naturally. Rubbing them away too early can affect results.

Does washing cause shedding?

No. Any shedding that occurs later is part of the normal hair growth cycle, not washing.

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Take Hair Washing Slowly After a Hair Transplant

Washing your hair after a hair transplant is not something to rush. By following a staged approach and allowing your scalp to heal at its own pace, you protect your grafts and support the best possible results.

Proper aftercare, including careful washing, plays a key role in long term hair transplant success. If you are ever unsure about when to progress to the next stage, you can book for a consultation with our hair transplant surgeon by clicking here.

Take Hair Washing Slowly After a Hair Transplant

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