Hair Transplant Aftercare: The Complete Guide for Canadians

The first 48 hours after your transplant are the most critical for graft survival. Here's exactly what to do: Sleeping: Sleep on your back at a 45-degree angle. Use a travel neck pillow to prevent rolling. Some patients sleep in a recliner for the first few nights. Medications: Take all prescribed medications on schedule: • Antibiotics (to prevent infection) • Anti-inflammatory medication (to reduce swelling) • Pain medication (if needed — most patients report minimal pain) Drinking: Stay well-hydrated. Drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day. Eating: Eat light, nutritious meals. Avoid alcohol for at least 5 days. Activity: Rest. No bending, lifting, or strenuous activity. Walk gently if needed. Do NOT: Touch the transplanted area, wear tight hats, smoke, drink alcohol, or expose your head to direct sunlight.

Proper washing is crucial for graft survival and preventing infection. First Wash (Day 2-3): Done at the clinic by a trained nurse. They'll show you the technique. Days 3-14 (at home): 1. Apply the provided lotion/moisturiser to the transplanted area 2. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes to soften scabs 3. Rinse gently with lukewarm (not hot) water using a cup — do NOT use shower pressure directly on the grafts 4. Apply a small amount of the provided shampoo, gently patting (not rubbing) the area 5. Rinse gently with the cup 6. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel — do NOT rub After Day 14: You can gradually return to normal washing. Start using gentle shower pressure. Avoid harsh shampoos for the first month. After Day 30: Normal washing routine. Use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo.

Week 1: Rest only. Light walking is fine. Week 2: Light walking, gentle stretching. No sweating. Week 3: Light cardio (walking, stationary bike). No heavy lifting. Week 4: Moderate exercise. Light weights. No contact sports. Month 2: Full exercise routine. Heavy weights okay. Still avoid contact sports. Month 3: All activities including contact sports, swimming, and water sports. The key concern is sweating (which can cause infection in the first 2 weeks) and physical impact (which can dislodge grafts in the first month).

First Month: • Direct sunlight on the transplanted area (wear a loose hat) • Swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs • Smoking (reduces blood flow to grafts) • Alcohol (thins blood, increases swelling) • Tight hats or helmets • Hair dye or chemical treatments • Picking at scabs First 3 Months: • Hair dryers on high heat (use cool setting) • Harsh chemical shampoos • Excessive sun exposure without protection After 3 Months: • No restrictions. Live your life normally.

Many surgeons recommend the following to support hair growth: Biotin (Vitamin B7): 5,000-10,000 mcg daily. Supports hair growth and strength. Zinc: 25-50mg daily. Essential for hair follicle health. Vitamin D: 2,000-4,000 IU daily. Many Canadians are deficient, especially in winter. Finasteride (prescription): 1mg daily. Prevents further hair loss by blocking DHT. Discuss with your surgeon — not suitable for everyone. Minoxidil: 5% topical solution. Can be applied to non-transplanted areas after month 1 to support existing hair. Some surgeons recommend applying to the transplanted area after month 3 to accelerate growth. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Some packages include a PRP session. Additional sessions (every 3-6 months) may boost results.