You’ve done it—you made the decision to undergo hair transplant, and you’re feeling great. But when can you get a haircut after your hair transplant to style and showcase your results? As hair grafts are delicate, it is essential to understand how to care for your newly implanted hair grafts, including when you can get your hair cut. Cutting your hair too soon can greatly impact your outcome.
At Balance Hair Restoration, our experts provide our hair transplant patients with detailed instructions about getting a haircut after their procedure. Here is some information you should know before your hair transplant.
What Is a Hair Transplant?
At Balance Hair Restoration, our experts use the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique for hair transplants. FUE is an effective hair restoration option as the hair follicles are individually harvested from a donor area—the back and sides of the scalp where hair is less likely to resist pattern baldness. Then, the hair grafts are implanted into areas where fullness is desired.
Another popular hair transplant technique is Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), or the “strip” method. This technique discreetly removes a strip of hair-bearing skin from the donor area, typically the lower back of the scalp. The strip is usually less than 1.5 centimeters wide but stretches along the back of the scalp. The donor area is often concealed by the surrounding hair after recovery, but the strip forms a scar as it heals. At Balance Hair Restoration, our experts do not perform FUT hair transplants, but if Dr. Malhotra believes this method is the best option for you, he will recommend a trusted colleague.
Your Hair Restoration Recovery Timeline
Your hair transplant recovery will depend greatly on the type of procedure you undergo. Healing from FUT transplant typically takes longer than from the FUE method, so the wait time for your haircut might be slightly shorter.
Typically, initial FUE hair restoration recovery will last 10 to 14 days. During this time, the scalp may look scabbed and pink and may be swollen, bruised, and tender. As the scabs heal, the hair follicles will become dormant. The new grafts will begin to shed within a few weeks.
During this time, it’s important to avoid touching your scalp, using harsh hair products that include shampoos and hair dyes or heated styling tools.
You will begin noticing new hair growth in 2 to 3 months after your FUE hair restoration procedure. Your final outcome may take up to a year to achieve natural hair growth.
When to Get a Haircut After Hair Transplant
While you’re waiting on your newly transplanted hair to grow, the rest of your hair will continue growing, so you may want a haircut to feel confident and put together. However, the timing of your first post-transplant haircut is crucial to ensure the health of your hair grafts. Depending on the type of procedure, particularly FUE hair transplant, touch-ups on the longer areas without disturbing the grafted areas are typically allowed.
Generally, it’s best to wait at least 3 to 4 months to allow your scalp to heal and the follicles to settle after your procedure before getting a haircut. Based on your procedure and healing process, our experts will give you specific recommendations about when you may safely get a haircut and the type of hairstyle that may be suitable for you.
After your procedure, you can have your hair gently trimmed with scissors, including that in the transplanted area. Avoid cutting too closely to the scalp. Typically, you should avoid using clippers for at least 6 months as they can tug on the scalp and dislodge the follicles in the transplanted areas.
The Risks of Cutting Your Hair Too Soon
It’s essential to let your scalp heal after a hair transplant and allow your grafts time to settle. It’s important to wait until after this initial healing period is over to schedule your haircut. Cutting your hair too early can pull or dislodge the newly implanted follicles. This can lead to uneven growth, hair loss, or scarring, negatively affecting your results.
It’s important to wait until your scalp is fully healed, with no scabs or significant redness before getting a haircut. Another good sign your hair grafts are intact and growing is stubble in the transplanted areas, meaning it should be safe to visit your hairstylist. However, consult your hair transplant surgeon to ensure your scalp is in good condition.
Choosing the Right Hairstyle for Your New Growth
Styling your hair requires a cautious approach to prevent potentially damaging the hair grafts. Selecting a hairstyle can impact the health and appearance of your hair. Volumizing sprays or powders can enhance fullness and conceal any sparse areas during the early growth phases.
- Short Hair: A low-maintenance option, short hair shows regrowth clearly and blends well with transplanted hair.
- Long Hair: Allows protective styles that minimize damage. Expect uneven growth during initial months.
- Thick or Curly Hair: Layered cuts enhance volume and blend new growth.
- Fine or Straight Hair: Textured styles hide uneven lengths and add lift.
Hairstyles to Avoid
Tight hairstyles, such as ponytails, braids, or updos, can exert undue stress on new hair grafts. Avoid these styles during the initial few months post-procedure. Similarly, it’s important to avoid backcombing or frequent styling that exerts tension on the scalp.
Avoiding Damage and Protecting Your New Hair Grafts
Using appropriate products can support hair growth while maintaining scalp and hair health. Choose sulphate-free, moisturizing shampoos to gently clean, as these options may help reduce scalp irritation. Additionally, select lightweight, non-comedogenic conditioners to provide moisture without blocking hair follicles.
Within the first 6 months, avoid using harsh chemicals like relaxers or dyes. It’s also important to refrain from using high-heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling wands, during this timeframe. Use wide-tooth combs to minimize tugging and set blow-dryers to cool or lukewarm temperatures to prevent overheating.
Schedule Your Hair Restoration Today!
A fresh haircut can help boost your confidence after your hair transplant. Our expert team at Balance Hair Restoration, led by Dr. Pramit Malhotra, wants to help you feel assured and empowered throughout your hair restoration journey. They are here to guide you through your hair transplant recovery to ensure you receive long-lasting, natural-looking results you’ll love.
Are you ready to start your hair restoration journey? Contact Ann Arbor’s best hair restoration provider, Balance Hair Restoration, at (734) 913-5100 to learn more!
