Following a hair transplant procedure, it’s crucial to consider the impact of dyeing or perming your hair. While you may be eager to experiment with new styles, it’s foremost to understand the potential risks and consult with your surgeon to ensure the safety of the newly transplanted hair follicles.
What To Expect After A Hair Transplant?
After a hair transplant, there are a few important things to expect during recovery. Firstly, your hair will be in a state of recovery, with the transplanted hair follicles going through a process of shedding and subsequent growth.
The donor area, from where the hair follicles were extracted, may be tender and require careful handling. Additionally, the grafted hair follicles in the recipient area will be fragile, so it’s crucial to avoid touching or disturbing them.
You will receive aftercare instructions from your surgeon, including guidance on how and when to wash your hair. Generally, the bandage can be removed after two days, and you should wash your hair gently by hand, using a mild shampoo.
Most individuals can return to work around three days after the procedure. It’s important to refrain from touching the grafts to prevent any complications. If stitches were used, they are usually dissolvable and will dissolve on their own over time.
Does Transplanted Hair Turn Grey?
Transplanted hair can indeed turn grey, and this outcome is primarily influenced by three factors. First and foremost, the graying of hair is a natural consequence of the normal aging process, affecting both transplanted and non-transplanted hair.
Secondly, the likelihood of transplanted hair turning grey depends on the individual’s genetics and chronic illness. The characteristics of transplanted hair tend to be similar to the donor hair, including its tendency to grey.
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure in which hair shafts are removed from the “donor site” on one region of the scalp and placed on the “recipient site,” a bald or balding area.
If the donor hair used in the transplant procedure exhibits signs of graying, the transplanted hair will follow suit and begin to turn grey as well.
Thus, the graying of transplanted hair is closely linked to the normal aging process, individual genetics, and the traits of the donor hair used in the transplant.
Can I Cut And Dye My Hair After A Hair Transplant?
After undergoing a hair transplant surgery, it is crucial to wait at least two weeks before having a haircut. During this time, your scalp will be in a sensitive state, and it needs time to heal.
When you finally decide to get a haircut, it is recommended to meet an expert hairdresser who is familiar with handling transplanted hair.
In terms of hair dyeing, it is prime to avoid using hair dye for at least one week before a hair transplant. Hair dyes can potentially irritate your hair and scalp, which is not ideal before undergoing a surgical procedure.
However, after the surgery, Toppik and other hair fibers can be used as early as three days post-surgery. If you wish to dye your hair, it should be done safely, but only after one month has passed since the transplant.
This waiting period is necessary as the hair transplant takes around 7-14 days to heal, and during this time, you must not attempt to color it or apply any other chemical treatment.
Harsh chemicals found in hair dyes should be avoided until at least 1-month post-transplant. If you decide to dye your hair, it is recommended to use an organic, peroxide-free hair dye to minimize any potential irritation to the scalp.
Can You Perm After Hair Transplant?
It is not recommended to perm your hair after a hair transplant due to several reasons. Perm works by affecting the keratin in your hair, specifically, the bonds between keratin molecules.
However, the perm process can cause damage to your hair over time, potentially leading to hair loss. Proper scalp care is crucial after a hair transplant, as once a hair follicle is damaged; new hair cannot grow from that follicle.
During the perm process, incorrect use of chemicals can result in skin irritation, hair breakage, oral toxicity, and scarring alopecia. Perms are not recommended for younger people, and there is a higher risk of breast cancer associated with chemical treatments.
While it may be possible to start chemical treatments after a hair transplant, it can damage the hair shafts and compromise the results of the transplant. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid perming hair after a hair transplant to maintain the health and integrity of the transplanted hair.
How To Protect Your Scalp After Hair Transplant?
After undergoing a hair transplant procedure, it is crucial to take proper care of your scalp to ensure optimal healing and the success of the transplant.
- Arrange for a driver to take you home following the procedure. The transplantation process may leave you feeling groggy or tired due to anesthesia.
- Ensure that your scalp stays dry after the hair transplant. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding when it is safe to wash your hair and use a gentle patting motion with your fingertips when cleansing your scalp to avoid any unnecessary friction or pressure.
- Keep your head elevated in bed for at least a week after the procedure. By propping your head up with pillows, you maintain a semi-upright position while sleeping. This elevation helps minimize swelling and reduces the risk of fluid accumulation in the scalp area.
- Wash your hair gently. Follow the aftercare instructions given by your surgeon or medical team regarding when and how to wash your hair after the transplant.
- Use a mild shampoo, and be cautious not to rub or scratch your scalp vigorously. Instead, use a gentle patting motion with your fingertips to cleanse the scalp and avoid dislodging the grafts.
- Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon or medical team. Adhering to the prescribed medications, cleaning routines, and follow-up appointments is essential for the long-term results and the overall health of your scalp.
- Stop consuming alcohol or smoking for at least the first two weeks after surgery. Alcohol and smoking can impede healing, reduce blood flow to the scalp, and increase the risk of complications.
- Avoid exposing your scalp to direct sunlight, especially during the initial healing phase. Protect your scalp by wearing a hat or using sunscreen specifically formulated for the scalp.
- Avoid dyeing your hair for at least a month after the surgery. The scalp needs time to heal, and applying hair dye can introduce chemicals that may irritate or harm the newly transplanted hair follicles.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise or activities that may cause excessive sweating for the first two weeks after the surgery. Intense physical exertion can increase blood pressure and strain the healing scalp, potentially leading to complications.
