Post-transplant, hair growth is likely to be uneven and patchy for a while. When that happens, many people turn to cutting or shaving to level the field. However, getting a haircut after a hair transplant isn’t something that should be done right away.
How Long After Hair Transplant Can You Get A Haircut?
Only the hair on your sides and donor area (back of your scalp) can be trimmed using scissors 2 weeks after the transplantation surgery. After 3 months have passed, these areas can also be groomed with clippers.
On the other hand, as far as the transplanted (recipient) area is concerned, you should refrain from using any scissors or clippers for 6 months following the transplant. Hair grooming tools have the potential to harm the transplanted grafts. Therefore, be sure to carefully follow the aftercare advice provided by your surgeon.
What To Consider When Getting A Haircut After A Hair Transplant
If you’re anxious about getting a particular haircut as soon as you can after the surgery, there are few things you need to keep in mind:
Shock loss: Both your donor and recipient areas can experience a temporary “shock” hair loss 1-8 weeks after the transplantation surgery. While this may result in the formation of some patchy areas on your scalp, it is not a cause for concern.
The roots of your hair will remain intact during this shock loss, so it will not affect the final results of your treatment. However, while you’re losing hair because of this, it might not be the best idea to try and style your hair as the effect won’t last.
Hair growth takes a few months: Typically, you can expect your hair to start growing around 3 months after your hair transplant. Even then, keep in mind that you shouldn’t cut your transplanted hair for 6 months after the surgery to avoid causing any damage to them.
Can You Style Your Hair After A Hair Transplant?
While you can style your hair after a transplantation surgery, the timeline for doing so can vary depending on the styling method.
| Styling Method | Recommended Wait Time After Surgery |
|---|---|
| Hair dryer | 3 months |
| Hair gel | 6 months |
| Hair wax | 6 months |
| Hair curler | 6 months |
| Hair straightener | 6 months |
| Hair dyeing | 6 months |
| Chemical straightening or curling (e.g. keratin treatment or perms) | 12 months |
Have A Question About Hair Transplants?
Longevita is a UK-registered provider of hair transplants in both London and Istanbul. If you have any questions about the pre- or post-operative aspects of your surgery with us, feel free to get in touch with our experts.
