Many patients want to know when and how they can style their hair after having a hair transplant. One of the most common questions we get is, "How short can I cut my hair after a hair transplant?" We also answer whether it's okay to shave your head. Here are a few things to think about before your first post-op trip to the barbershop or hair salon.
The length of your hair after a hair transplant is largely determined by the surgical technique used. Patients who have had FUE hair transplants can typically wear their hair very short, such as a number 1 or 2-grade cut. Some of our patients are able to shave their hair to a grade 0 after having FUE surgery.
There will be some scabbing in the recipient area of the scalp after a hair transplant. You may also experience some swelling and discomfort at first, but this will pass quickly. The newly implanted grafts are very fragile during the first 5 days and should not be touched.
We usually recommend that patients wait 8-10 days before cutting their hair. The grafts are secure at this point, and you should be able to get a haircut without damaging them or jeopardizing your recovery. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the more time the scars and redness have to settle, and the thicker your hair will be. It's also worth noting that noticeable new hair growth usually doesn't occur until around 4 months after a hair transplant, with the majority of patients seeing the majority of growth between 5 and 12 months. After surgery, you are welcome to come in for a check-up or send us photos so we can inspect your scalp and ensure it is healing properly.
"Should I get a buzz cut after FUE transplants?" is a question frequently asked during consultations. The in-between stage following hair transplant surgery but before new hair has grown in raises some interesting questions. During this transitional period, our patients frequently have a lot of questions and concerns about how to style their hair and what the best haircut after a hair transplant would be. Finally, these are the factors to consider when considering a buzz cut after FUE:
If you're thinking about getting a buzz cut, you probably want your hair to be even in length on the sides and top while the new hair grows in. If you have FUE transplant surgery, it will take at least 14 days for the donor area's scalp to heal, and it may take longer. Many surgeons still advise against shaving your entire head after the initial healing period has passed.
Hair clippers and razors are not sterile, particularly in a barbershop setting. Contact with non-sterile instruments could result in an infection if there is any scabbing or raw skin. This could have disastrous consequences, particularly for the fragile newly transplanted hair grafts. These follicles will be extremely delicate at first.
While modern hair transplant procedures leave little to no scarring, there will be some visible scarring in the first few weeks. The shorter your hair is cut, the more visible these scars will be. As long as your scalp is well healed, the decision to get a buzz cut is entirely personal. It all depends on how at ease you are with your scars being visible.
Asmed's top priority is the health of our patients. In order to ensure our patients' safety and comfort, we strive to provide the highest level of medical care possible. We give each patient specific information about the procedure based on their specific requirements and needs.
To learn more about the cost of hair transplantation and procedures to follow, you can book a hair transplant consultation with our expert medical team.