What should you watch out for after a hair transplant?

A hair transplant is over by the end of the day, but healing takes a few weeks. The small things you do during this time help the transplanted roots settle in comfortably.

In this article we go through the most common questions one by one. We do not want to frighten you; we want to answer your questions in short, clear terms. Washing and shampoo steps have their own articles: see "Hair Transplant Aftercare: A 30-Day Guide" and our article on choosing a shampoo.

Please remember that what follows is general information. The written instructions you receive from our team always come first.

How should I sleep after a hair transplant?

For the first few nights, keeping your head raised can help the swelling go down. For most people, the most comfortable way is to lean back on a few pillows and sleep half sitting up.

A neck pillow (the U-shaped travel kind) also helps: your head does not fall to the side and the treated area does not touch the pillow.

The first night can feel awkward because you are in an unfamiliar position. Prepare the pillows before you get into bed, keep the room cool and dim the lights. After a few nights most people get used to it. How long you need to sleep like this is written in your instructions; it is usually limited to the first days.

• Sleep on your back with your head slightly raised
• Do not press the treated area into the pillow, and do not sleep face down
• Keep your pillowcase clean
• Ask our team whether you need a loose cap to stop your hand drifting to your hair in your sleep

Can I touch or scratch the treated area?

No. In the early period it is safest not to touch it at all. The roots have not fully taken hold yet, and rubbing or scratching with a fingernail can move them out of place.

It is normal for the area to itch once scabs form, and that is a sign of healing. Instead of scratching, use the method our team suggests. Do not pick the scabs; they fall off on their own in time.

The same rule applies to the back of the head, where the roots were taken from. There may be small scabs there too. Use a clean pillowcase and avoid rough fabrics. Wait for the date our team gives you before combing or styling your hair.

If you must touch your hair, clean your hands first and be very gentle.

When can I wear a hat, and how do I protect myself from the sun?

In the first days, a tight hat, beanie or helmet can put pressure on the transplanted roots. That is why a loose, soft, clean hat is preferred first; wait for our team to approve tighter ones.

When you put a hat on or take it off, do not drag it across the treated area. Lower it from above instead of pulling it from the front. When you can return to normal hats varies from person to person, so follow the date you were given.

If you need to go outside, a loose hat can protect you from sun and dust.

The skin of the treated area is sensitive in this period, and direct sun can increase redness. In the first weeks stay in the shade where you can and do not spend long outdoors around midday. Ask the team before putting on sun cream or any other product; nothing should be applied to the treated area in the first days.

Can I exercise, and is sweating harmful?

Light movement such as walking is usually fine. Heavy exercise is not recommended in the early period, because raised blood pressure, sweat and bending your head forward can strain the treated area.

Heavy sweating can irritate the skin there. Our team will tell you when you can return to weights, running or football. Not rushing is in your own interest in the long run.

You can often get back to everyday life straight away. Office work or moving about at home is usually fine. Just cut down on bending, lifting heavy things and keeping your head low in the first days. If you are not sure whether something suits you, it is always better to ask.

When are pools, the sea and saunas allowed?

Chlorine in a pool, salt in the sea and the hot, humid air of a sauna can irritate the skin and raise the risk of infection. For this reason you are asked to stay away from them until healing is complete.

The same goes for the steam room and hot baths. Our team will tell you at your check-up from which date you can return to these. If you have a holiday planned, tell us before the procedure so that we can plan together.

In the shower, watch the temperature and pressure of the water; in the first days do not put your head directly under the stream. The details are in the aftercare guide mentioned above.

What about alcohol, smoking and medication?

Alcohol and smoking can affect healing negatively. We have explained this in a separate article, so here we only remind you to follow the period our team gives you.

With medication the rule is simple: take what is prescribed, in the order and for the time you were told. If you take any medicine of your own, never stop or change it yourself; always ask your team first.

When should I contact the team?

Mild redness, swelling and scabbing are normal in the first days. But contact us without waiting if you notice any of the following:

• Redness or warmth that grows day by day
• Yellow or bad-smelling discharge from the treated area
• Fever or shivering
• Pain that keeps increasing and does not ease with a painkiller
• Bleeding that does not stop

In short

Sleep with your head raised, do not touch the treated area, use a loose hat, stay away from sun and heavy exercise, postpone pools, the sea and saunas, and follow your team's instructions. If anything out of the ordinary happens, write to us straight away.

Results and healing speed vary from person to person. If you are thinking about a hair transplant, or have questions about this process, you can write to us for a preliminary assessment. There is no rush; we will answer your questions together.