Your Recovery After FUE Hair Transplant
We’ve created this guide so you know exactly what to expect and how to care for your new grafts. Every patient heals differently, so please always follow the specific instructions we give you on the day of your procedure.
The First Few Days (Day 0–3)
In the first few days after your transplant, you may notice some mild discomfort or tightness.It is completely normal for some patients to develop a little swelling on the forehead or around the eyes. This often peaks around day 2 or 3 and then fades by day 5.
- Pain is not common, but if you feel any, a simple pain killer like paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually all that is needed.
- Tiny scabs will form around each graft—this is a normal part of healing.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated on two pillows for the first two nights.
- Do not touch, scratch, or rub the recipient area.
- Keep the area clean as instructed by our team.
Day 3–10: Washing & Scab Shedding
From day 3 onwards, you can begin to gently wash your scalp.
Use lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo that we approve for you. Apply it with your fingertips (never your nails) in soft, circular motions. This will help soften the scabs so that they shed naturally over the coming days.
Do not pick, scratch, or try to pull scabs off.
Your grafts are delicate. Picking can dislodge them or affect growth. Allow the scabs to come away naturally through gentle washing.
By day 7–10, most scabs will have shed. If some remain, continue the gentle washing until they lift on their own.
Which Shampoo to Use
For the first 10 days, it is important to use a shampoo that is very mild and kind to healing skin.
At My Hair Clinic, we recommend a shampoo that is:
- Sulfate‑free – no harsh foaming agents that strip oils or irritate.
- Fragrance‑free and hypoallergenic – kind to sensitive skin.
- pH balanced (around 5–6) – matches the natural pH of your scalp.
- Free from medicated additives or exfoliating particles.
We will advise you on a suitable shampoo after your procedure and show you how to use it safely.
Start using it from day 3–4 as described above, rinse with lukewarm water, and gently pat dry with a soft towel—never rub.
Weeks 2–12: Early Healing
During these weeks, your scalp continues to settle:
- Itching or dryness is common—use any moisturizers we recommend, such as aloe vera or baby oil, and you can take an antihistamine if we advise it.
- Transplanted hairs often shed in this period—this is normal. The root remains in your skin and will grow again.
- Mild tenderness in the donor area can occur but should be easily managed with paracetamol if needed.
Months 3–4: New Growth Begins
Around three to four months after your procedure, you’ll start to see the first new hairs emerging.
Any numbness that was present continues to improve. Itching, pimples, or dryness should have settled by now.
Months 6–8: Noticeable Change
By this time, you will often see a cosmetic improvement. The transplanted hair thickens and blends more naturally with your existing hair.
Months 12–18: Final Results
Your hair will continue to mature, thicken, and take on its natural texture. In some cases, the final refinement can continue for up to 15–18 months.
Returning to Work & Social Life
- If your recipient area was only thinning (not bald), most patients feel comfortable returning to normal social activities within 10–14 days without drawing attention.
- If your recipient area was more visibly bald, you may prefer to wait 3–5 weeks before it looks fully blended.
- A light pink tone can last up to 8 weeks, in some cases longer, but will fade.
- In FUE with punches under 1 mm, the donor area is usually discreet after just 2 weeks.
Caring for Your New Transplant
- Shower with low water pressure for the first week.
- Begin gentle washes with your recommended shampoo from day 3 onwards.
- Keep your head elevated for the first two nights.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy exertion for the first 7 days.
- We recommend avoid smoking till full growth for best results
- Light exercise (walking or cycling) is fine after 7 days.
- Increase intensity gradually after 10 days; avoid contact sports for the first 2 weeks.
- Protect your scalp from direct sunlight for at least 8 weeks.
Healing takes time, but you are in good hands.
If you have any questions or concerns at any point in your recovery, our team is here for you.
Please remember:
- Be patient.
- Follow these instructions carefully.
- And most importantly, never pick at your scabs or scratch the treated areas—let your new grafts settle and grow in peace.