Q57 When can I wash my hair and remove scabs after a transplant?
Follow the doctor's written instructions for the first wash and technique. Gentle cleansing can generally begin the day after surgery, with sterile saline rinsing recommended during the first 48 hours. Repeated gentle washing and softening allow scabs to fall off gradually; do not pick them yourself.
All postoperative clients.
For the recovery timeline—days 0–3 swelling and bruising, weeks 1–2 scab shedding, weeks 2–3 months shedding, months 3–4 new growth, month 6 improving coverage, months 9–12 overall assessment and months 12–18 crown maturation—see the Hair Transplant Center page.
Washing too early on your own or rubbing forcefully may affect the recipient area. Picking scabs may cause bleeding or infection. Contact your doctor promptly for persistent bleeding or substantially worsening swelling after washing.
Collect your postoperative instructions at discharge and arrange the first wash accordingly.