Q58 When can I exercise, wear a hat, perm or dye my hair after a transplant?
Return to exercise depends on wound condition, not simply the number of days: all scabs have fallen off, there is no redness, swelling, discharge or pain, and the donor area has healed well. Have your doctor assess this at follow-up. Hats are generally worn after day 7; perming or dyeing is advised only after at least 3 months and medical confirmation.
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.
Strenuous exercise may increase sweating and infection risk; perming or dyeing too early may irritate the scalp. Follow your doctor's written instructions.
At follow-up, your doctor will assess healing and advise on exercise and care.