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So, you have undergone a hair transplant procedure, and now you are itching to get back to your regular grooming routine. One question you may have is, “When can I get a haircut after a hair transplant?”
In our practice at Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration, medical director and hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Christine Shaver, says the recommendation is the same whether you have a hair transplant using FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantion) or FUE (Follicular Unit Excision).
“We advise waiting 10 days after your transplant before getting your first haircut,” Dr. Shaver says.
FUT Hair Transplant
FUT involves removing a strip of tissue from the donor area at the back or sides of the scalp and then dissecting it into individual follicular units for transplantation. Since FUT involves an incision and staples or sutures, the recovery process differs slightly from FUE.
After 10 days, the grafts will become permanent in the recipient area for both FUT and FUE procedures. At that point, it is safe to resume cutting your hair.
At Bernstein Medical, 10 days after the procedure we remove every other staple from your donor incision area, then the remaining staples 25 days post-surgery. It’s important that you communicate to your barber or stylist not to snag the remaining staples during the haircut.
By the 10-day mark, the incision site at the back of the scalp should have healed sufficiently, minimizing the chances of any adverse reactions from the haircut. However, it is crucial to communicate with your hairstylist about your recent procedure. They may need to adjust their techniques to ensure your comfort and safety.
FUE Hair Transplant
FUE is a minimally invasive hair restoration technique that involves harvesting individual hair follicles from the donor area, often using an advanced robotic technology like the ARTAS iX®. Unlike FUT, FUE does not leave a linear scar, but rather tiny dot scars that are less noticeable. To harvest the donor hair, it is necessary to shave the donor area. This can be done by shaving the whole head, or alternatively, shaving the back and sides only while leaving the top hair in place. The latter can create a “mushroom-like” appearance that many patients wish to blend at the 10-day mark after surgery.
Following an FUE transplant, you may experience some redness, swelling, and scabbing in the donor and recipient areas. These side effects typically subside within the first week or two, depending on your body’s healing process.
Once the initial healing phase is complete, you can resume your regular grooming routine. Most patients can safely trim their hair after 10 days once the grafts are permanent, however, it is crucial to approach this with caution and consult with your surgeon before scheduling a haircut.
In the case of both FUT and FUE, it is essential to ensure any scabs or crusts where you have received the transplant have been completely cleaned away before seeing your barber or hair stylist. Attempting to trim over them can lead to discomfort or even infection.
Be sure to inform your hairstylist about your recent transplant so they can adjust their techniques accordingly.
Additional Considerations
These are some general guidelines to keep in mind when planning your post-transplant haircut:
1. Consult with Your Surgeon – Your surgeon knows your specific case best and can provide personalized advice regarding when it is safe to get a haircut. Always follow their recommendations to avoid any complications.
2. Patience is Key – While it is tempting to rush back to your usual routine, patience is crucial during the recovery process. Giving your scalp adequate time to heal will ensure the best possible results from your transplant.
3. Communicate with Your Hairstylist – In addition to your comfort and safety, your hair stylist may need to adjust their technique. For example, to properly conceal a FUT scar, most people need to keep their hair around 3/8 inch or longer (the equivalent of a #3 clipper guard). So be sure to work with your stylist to get the best possible outcome.
With proper care and patience, you will soon be enjoying your hair with confidence!
Why Choose Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration?
Bernstein Medical is a world-renowned hair restoration clinic, founded by Dr. Robert M. Bernstein, a pioneer in the field of hair transplantation and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bernstein and his team specialize in providing advanced hair restoration solutions for both men and women, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies to deliver natural-looking results.
The medical director is Christine Shaver, MD. Dr. Shaver is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon. A graduate of M.I.T and Yale, she is a highly trained expert at blending art and science to create desired outcomes for her medical and surgical hair transplant patients.
At Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration, patients receive comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans throughout their hair restoration and preservation journey. From non-surgical options such as SMP (Scalp Micro-Pigmentation) and medical management to surgical procedures like FUT and FUE, the clinic offers a range of cutting-edge treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. The personalized care you will receive from both the doctors and staff is exceptional!
The experts at Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration are happy to discuss what solutions are best for you.
To book a consultation online, click HERE
Call us at: 212-826-2400
Visit our website www.bernsteinmedical.com for more information
