When is it safe to shower normally and touch/gently rub transplanted hair follicles post hair transplant? (photos)

Hi,
You should first soak and soften your hair with water and foam of the shampoo, after waiting for a few minutes gently touch it and wash it without rubbing or traumatizing it. By this way you are going to clean the remaining blood clots, skin-tissue debris more efficiently.
Best wishes,

It is best to contact your surgeon for post surgery issues and care since all doctors have slightly different instructions. What you are describing is most likely shedding, which is a normal process. If you are concerned, then follow up with your surgeon for an assessment.

Hello, great question. I understand your concern but since you are 5 weeks post op you really have nothing to worry about. Continue to wash your scalp as instructed as it’s important to keep it clean. Good luck. 

By 5 weeks it is extremely unlikely that hair follicles are falling out when you wash your hair.  Having the hairs and surrounding crusts fall out is normal and expected.  Go ahead and wash your hair per your clinic's instructions

For the first 10 days, you should be cautious with your scalp. However, after this time, the follicles have set. The hairs that will fall out will do so whether you clean your head or not. However, by keeping the scalp clean, you will allow for more healthy healing to occur.