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

Question

I am 5 weeks postOP FUE hair transplant. My hair wash routine consists of soaking a cloth in shampoo water and squeezing it over my head letting the water gently run down. My clinic said that it is now safe to shower normally/gently rub the transplant site to remove the dead skin. However, the moment I touch the follicles they fall out which I know is expected; 5-10% have fallen already. Is it truly safe to do this and should I expect/want ALL follicles to fall out? Or stick with my routine?

Mehmet Surmeli, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

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,

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

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.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

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.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

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

Eric T. Carniol, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Washing hair five weeks after hair transplant

Answer: Washing hair five weeks after hair transplant

Answer: When is it safe to rub your head after hair transplant?

Answer: When is it safe to rub your head after hair transplant?

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Washing hair five weeks after hair transplant

Answer: Washing hair five weeks after hair transplant

Answer: When is it safe to rub your head after hair transplant?

Answer: When is it safe to rub your head after hair transplant?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.