Is my transplant ruined with cold water?

Question

Hello! I have just had 1500 grafts placed and had my first wash at the hospital. The next day I had travelled back home and washed my hair. However the hot water wasn't working around 1 am (when I arrived home) and washed my head with quite a chilly wash. I'm worried incase the cold water has damaged my grafts. Everything was done carefully and gently... but it was cold :/

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

There is no correlation between the temperature of water used in washing the transplanted area and outcome. I would not worry about this incident. In the first 3-4 days, care should be taken not to pul out he grafts, which would be marked by significant bleeding should that occur.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Cold water will not damage or harm your transplanted hair.  If you are concerned it is best to contact your doctor.

William Woessner, MD · Answer

No there should not be any issues relating to water temperature with the exception of boiling or scalding water. Cold water is fine.

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

No, temperature of the water should not have a substantial impact. As long as you are following all the other instructions correctly your grafts should be fine.

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

The cold water will not effect your grafts. Continue to follow your doctors post op instructions and happy growing!

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

An FUE is treated just like a regular hair transplant with regard to the recipient area, but the donor area has open wounds which require daily washing with soap and water. Within 3 days of surgery, you can resume full activities, heavy exercises if you wish. The recipient area requires daily washes as well to keep the recipient area free of crusts. I generally recommend the use of a sponge and supply my patient with a surgical sponge to fill with soapy water and press on the recipient area daily. By repeating this daily, all crusts can be washed off without any fear of losing grafts. IF any crust are present, use  a Q tip and dip it into soapy water, and roll it on the crusts and that will lift them off without dislodging them, but never rub them, just roll the Q tip on the recipient crust. I like to see no evidence of any crusting in the recipient area and the crusts from the donor area gone in 7-10 days with daily washing

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

The temperature of the water will not affect the grafts. Be careful with the direct pressure of the water from the shower on your grafts and also do not rub the area that has been transplanted. After 7-10 days though you do not have to be as cautious around the transplanted grafts.

Is my transplant ruined with cold water?

Answers (7)

More FUE Hair Transplant Questions

5th day after FUE, difficult to sleep, sore/painful donor area (3200 grafts). (photo)

Do the FUE dots tan in the sun? Or is it because they are scars they won't?

Hair shedding post FUE. Does the photo show lost hairs with grafts, or just normal hair shedding as expected post FUE? (Photo)

Can I smoke, nicotine free e-cigarette after a FUE? (Photo)

Is hair removal with FUE possible for the scalp?

FUE: How many grafts would I need to cover my entire head? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS