Simple things like sleeping in the wrong position, ignoring hair washing instructions, or scratching your scalp can slow down healing or interfere with your hair transplant results. No matter how many hair grafts you’ve had implanted, small aftercare missteps can add up and affect how well your new hair grows in.
Once your DHI or FUE hair transplant is complete, your top priority is giving those grafts the best possible environment to settle and thrive. Taking special care post-surgery helps support healthy hair regrowth and a smooth hair transplant recovery.
At Este Medical in Turkey, we make sure every client leaves our Istanbul hair loss clinic with the right tools, information, and confidence to navigate the hair graft aftercare period. Your hair transplant is a big investment — and with care and attention, you'll be on track for natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Hair Transplant Mistake #1: No Touching, Scratching, or Picking The Scalp
This is one of the most important mistakes to avoid after a hair transplant. It’s completely normal to feel some itchiness or tightness as your scalp begins to heal, but touching, scratching, or picking at the transplanted area can interfere with recovery and affect your final results.
In the early days after surgery, new hair grafts are still settling in. Any rubbing or picking may dislodge delicate hair follicles before they’ve had a chance to anchor properly. Even gentle contact with unwashed hands can introduce bacteria and increase the chance of infection.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Avoid touching the transplant area for at least the first few days.
- If your scalp feels itchy, use a soothing spray or medication provided by your Este Medical surgical team.
- Let any surgical scabs or crusting fall off naturally. Don’t pick at them.
Sticking to this advice helps protect hair grafts and gives your new hair the best chance to grow in healthy and strong.
Mistake #2: Sleeping Incorrectly After Hair Transplant
This is another common hair transplant concern to be mindful of during recovery. How you sleep in the first week after surgery plays a major role in protecting your new grafts and reducing swelling.
Lying flat or sleeping on your side can put pressure on the transplant area and increase the risk of dislodging new hair grafts. Do not do this. Friction from pillows or bed sheets can also irritate the healing scalp and slow down recovery.
To help support healing:
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated using a C-shaped neck pillow or an extra cushion.
- Try to keep your head from rubbing against pillows or bedding.
- Rest on clean pillowcases and change them regularly.
- Try to avoid tossing and turning during the night.
Following these sleep tips for the first seven to ten days can make a big difference in how well your scalp heals and how securely your grafts take hold.
Mistake #3: Not Washing Properly After Hair Transplant
Washing your hair after a transplant can feel a bit nerve-racking, but it’s an essential part of the healing and aftercare hair transplant process. One of the most common mistakes is either washing too aggressively or avoiding it altogether out of worry you will do it wrong.
Both approaches can cause problems. Washing too soon or with too much pressure can disturb hair grafts. On the other hand, not washing at all can lead to crust build-up, blocked follicles, and an increased risk of infection.
How to wash properly after your hair transplantation procedure:
- Follow the timeline your Este Medical hair surgeon provides. Usually, a gentle wash can begin 48 hours after surgery. The 1st wash can be done most of the time at the Este Turkey medical clinic.
- Use only the shampoo and products recommended by your hair surgeon.
- Apply water and shampoo gently using a cup or your fingertips.
- Pat dry with a clean towel. Never rub the scalp.
With a gentle approach and the right products, washing hair grafts will support healing and keep your scalp in the best condition for healthy hair regrowth.
Mistake #4: Vigorous Training or Exercising Too Soon After Surgery
Jumping back into an intense workout routine too quickly is one of the easiest ways to interfere with your recovery. Sweating, elevated heart rate, and sudden movements that have you bumping into things can put stress on your scalp and disrupt healing.
We recommend avoiding intense physical activity like gym workouts, long running, and heavy lifting, swimming, and no boxing please for at least 10 to 14 days. Light walking is fine, but anything that increases body temperature or causes friction on the scalp should be put on hold at first.
Let your hair grafts settle in. The gains can wait.
Mistake #5: Too Much Sun Exposure Early On
Protecting your scalp from the sun is essential during the first few weeks after your hair transplant. The healing skin is delicate and can burn easily, which may cause irritation and slow down recovery.
Direct sunlight can also dry out your scalp and damage newly transplanted grafts. To stay safe:
- Avoid spending extended time outdoors in direct sun for at least three weeks.
- Wear a loose, breathable cotton or mesh bucket-style hat whenever you need to go outside.
- No tanning beds, saunas, or any intense heat exposure during the early healing phase.
Taking these simple steps helps your scalp heal faster and supports healthy, lasting results.
Mistake #6: Wearing Tight Hats or Helmets Too Soon
Wearing tight baseball hats or bike helmets shortly after your transplant can put unnecessary pressure on your grafts. This can slow healing and may even dislodge some hair follicles.
It’s best to avoid snug headwear for at least two weeks. When you do wear hats, choose loose, breathable options that won’t irritate your scalp.
And Lastly, Don’t Skip These Two Important Elements of Hair Transplant Healing
Two things you should never overlook after having a hair surgery: attending your hair transplant follow-up appointments and reporting any concerns early. If something just doesn’t feel right — don’t wait to tell us. The sooner our team knows, the quicker we can guide you and avoid setbacks. At Este Medical, we support you through every stage — from your first hair loss consultation to your hair transplant in Turkey, and throughout your recovery journey.
Our Este Medical aftercare isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of what makes your hair restoration results successful. Stay connected and trust the process. We’re with you the whole journey.
Contact Este Medical now to arrange a hair loss consultation!