Antibiotics Dalacin 300 mg
Preventive against infection in the wound surfaces after the procedure. Taken as prescribed on your packaging. Do not stop early even if you feel well.
After your treatment
Guidance after your hair transplant
Congratulations and thank you for your trust. This guide helps you take care of your hair during the healing process, so you achieve the best possible result and minimise the risk of complications.
The healing process
The first weeks decide the final result
The follicles are at their most vulnerable in the first 14 days after the procedure. By following the instructions below you give the transplant the best possible conditions to heal in and start producing new hair. Do not hesitate to get in touch if you are unsure about anything.
Section 1: Medication
Two medications that support healing
You are prescribed two medications in connection with the procedure. Follow the dosage stated on your packaging. Antibiotics can disturb the gut flora, feel free to complement with probiotics during the course if you are usually sensitive.
Cortisone Betapred 0.5 mg
Reduces swelling in the forehead and face during the first days. Taken in the morning as prescribed. Its effect makes the swelling considerably easier to manage.
Probiotics if needed
Complement the antibiotics course with probiotics from the pharmacy if you usually get a sensitive stomach. Always take at least 2 hours apart from the antibiotics.
Section 2: Bandage
Remove the bandage after 24 hours
The bandage on the donor area stays on for 24 hours, max 48 hours. When you remove it, it is important to do so gently so that no scabs come off early and no irritation arises.
Wash your hands thoroughly before you start. If the bandage is stuck, moisten it with lukewarm water and wait 1-2 minutes so it comes off more easily.
How to remove the bandage
- → Wash your hands thoroughly before you start
- → Moisten the bandage with lukewarm water to make it easier
- → Dab gently only on top of the bandage, not directly on the skin
- → Air-dry the area or dry with clean kitchen paper
- → Do NOT use a towel, the fibres can catch a graft
- → The bandage should NOT be re-applied or replaced with a new one
How to sleep the first nights
- → Sleep on your back with your head slightly raised for 2-3 nights
- → Keep sleeping on your back for up to a week after the procedure
- → Use a neck pillow and prop yourself up with pillows around your body
- → Resting on the donor area is OK, avoid pressure on the transplanted area
- → Use clean bedding and the included pad
Section 3: Sleeping advice
Sleep on your back the first nights
The first 48 hours are absolutely crucial for the new follicles to take hold. Pressure on the transplanted area can dislodge the grafts before they have healed in.
Sleep on your back with your head slightly raised and use a neck pillow. Some find it unfamiliar, then it helps to wedge pillows along the sides so you stay in place.
Section 4: Washing the scalp
Wash schedule day by day
The scalp needs extra-gentle handling the first weeks. Follow this schedule, it is designed so the new grafts are left in peace while the donor area heals.
- 24h
Shower the body, not the head
For the first 24 hours, shower your body but keep your head completely dry. The bandage on the donor area can be removed after 24, max 48, hours according to the instructions in its own section.
- 72h
Start washing the scalp
Water below 40 °C, weak stream. Lather the shampoo in your hands and dab gently over the whole head. Let it work for 2 minutes, then rinse in the direction of the hair. Extend the shower time and increase the water pressure gradually day by day.
- 5 days
Gentle massage
After 5 days you can start massaging gently in the direction of the hair with your palms during the wash. This helps the crusts come off naturally.
- 7 days
More intensive wash if crusts remain
If crusts remain: shower twice a day for 10-20 minutes. Let the shampoo work for 5-8 minutes and massage softly in the direction of the hair. The crusts should be gone by day 12.
- 12 days
Back to a normal shower routine
The crusts should now be gone. You can return to a normal shower routine, but keep being gentle with the scalp and avoid sharp streams directly on the transplanted area.
- 4 wk
Back to your regular shampoo
After 4 weeks you can return to your regular shampoo. Air-dry or dab gently with kitchen paper, avoid a towel for 4 weeks as the fibres can catch a graft.
Air-dry or dab gently with kitchen paper, avoid a towel for 4 weeks.
Section 5: NEXO products
The NEXO range for optimal healing
We recommend the NEXO after-care range, developed specifically for hair transplant patients. You receive the products from the clinic or buy them separately.
Shampoo
Gentle cleansing and rehydration. Use from 72 hours after the procedure according to the wash schedule above.
Spray
Leave-in spray that softens and soothes. Sprayed on the transplanted area 20 minutes before the shower and after the shower until the crusts are gone. 4 sprays, 3 times a day.
Cream
Softens the donor area and helps the crusts come off. Apply after the first shower and then twice a day for a week.
Massage brush
For lymphatic drainage against facial swelling. Use from 24 hours after the bandage is removed. Massage from the middle of the face out towards the temples, ears and neck.
Section 6: Common reactions
This is completely normal
The reactions below are part of normal healing. Get in touch with us if anything feels stronger than described or if you are worried.
Redness
Completely normal and part of the healing process. The redness decreases gradually during the first weeks as the skin recovers.
Scabs
Come off naturally 7-10 days after the procedure. It is normal for the odd hair to come away with the scab, the follicle stays in place and new hair grows out.
Pain
Relieve with Paracetamol (Alvedon). Do NOT use NSAIDs or Ipren during the first 72 hours as they thin the blood and can affect the result.
Swelling
Common in the forehead and can travel down towards the face on days 2-4. Drink water, move lightly and use a cold compress (10 minutes at a time, always with a thin cloth in between).
Itching
A common sign that healing is underway and the follicles are waking up. Try to bear with it, do not scratch. Wash a little more often and dab with cool water.
Reduced sensation
Temporary numbness in the scalp is completely normal and is due to the skin’s nerves recovering. Sensation returns gradually, usually within 2-3 months.
Dry scalp
If the donor area feels dry or tight after the first wash, you can apply Bepanthen ointment. Apply a thin layer after washing, avoid the transplanted area.
Section 7: Lifestyle
What to avoid and do
Caffeine
Avoid coffee for 48 hours after the procedure. Caffeine raises blood pressure, which can affect healing.
Alcohol
Abstain from alcohol for at least 48 hours. Alcohol affects the blood’s ability to clot and delays healing.
Snus & nicotine
All nicotine (snus, patches, e-cigarettes) should be avoided for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
Smoking
Abstain from smoking for at least 1 week. Smoking impairs blood flow to the follicles and dramatically reduces the result.
Headwear
A loose-fitting cap is OK after 5 days. A hat only once the crusts are gone (about 12 days).
Exercise & intimacy
Avoid physical activity that raises your heart rate, heavy lifting and sexual activity for 14 days. A raised heart rate increases swelling.
Food
Eat nutritious food with plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals. Drink lots of water throughout the healing period.
Shaving
Trim the donor area after 1 week. The transplanted area after 4 weeks (at least 3 mm). A razor only after 6 months.
Hair products
No styling products (wax, gel, hairspray) during the first 4 weeks. Only NEXO and a mild shampoo.
Sauna & bathing
Avoid sauna, swimming pool, jacuzzi and bathtub for 4 weeks. Heat and chlorine can damage the new grafts.
Sun & UV
Avoid strong sun for 1 month. Use SPF 50 on the scalp and a sun hat for up to 6 months after the procedure.
Protect your head
Avoid knocks, bumps and helmets for 2-4 weeks. Be careful when dressing and undressing so you do not accidentally hit the grafts.
Before your treatment
Preparation before the procedure
16 points on smoking, caffeine, food, clothing and practicalities for your big day.
Read the preparations →Beard after-careAfter-care after a beard transplant
The specific guide for those who have had a beard transplant, healing and shaving.
Read beard after-care →Ready to start?
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