Beard after-care

After-care after a beard transplant

Congratulations and thank you for your trust. The healing process after a beard transplant is usually trouble-free and painless. Follow the advice below to achieve the best possible result and minimise the risk of complications.

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Healing course

From the first day to the final result

The beard’s healing follows a clear course. By knowing what happens week by week it becomes easier to keep your patience and avoid mistakes that affect the final result. Always get in touch if anything feels out of the ordinary.

Timeline

This is how the healing looks over time

48h
Rest and no pressure
The first 48 hours are crucial. Rest, avoid physical exertion and keep the area where the grafts sit completely undisturbed. No hands or phones against the face.
2 days
The first wash
After 2 days you start washing the beard with a sulphate-free shampoo and lukewarm water. Apply gently with your fingertips, let it work for 2 minutes and rinse.
5 days
Keep being careful
The first 5 days remain critical, avoid all pressure on the beard area. No headphones against the cheek, no towels, no contact sports.
14 days
Back to light exercise
After 10-14 days you can gradually return to exercise, but avoid intense heart-rate increases before then as it raises swelling and strains the new follicles.
3 months
First visible growth
Between 2 and 3 months the new follicles start producing visible hair. Mild skin irritation or the odd spot around the graft area is completely normal.
1 year
Final result
You see the full result of your beard transplant after about 12 months, when all the hairs have grown out to their final length and density.

Between weeks 3 and 8 it is normal for some of the newly implanted hairs to shed before they grow back stronger.

After-care in detail

16 tips for trouble-free healing

Rest the first 48 hours

Give the new follicles the conditions to heal. Avoid physical exertion, bending your head forward and raising the blood pressure in your face.

Avoid pressure

The first 5 days are critical. Avoid touching the graft area, the phone against your cheek, pillows against your face or headphones that press.

Painkillers

Alvedon (paracetamol) is usually enough for the first 2-3 days. Do NOT use NSAIDs like Ipren during the first 72 hours.

Food

No particular restrictions around food, eat as usual but nutritiously. However, limit alcohol 48 hours before and after the procedure.

Physical activity

Avoid intense exercise for 10-14 days. A raised heart rate increases swelling and blood pressure, which can affect how the new follicles heal in.

Wash the beard

After 2 days. Use a sulphate-free shampoo and lukewarm water. Apply gently with your fingertips, let it work for 2 min, rinse. Air-dry or dab with kitchen paper.

Growth & irritation

Visible growth begins between 2 and 3 months. Mild skin irritation or spots in the area are normal and disappear once the follicles have stabilised.

Shaving & styling

No razors or styling products for the first 2 weeks. Do not trim shorter than 3 mm. A razor can be used at the earliest 6 months after the procedure.

Smoking & snus

Abstain from smoking for at least 1 week and snus for 48 hours. Nicotine impairs blood flow and directly affects healing.

Intimacy

Keep it calm the first week. A raised heart rate and blood pressure can strain the new follicles before they have taken hold.

Protect against the sun

Use SPF 50 and avoid strong sunlight for at least 1 month. UV radiation can cause pigment changes and damage the young follicles.

Sleeping position

Sleep on your back the first nights and use a neck pillow. Avoid your cheek pressing against the pillow so the grafts are not displaced.

Avoid scratching

Itching is normal during healing. Pat lightly over the area instead of scratching. The itching passes as the skin recovers.

Follow-up visits

Book a follow-up if needed, we are happy to see how the healing develops. Get in touch if anything feels out of the ordinary.

Long-term care

Good hygiene, a nutritious diet, managing stress and avoiding tobacco. It supports the follicles’ long-term health for many years to come.

Patience

The first visible growth comes after 2-3 months. You see the final result after 1 year. Try to avoid comparing yourself week by week.

Signs of complications

When to contact us immediately

Healing is usually free of complications, but if any of the below occurs we want you to get in touch directly so we can assess the situation and take action if needed. It is always better to ask one time too many.