Haircut after hair transplant

One of the most common concerns among our patients is the first haircut after a hair transplant. Cutting the hair too soon may damage the treated areas, especially if it is done incorrectly, as cutting with scissors is not the same as using clippers.

The first thing you should know is that, if you are undergoing a hair transplant at Instituto Médico del Prado in Madrid, you should not arrive with your hair shaved or freshly cut. Our specialist technicians will prepare the donor area correctly so that Dr. Espinosa Custodio can perform the procedure under optimal conditions.

Now, regarding the most important point of this article, your first haircut should only take place several months after the hair transplant. It is also important to understand that the waiting times are different for the donor area and the recipient area.

Haircut after a hair transplant: donor area

The donor area is the first to recover and, therefore, the first area where you can have your hair cut. In this area, you should wait one month before having a haircut with scissors and two months before using hair clippers.

After this period, the donor area can generally be treated as normal. The hair regains its strength and the skin from which the follicles were harvested returns to its previous condition.

Haircut after a hair transplant: recipient area

The situation is different in the recipient area. This area undergoes more stress because it contains the newly implanted grafts, which must establish themselves and begin growing in areas where hair had previously been lost. For this reason, cutting the hair in the recipient area is less advisable during the first few months.

When visiting the hairdresser, a haircut with scissors is generally recommended around 2 to 3 months after the procedure, whereas hair clippers should not be used until approximately 6 months after the transplant.

Finally, it is important to remember that these timeframes are only guidelines. Every patient heals differently after a hair transplant. Dr. Espinosa Custodio will guide you throughout the recovery process and provide personalised recommendations regarding the appropriate time for your haircuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I be careful during my first haircuts?

Yes. The first haircuts should always be done carefully using scissors. Your hairdresser should be informed that you have undergone a hair transplant so they can take extra care not to damage the transplanted follicles.

Can hair clippers really damage the follicles?

Yes. Hair clippers subject both the donor and recipient areas to repeated friction and mechanical stress. This can damage the follicles and even cause newly implanted grafts to become dislodged. For this reason, clippers should not be used until several months after the procedure.

How should I wash my hair after a hair transplant?

Once your hair transplant has been completed, the doctor will explain exactly how to wash your hair during the recovery period. In addition, your first wash will be carried out at the clinic, where you will be able to see first-hand how our specialist technicians perform this initial cleansing procedure.

Dr. Espinosa Custodio works at Instituto Médico del Prado, his hair clinic in Madrid, and performs hair transplants in Mexico, twice a year. If you would like to make an appointment, you can contact us on +34 912 468 664, on WhatsApp +34 627 396 322 or on the contact page of our website. From Mexico you can contact us at +52 55 4590 9909.