Day 1
Dressing day
- Dressing and check-up at the clinic
- Do not remove the donor bandage yourself
- Start your spray routine after the dressing
- Band and neck pillow, ice gel on the temples
Stops 08–11 · Days 1–30
After My Hair Transplant: Days 1 to 30
Hair transplant recovery takes about 10 days for the scalp to heal and 12 to 18 months for the final result. This page covers days 1 to 30, from your dressing day to your first haircut.
- 4 stops
- 22 tasks
- 30 days of care
My tasks for this phase
Your first month, day by day
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My First 48 Hours
Day 1 after a hair transplant is dressing day: the team removes your donor bandage, applies wound care gel and starts your spray routine at the clinic.
Day 2
Settling in
- Spray routine, as the team showed you
- Medicines as prescribed
- Band and ice gel
- Lotion on the donor area if it feels dry
Normal
- Swelling that moves down to the forehead
- A feeling of tightness in the donor area
- A little pinkish discharge on the first day
Message us
- Swelling that keeps getting worse
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
My First Hair Wash
Your first wash is on day 2 or 3, at the clinic. The team washes your hair with you and shows you how to do it without touching the grafts.
-
Step 1
Lukewarm water
Never hot. Test it on your wrist first.
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Step 2
Lather in your palms
Make the foam in your hands, not on your head.
-
Step 3
Pat it on
Press the foam on gently. No rubbing, no nails.
-
Step 4
Rinse gently
Pour water with a cup or low shower pressure.
Your first wash is done with the team at the clinic. Afterwards, follow the routine they show you until your final wash.
Send me the washing video
Swelling & Flying Home
Hair transplant swelling peaks on day 3 or 4 and is usually gone by day 7. You can sleep on your back from day 3 and wear a wide, loose cap from day 4.
Swelling, day by day
The usual pattern after a hair transplant: swelling starts on the forehead, moves down around the eyes and is gone by day 7.
Day 0 · None
No swelling yet
Keep your head raised, even when you sleep.
Day 1 · Mild
Forehead
Band on, ice gel on your temples.
Day 2 · Moderate
Forehead
Band and ice gel; sleep with your head raised.
Day 3 · Peak
Forehead and around the eyes
This is the peak. You can now sleep on your back.
Day 4 · Peak
Around the eyes
If it has gone down, you can stop the band and ice gel.
Day 5 · Moderate
Around the eyes and cheeks
Going down by itself. Nothing extra to do.
Day 6 · Mild
Fading
Almost gone.
Day 7 · None
Usually gone
Still swollen and getting bigger? Send us a photo.
Typical course at our clinic. Your swelling may be lighter or shorter.
Flight day checklist
Cap or no cap?
No cap yet
Keep your head uncovered and let the grafts settle. Use the band and ice gel.
Wide, loose cap
A loose cap that does not press on the grafts. Put it on and take it off carefully.
Tight cap and helmet
After your final wash a tight cap is fine, and a helmet from day 10.
Scabs & Final Wash
Hair transplant scabs come off at the final wash on day 9 or 10, at the clinic if you are still in Turkey or by video if you are home.
Where are you on day 9?
Final wash at the clinic
Book your final wash at the clinic. The team washes your hair and gently removes the scabs.
Final wash by video
Follow the washing video we send you. Take your time; the scabs come off with the soft foam.
Until then
- Keep using the spray until the bottle is finished
- Crusting and mild itching are normal
- Do not scratch or pick
Shedding & Daily Care
Transplanted hairs shed between day 15 and day 90. This is expected: the follicle stays under the skin and new hair grows from month 3.
Can I…? Pick an activity
You can do light exercise from day 10 and all sports from day 21. Sauna, Turkish bath and haircuts wait until month 1.
When can I shower?
From the first evening
Keep the water off your head until your first wash.
When can I wear a cap?
From day 4
Wide and loose, nothing that presses on the grafts.
When can I drink alcohol?
After day 5
Alcohol slows healing in the first days.
When can I exercise after a hair transplant?
From day 10
Walking and light cardio. Avoid heavy sweating at first.
When can I swim in the sea after a hair transplant?
From day 10
Rinse your scalp with clean water afterwards.
Can I get caught in the rain?
From day 10
Before day 10, cover your head with a loose hood or umbrella.
When can I wear a helmet or a tight cap after a hair transplant?
From day 10
After your final wash.
When can I go out in the sun?
From day 10
Short time outside is fine; wear a loose hat for longer.
When can I smoke?
After day 10
The longer you wait, the better the blood flow to the grafts.
When can I go back to the gym and all sports after a hair transplant?
From day 21
Including gym and contact sports.
When can I stay in strong sun?
From week 3
Beach and long hours in the sun; use a hat at first.
When can I use a sauna or Turkish bath after a hair transplant?
From month 1
Including steam rooms and the ozone pool.
When can I get a haircut after a hair transplant?
From month 1
Scissors or clipper.
When can I have PRP?
From month 1
Ask your doctor about supporting treatments.
When can I dye my hair?
From month 3
Herbal dyes only at first.
When can I use styling products?
From month 3
Gel, wax and spray.
When can I swim in a chlorinated pool?
From month 6
Chlorine dries the new hair; the sea is fine earlier.
Add your surgery date at the top and we show the exact date.
Shedding is part of the plan
Clinic protocol. Your doctor may adjust it to your healing.
When to Message Us
You never bother us. If something feels wrong, message us the same day; some signs need an answer straight away.
Is this normal?
Pick the day and what you notice.
What do you notice?
Normal
Swelling peaks on day 3 or 4 and can move down to your forehead and around your eyes. Keep your head raised and use the ice gel on your temples.
Keep an eye on it
Swelling should be going down now and is usually gone by day 7. If it is not getting smaller, send us a photo.
Message us today
Swelling after day 7 is not expected. Message us today with a photo.
Message us with a photoNormal
Pink or red skin in the transplanted area is part of healing.
Keep an eye on it
Light pinkness can last a few weeks and fades slowly. If it spreads, feels hot or has pus, message us today.
Normal
Small crusts around each graft are normal until your final wash on day 9 or 10. Do not scratch or pick.
Keep an eye on it
A few crusts can stay after the final wash. Keep washing gently as shown; they come off on their own.
Normal
Mild itching is a sign of healing, most often in days 5 to 10. Do not scratch; your spray helps.
Keep an eye on it
Itching that lasts after week 2, or comes with small spots, is worth a photo. Send one with your next check-in.
Keep an eye on it
A little pinkish discharge or a spot of blood is common on day 1. Press gently with clean gauze. If it does not stop, message us now.
Message us today
Bleeding after day 1 is not expected. Press gently with clean gauze and message us today.
Message us with a photoNormal
Mild pain or tightness, mostly in the donor area, is expected. Our patients rate it 1.8 out of 10 on the first night and 1.2 on day 3.
Keep an eye on it
Pain is usually very low by now and most patients need no pain reliever after day 5. If yours is not easing, message us.
See every answer
| What you notice | Days | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling | Days 1–4 | Normal. Swelling peaks on day 3 or 4 and can move down to your forehead and around your eyes. Keep your head raised and use the ice gel on your temples. |
| Swelling | Days 5–7 | Keep an eye on it. Swelling should be going down now and is usually gone by day 7. If it is not getting smaller, send us a photo. |
| Swelling | Days 8–30 | Message us today. Swelling after day 7 is not expected. Message us today with a photo. |
| Redness | Days 1–10 | Normal. Pink or red skin in the transplanted area is part of healing. |
| Redness | Days 11–30 | Keep an eye on it. Light pinkness can last a few weeks and fades slowly. If it spreads, feels hot or has pus, message us today. |
| Scabs | Days 1–10 | Normal. Small crusts around each graft are normal until your final wash on day 9 or 10. Do not scratch or pick. |
| Scabs | Days 11–14 | Keep an eye on it. A few crusts can stay after the final wash. Keep washing gently as shown; they come off on their own. |
| Scabs | Days 15–30 | Message us today. Crusts should be gone by now. Send us a photo today. |
| Itching | Days 1–14 | Normal. Mild itching is a sign of healing, most often in days 5 to 10. Do not scratch; your spray helps. |
| Itching | Days 15–30 | Keep an eye on it. Itching that lasts after week 2, or comes with small spots, is worth a photo. Send one with your next check-in. |
| Bleeding | Day 1 | Keep an eye on it. A little pinkish discharge or a spot of blood is common on day 1. Press gently with clean gauze. If it does not stop, message us now. |
| Bleeding | Days 2–30 | Message us today. Bleeding after day 1 is not expected. Press gently with clean gauze and message us today. |
| Pain | Days 1–3 | Normal. Mild pain or tightness, mostly in the donor area, is expected. Our patients rate it 1.8 out of 10 on the first night and 1.2 on day 3. |
| Pain | Days 4–7 | Keep an eye on it. Pain is usually very low by now and most patients need no pain reliever after day 5. If yours is not easing, message us. |
| Pain | Days 8–30 | Message us today. Pain should be gone by now. Message us today. |
This does not replace your doctor. Fever or feeling unwell: message us straight away.
Message us the same day if you have
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Redness, heat or pus that gets worse
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
- Pain that your pain reliever does not ease
- Swelling that keeps increasing after day 4
Quick answers
- When can I shower after a hair transplant?
- Your body from the first evening; your head waits for your first wash at the clinic on day 2 or 3.
- When can I wear a hat after a hair transplant?
- A wide, loose cap from day 4, a tight cap after the final wash and a helmet from day 10.
- When can I drink alcohol and smoke after a hair transplant?
- Alcohol after day 5, smoking after day 10.
- When can I wash my hair normally after a hair transplant?
- After your final wash on day 9 or 10, you go back to your normal routine.
Your kit and personal dose plan come from your doctor; they are not on this page. Ask about my kit.
A note from your doctor
Dear Guest,
The service we provide is not limited to a single operation; it is a journey to open a brand-new chapter in your life. We are a team passionate about our work, paying attention to every detail with utmost care.
Our goal is not only a physical transformation, but to help you feel stronger, happier and more confident when you look in the mirror. Remember, you are not alone. We will stay in touch and be by your side every step of the way.
Thank you for trusting us with this new beginning.
With my warmest regards,
Dr. Servet Terziler Founder, Dr. Terziler Exclusive Clinic
P.S. Your daily photos help us see how you are healing. Send them every day for the first 10 days, then at month 1, 4, 7 and 12.
End of phase
Download PDF
My first 30 days journal
Your kit list, a page for each of the first 10 days, the "When can I?" timeline and weekly check-ins. Print it and tick as you go.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Servet TerzilerAACI-accredited surgeon, inventor of the Robotic DHI machine, founder and president of TÜSATDER, ISHRS workshop alumnus (34.55 AMA PRA Category 1 credits), and the surgeon internationally referred to as the "Picasso of Hair."
Last medically reviewed:
This page is written according to current clinical practice and reviewed by licensed hair transplant surgeon Dr. Servet Terziler.This guide is general information; the plan your doctor gives you always comes first.
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