When to touch hair after a hair transplant? Hair transplantation is an effective way to regain a thick head of hair, but the success of the procedure depends on many factors, including how quickly the grafts fuse with the scalp. Tissue-skin fusion is the process by which transplanted grafts become permanently embedded in the recipient site, so that they cannot be accidentally removed.

Scientific results

A 2006 study by Dr. Robert M. Bernstein and Dr. William R. Rassman, published in Dermatologic Surgery, sheds light on how long this process takes and how post-operative care can be optimized to increase the chances of success. If you are planning a transplant or have undergone surgery, this article will explain how the timing of tissue adhesion affects the healing process and what you can do to protect your new hair.

Tissue healing and fusion is a key step that determines whether transplanted grafts – follicular units containing one to four hairs – will remain in place. Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Rassman studied how long after the procedure the grafts are prone to accidental removal, such as during washing the head, combing or accidental rubbing. The study involved 42 patients who returned for follow-up visits at various intervals after surgery, and the researchers tested whether the grafts could be easily pulled out by pulling on the hair or scabs. The results showed that the transplanted hair follicle does not reach full stability until nine days after surgery, which is important for post-operative protocols.

When can the transplanted hair be touched?

The study showed that for the first 2 days after transplantation, grafts are very fragile – pulling a hair always resulted in loss of the graft. This means that during this period, special care must be taken to avoid any actions that could damage the transplanted area. From the third day onward, the risk begins to diminish, and by the sixth day, pulling a hair no longer results in the graft being pulled out. However, scabs, which can adhere to grafts, remain problematic – pulling them resulted in graft loss until the fifth day after the procedure, and this risk decreased gradually until the eighth day. Full stability, the point at which the graft can no longer be removed by pulling, occurs after nine days – at which point the grafts are no longer at risk of accidental removal.

Healing after hair transplantation

One of the key findings of the study is the effect of scabs on the healing process. The presence of scabs prolongs the time that grafts are at risk of falling out, as scabs can be accidentally detached during daily activities such as shampooing or combing. Dr. Bernstein stresses that preventing the formation of scabs after transplantation can shorten the period during which the graft is prone to pulling out, thereby allowing patients to return to normal hair care sooner. How to achieve this? The key is to gently wash the scalp after the procedure – preferably with lukewarm water, avoiding rubbing and using gentle movements to minimize scab formation.

The timing of skin-hair follicle adhesion is also important for planning daily activities after surgery. Dr. Bernstein’s study shows that for the first 10 days, intensive activities that may disturb the grafts should be avoided, such as vigorous scrubbing of the scalp, wearing tight hats or playing contact sports like boxing or soccer. In the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) method, restrictions may be longer – up to three months – due to the need for a linear scar to heal in the donor area. In the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method, the restrictions are mainly on the first 10 days, which coincides with the period during which the graft reaches full stability.

Tanning before hair transplantation

Interestingly, the study indicates that tissue adhesion may be more problematic in patients with damaged connective tissue, such as from prolonged sun exposure. In these individuals, it may take longer for the hair follicle to fuse with the scalp, requiring special care and potentially different postoperative protocols. Dr. Bernstein suggests that future studies should focus on such patient groups to better understand how different skin conditions affect adhesion and how post-operative care can be tailored to increase the effectiveness of the procedure.

Practical tips after hair transplantation

What practical tips do patients get from the study? First, be very gentle for the first 10 days after transplantation – avoid scrubbing, scratching or rubbing, which can interfere with tissue fusion. Second, you should focus on minimizing scabs – washing gently with lukewarm water and following your doctor’s instructions, such as avoiding aggressive shampoos, can help significantly. Third, if you notice hair loss in the first 2-3 weeks, don’t worry – this is a normal process where hair (but not follicles) can fall out while the healing and tissue fusion process is already advanced enough that the follicles remain in place and will start producing new hair after a few months.

When to touch hair after hair transplantation? Summary

The fusion of hair follicles with the scalp is a process that requires time and proper care to ensure the success of the procedure. Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Rassman’s study shows that full fusion of the grafts occurs after 9 days, but special care must be taken for the first few days after surgery to avoid disturbing the delicate grafts. Minimizing scabs and following post-operative instructions can shorten this period and allow you to enjoy the effects of transplantation sooner.

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