How to Speed Up Hair Growth After a Hair Transplant

Written by Laura Wallace Henderson

18 December, 2018

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Many individuals experience hair loss that may lead to balding. While hair loss from illnesses, poor nutrition and surgical procedures may resolve on its own, other types of hair loss, such as male-pattern balding, may result in permanent loss of hair. Hair transplants are surgical procedures that may help to eliminate bald patches of scalp. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, new hair growth may take about six months to start looking natural 1 2. Properly caring for your hair after a transplant may help to improve your chances of successful results and promote the fastest hair growth possible.

Treat your scalp gently after your hair transplant procedure 3. Apply any medication your doctor prescribed, using minimal pressure to avoid disturbing the sections of transplanted hair. Wait until your doctor advises you to shampoo your hair. Once he gives you permission, use a gentle shampoo to cleanse the area around the hair follicles carefully. Use a light touch to disperse the shampoo, avoiding rubbing movements. Rinse gently, avoiding strong water pressure. Pat your scalp dry with a soft towel.

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Keep your fingers away from your healing scalp. You may notice slight itching and scabbing around your transplanted hair. Avoid scratching your scalp or picking at the small scabs.

Limit your activities right after your transplant. Avoid all physical activities, such as jogging, bicycling and sports for at least seven to 10 days. This period of rest can help prevent areas of transplanted hair from falling out of your scalp.

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Consume a balanced diet that contains a variety of healthy foods. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that good nutrition may improve your hair growth 4. Consume a diet that includes antioxidant foods, such as blueberries, squash, peppers, cherries and tomatoes. Avoid eating any foods you may be allergic to, such as soy, wheat and dairy, as well as food any additives that cause allergic reactions. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water each day.

Treat yourself to a gentle scalp massage after your doctor gives you the green light to begin manipulating the area around your transplanted hair. Mix three drops of the essential oils of rosemary, sage and peppermint. Stir these into 1 tbsp. of olive oil. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these essential herbs may help stimulate new hair growth 4. Apply the oil mixture to your scalp and massage gently once or twice each day.

Ask your doctor about using minoxidil to help your hair grow faster. According to MedlinePlus, this topical solution may help stimulate hair growth 5. Apply this solution to your clean scalp, according to the label's instructions or your doctor’s recommendations. Wash your fingers well after applying minoxidil to your new hair.