Preparing your scalp in the weeks before a hair transplant maximises graft survival, reduces complication risk, and gives the procedure the best possible conditions for success. Here is what matters.
Scalp hygiene: Wash your hair daily with a gentle shampoo in the week before surgery. A clean scalp with no product buildup reduces infection risk and gives the surgeon the clearest possible view of the donor zone during planning and extraction.
Minoxidil: If you are using topical minoxidil, stop two to three days before the procedure. Minoxidil is a vasodilator — continued use close to surgery can increase intraoperative bleeding. Resume at the one-month post-operative mark.
Scalp conditions: If you have seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, or folliculitis affecting the scalp, ensure these are as well controlled as possible before the procedure. Active inflammation or infection in the scalp is a reason to postpone until the condition is stable.
Hair length: The donor area will need to be shaved to 1 to 2mm for FUE extraction. Most clinics do this on the day of the procedure — you do not need to pre-shave. If you are having a partial shave where only a strip of the donor area is shaved (allowing longer hair above to cover it), your clinic will advise you on the specific length to attend with.
Sunburn: Do not allow the donor or recipient areas to become sunburned in the weeks before surgery. Sunburned scalp is more fragile, bleeds more during the procedure, and heals less predictably.
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