Washing your hair correctly in the days after a FUE hair transplant is one of the most important things you can do to protect your grafts. Incorrect washing — too much pressure, the wrong products, or washing too soon — can dislodge newly implanted follicles before they have had time to anchor.
At Harley Street Hairline, every patient receives a detailed washing protocol at discharge. The general principle in the first 72 hours is no washing at all. The grafts are at their most vulnerable during this window, and even gentle water contact carries risk of displacement.
From day four onwards, most surgeons recommend a gentle pour technique — using a small cup to trickle diluted baby shampoo over the scalp rather than rubbing or scrubbing. Keep water lukewarm and avoid any direct shower pressure on the recipient area for at least ten days.
By the end of week two, the grafts are anchored and you can return to a more normal washing routine. Avoid anti-dandruff shampoos containing harsh sulphates for the first month, and do not use a hairdryer on a hot setting until the scalp has fully settled.
If you are unsure at any stage, contact your clinic rather than guessing. Getting the washing routine right in the first two weeks has a direct impact on your final graft survival rate.
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