Can you dye your hair after a hair transplant?

28th October 2020

For many of our patients, being able to style and experiment with their newly transplanted hair is an exciting moment. However, it is important to be extra careful with your scalp in the first few weeks after a hair transplant while the skin and new follicles are healing. One of the questions we’re often asked is “can you dye your hair after a hair transplant?” Let’s consider this question in more detail…

Can you dye your hair after a hair transplant? The answer is yes, you can dye your hair after a transplant. However, it’s important to wait for at least 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery before colouring your hair. The hair follicles are particularly sensitive after a hair transplant and the harsh chemicals found in hair dye risk irritating the treated area and damaging the grafts.

The two main methods of transplanting hair at The Maitland Clinic are known as Follicular Unit Transplant/strip (FUT) and Follicular Unit Excision/Extraction (FUE). Both procedures involve taking healthy hair follicles from a donor area of the scalp and transplanting them to the areas affected by hair loss. Tiny incisions are made in the recipient area of the scalp, and the hair grafts are placed into these sites.

Following a hair transplant, there will be some scabbing in the recipient area of the scalp. You may also experience some swelling and initial discomfort, although this will soon subside. During the first few weeks, the newly implanted grafts are very fragile and you should take care not to damage them.

Dyeing your hair after a hair transplant

If you usually colour your hair, you may be keen to know if, and when, you can do so after your hair transplant. While it is possible to dye your hair following a hair transplant, it’s important to remember that your scalp will be much more sensitive after your surgery.

By exposing the transplanted areas to the harsh chemicals, peroxides and bleaching agents found in hair dye, there is a risk that you may irritate the scalp and damage your new grafts. This can, in turn, prolong your recovery and lead to poor hair growth. For this reason, it’s best to wait a few weeks before reaching for the hair dye.

Your scalp and grafts require special care after a hair transplant so it’s vital that you follow the advice of our surgical team to increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome.

How long after a hair transplant do you have to wait to dye your hair?

At The Maitland Clinic we usually advise patients to wait a minimum of 4 weeks before colouring their hair, although 6 weeks is preferred. By this point, your scalp will be fully healed and your new grafts will have had plenty of time to take root.

If, or when, you decide to colour your hair, we recommend that you ask a professional to apply the dye. A skilled colourist can help you choose a dye that’s most suited to your hair and you’ll also have peace of mind that it has been applied correctly. If you do intend to colour your hair yourself, always remember to complete a patch test in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I dye my hair before a hair transplant?

If you’re scheduled to undergo a hair transplant, you may be wondering whether you can dye your hair before the procedure. The answer to this question is yes – it’s perfectly fine to colour your hair before a hair transplant, providing that you do so a few days in advance of your surgery. This is because the dye can colour the scalp and make it harder for the medical team to see where to make the necessary incisions. It also allows time for any harsh chemicals to be washed away before the surgery.

If you don’t like the idea of going too long without dyeing your hair, colouring it in the lead up to your surgery will give you a good window of time before you need to do it again.
If you have any questions or concerns about styling, dyeing or cutting your hair after a hair transplant, please do get in touch.

Hair transplants at The Maitland Clinic

The Maitland Clinic has an excellent record of performing successful FUT and FUE hair transplants. Our leading surgeon, Dr Edward Ball, is an expert in hair restoration. His technical skill, experience and artistry mean he can create a perfectly natural look that blends seamlessly with the rest of your hair. You can view some of our results in our online gallery.

As part of our commitment to our patients, we also provide a comprehensive aftercare service. Following your treatment, you will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your scalp and grafts, as well as advice about going out into the sun and resuming your normal activities.

But our support stretches far beyond the initial recovery period – we see our patients as lifelong beneficiaries of our haircare services. You’re welcome to return to us for support and advice at any point, whether it’s months or even years after your treatment. You can read more about our aftercare service here.

To arrange a consultation please call us on 02392 706 122 or email us at enquiries@themaitlandclinic.com.