Itching and Redness After Hair Transplant: Is It Normal?

Itching and Redness After Hair Transplant” are common concerns for individuals undergoing this transformative procedure. While these symptoms may cause discomfort, they are often signs of a natural healing process following the surgery. Understanding the causes, duration, and effective management strategies can ease your recovery journey and ensure the best possible outcome. In this guide, we delve into why these issues occur, how to address them safely, and when to consult your surgeon for professional advice.

Getting a hair transplant can be quite an exciting procedure. However, this procedure can come with some complications. Itching is common after a hair transplant, especially during the healing process. While redness and itching after a hair transplant are often a good sign, there may be situations where you need to take precautions. In this guide, we examine the symptom and what you can do to help.

Causes of Itching and Redness

Immediately after a hair transplant, patients often feel a strong desire to itch or scratch their scalp. This is nothing to worry about. Itching after a hair transplant is simply a sign that your scalp (i.e. the donor and transplant area) is in the healing process. One of the causes of itching after a hair transplant is the scalp’s release of histamines, which can cause itching in response to the repair of skin tissue. The important point to remember is this: Do not scratch your itchy scalp after a hair transplant! Itching after a hair transplant is a completely normal part of the process. A common question after the procedure is:

How long does itching after a hair transplant last?

It really depends, and every hair transplant client has a unique experience. You will want to touch your head after a hair transplant, but don’t! Itching after a hair transplant tends to be worse at night; this is because you can’t wash your hair and scalp immediately after the hair transplant. Your scalp responds to the crusting and inflammation after the surgery. However, you will notice a big improvement after you wash your head for the first time (i.e. after your first hair wash on the 3rd day). The itching sensation should subside after the first wash and improve with the last wash. Itching after a hair transplant can still occur up to 2 months later. It can occur all over the transplanted area or just in certain areas. Scalp itching weeks or months after a hair transplant can be the result of dry skin, infection (e.g. dermatitis), an allergic reaction to topical products, and/or a pre-existing skin condition (e.g. psoriasis). Again, itching is not necessarily a cause for concern; it is considered a normal part of skin tissue repair and healing. You should also expect crusts to form around the transplanted follicles, which may look like small “dots” on your head for a few weeks. Crusts may first form in the donor area (the area where the follicles were taken) and then in the recipient area (the area where the follicles were transplanted) and may fall off. All crusts should be gone within one to two weeks after surgery. Keep in mind that as your crusts fall off, you may notice your hair falling out with them. This is also completely normal and nothing to worry about. Your hair will grow back from the transplanted root and will become much thicker and fuller after 3-5 months.

Normal and Abnormal Conditions

You may experience hair loss in the first few weeks after a hair transplant. However, this is nothing to worry about. This is part of the normal functioning of the hair growth cycle. This may last for 2-3 weeks, but new hair follicles will begin to grow within a few months. Whether you opt for Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), small incisions are made in the scalp to allow the transplant of new hair follicles, which means that a small amount of bleeding is inevitable after the hair transplant. However, our experienced surgeons at FUE Clinics will ensure that blood loss is kept to a minimum. It is important to notify the person performing the surgery if you are taking blood thinners to minimise the risk of excessive bleeding.

Avoid exercising for at least 2 weeks after the hair transplant; the increase in your heart rate during exercise will increase your blood pressure. This can cause bleeding in the recipient areas of your scalp. Another thing that can cause redness after a hair transplant is scabs. But don’t pick the scabs; although it may be tempting to pick them when your head itches, they can cause bleeding. Following your surgeon’s aftercare advice will ensure that your hair falls out naturally when you start washing your hair again.

Follow the aftercare guide; following the aftercare guide given by your surgeon is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a speedy recovery after surgery. You may experience itching after a hair transplant because of crusting. But rest assured, it will pass after a while! Itching only lasts 7-14 days and is a sign that the tissue on your scalp is starting to heal. If you have had an FUE hair transplant, there will be very small needle-like scars on your scalp. However, since they are very small and will hide under your hair when it grows, it is unlikely that they will be noticeable. These scars may cause itching after a hair transplant. Also, FUT hair transplant will cause a linear scar to form on the back of your head. Again, this scar will not be visible unless your hair is very short, so you don’t need to worry about the redness that this will cause after hair transplant. Redness after hair transplant is annoying. Another cause is cysts. Cysts usually look like a cluster of pimples and can appear immediately after surgery. This may be because the areas of the scalp where new hair is transplanted are prone to infection. Cysts can also occur when embedded grafts are not removed properly. This can be easily treated with medication and usually disappear within a few weeks. However, in rare cases, the doctor may resort to surgery to remove the cysts. Since every case is different, it is recommended that you talk to your surgeon for expert advice.

Relaxing Methods

There are several important reasons why you should not touch, itch or scratch your hair after hair transplant. Itching after hair transplant is annoying and it is normal to want to intervene. But here are some good reasons not to scratch:

You could accidentally dislodge or pull newly transplanted hairs, which could have a detrimental effect on the final regrowth results.

1. You could open donor incisions, which would delay healing.
2. You run the risk of introducing a skin infection (such as folliculitis) into the hair follicle.
3. Scratching and itching can only increase irritation and discomfort.

If you experience itching after a hair transplant, there’s no need to worry. There are always a few things you can do. We’ve listed some of them below:

• Taking an antihistamine
• Avoiding the sun. Because burning can make itching worse
• Avoiding wearing hats or head coverings, as some fabrics can cause irritation
• Avoiding situations that make you sweat, as dried sweat can cause irritation
• Medicated shampoo (e.g., anti-itch formula)
• Prescription steroid scalp solution
• Applying ice packs or cold compresses as directed by your doctor after surgery
• Keep your head elevated while awake and sleep in a semi-sitting position. Many patients prefer to sleep in a recliner to reduce morning swelling
• Never shower under very hot water
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet and avoid salty foods

Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for the first two weeks after your procedure
Wear a hat or other head covering to protect your scalp from direct sunlight when you go outside
Avoid touching, scratching or rubbing your scalp. Avoid picking at scabs
Follow all aftercare instructions from your surgeon closely and use all medications as directed
We strongly recommend that you stay in touch with your clinic or hair transplant consultant when treating scalp itching.

Situations in Which Expert Opinion Should Be Seen

Hair transplant is a complicated operation. It is quite normal to experience itching after hair transplant. However, the definition of normal is parallel to the duration. If you still have these problems after doing everything you can do at home, you may need expert opinion.

Although rare, some people may experience an infection after hair transplant. Symptoms may include:

• Burning
• Itching
• Pus-filled abscess
• Pus leakage
• warmth
• Bleeding
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Headaches

These symptoms may be a sign of an infection. This is a sign that it is time to call your doctor.

Choosing a reliable clinic is one of the most important things to consider when deciding to have a hair transplant. If the surgeon performs the procedure using unsanitary tools or in a clinic with poor hygiene standards, the possibility of infection is higher. Underlying medical conditions (conditions that weaken your immune system, such as diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure) can increase the possibility of infection.

Excessive crust formation is another condition that requires you to see a specialist. Another cause of redness after hair transplant is crusting. Although crusts form during the healing process as expected, severe crusting can cause itching and encourage you to scratch your head. However, doing this can transfer bacteria to your open wounds and increase the risk of infection. Mild infections can be easily treated with antibiotics prescribed by your surgeon. To minimize the risk to your hair grafts, you should contact your surgeon as soon as you notice any signs of infection. When considering a hair transplant, be sure to do your research and choose an experienced and reputable clinic.