How to Sleep After Hair Transplant Surgery
Whether you’re at the beginning, middle, or end of your treatment, this guide is your go-to for best sleeping habits to get your hair back and feeling better. We will also include some links to helpful products to use during recovery. Note: these links are non-affiliate.
In addition, I’ll give you guys some self-care tips and proper sleeping positions. Even if you don’t like to sleep very much, your sleeping habits after surgery can make or break your results. With good sleep hygiene, you can even speed up your recovery rate. If you follow this guide, you will be handsome and well-rested in no time!
This article will have 4 sections as follows, but feel free to skip around to find what you need:
- The Best Way to Sleep After a Hair Transplant Procedure
- How Long Until You Can Sleep Normally After a Hair Transplant
- How to Use Sleeping Position to Optimize Your Transplant Results
- The Do’s and Don’ts Before and After a Hair Transplant
What is the best way to sleep after a hair transplant procedure?
In this section, we will answer your questions and go over some products you can use for best sleeping after a hair transplant procedure. Scroll down to Section 2 if you’re already past this step and want to know how long you have until you can sleep normally.
Can I sleep on my side after a hair transplant?
No. Sleeping on your side is not recommended.
Can I sleep on my tummy after a hair transplant?
No. Sorry to say, although it could be more comfortable for your head during the recovery phase, sleeping on your tummy is also not recommended.
Can I apply ice directly to the scalp?
While it may make it feel better in the moment, unfortunately, ice is not recommended as it can complicate the healing process, so it would do you more harm than good. It is best to restrain from touching your scalp at all until 72 hours (3 days) after treatment to prevent the risk of infection. The good news is that you can safely use ice on your forehead for 20-30 minutes, just above your eyebrows.
How do I prevent infection after a hair transplant?
Have your bed sheets and pillowcases freshly washed before your appointment so they are ready for you when you get back. Make sure you get proper laundry detergent that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic as fragrances and even natural allergens can seep into the porous areas that have not healed yet.
Should I sleep on my back after treatment?
Yes and no. Depending on where your swelling is, sleeping on your back may or may not be comfortable. We will go into more detail in Section 2. If preparing for recovery, invest in an extra soft neck pillow, like this one.
What position should I sleep in after hair transplant surgery?
The best way to sleep after a hair transplant is elevated, preferably on a comfy recliner you have at home. Good support is important because your neck and head should lie above your heart. If it’s within your budget, at Welfare Abroad, we like this recliner for its flexibility and remote-control feature. Unlike a couch, this is better for your back and can be shaped for your body.
How long until I can sleep normally after a hair transplant?
When can I sleep normally?
For nights 1-3, we recommend the recliner and neck pillow sleeping position. For the 4th and 5th nights, you can lie flat on your bed, but only with a neck pillow. By the 6th night, you can use a normal pillow, as your grafts will be in a secure position. You only need to be elevated until the fourth night after your hair transplant.
Best Sleeping Positions After Hair Transplant Surgery
- Sleeping Position 1:
A recliner with a neck pillow is recommended for Days 1-3 after FUT or FUE hair transplant surgery. - Sleeping Position 2:
For Days 4-6, sleeping on your back but with a neck pillow is recommended. - Sleeping Position 3:
From Day 6 onward or until your doctor says it’s okay, a memory foam pillow will be your best choice for the remainder of recovery to ensure stillness while sleeping. We like this one as it will help you stay on your back while sleeping.
Why knowing the right position after hair transplant is very important?
How do I get the best hair transplant results?
The greatest risk of swelling occurs within your first four nights of recovery. Hair falling out during this process is normal, but too much contact with the grafts before they’re ready can prevent them from transplanting properly, and they could fall out prematurely. Therefore, for best results, we recommend as little contact as possible and refraining from washing your hair for three days.
Washing your new hair
On the 4th day, you can do a gentle water rinse for your hair with a cup in the shower. On the 6th day, you can wash your hair as you normally would, but with gentle fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic shampoo. However, it’s important to check in with your doctor before using a new product to make sure your scalp is ready. When ready, you can try this shampoo as it is formulated specifically to be used in tandem with hair loss treatment.
The consequences of not sleeping properly after hair transplant surgery
According to Healthline, recovery can be complicated for both FUT and FUE. Many side effects can ensue if you’re not careful, but a lot of these can be prevented with the proper sleeping position. Sleeping position is important because it’s the only time of day when we are not conscious of our bodies in space.
Common side effects associated with not knowing how to sleep after a transplant:
- Irritated scalp – from contact with the area during sleep
- Infections – from unwashed pillowcases and sheets during sleep.
- Bleeding – if the grafts become loose or removed while tossing and turning
- Dizziness – Keeping some water by your bedside table can help with this as it is recommended to take 10% more water than usual for your first week. For the first 3-7 days, you can set a repeating timer to alert you to drink an 8 oz glass of water every hour.
What are the "do's" and "don'ts" of sleeping after a hair transplant procedure?
Do:
- Sleep on your back
- Avoid letting anything touch your new hair grafts
- Avoid strenuous activity and situations where you sweat
- Elevate your head
- Sleep in a recliner if you can
Don’t:
- Sleep on your stomach
- Forget to drink water
- Apply ice directly to your scalp
- Let anything touch your new hair grafts
- Forget your doctor’s instructions and prescriptions
- Dye your hair for at least 12 months
- Apply any other chemicals to your hair for 12 months
- Wear hats or headgear
- Perform vigorous activities
- Drink, smoke, or consume very spicy foods
- Eat a lot of sugar
Conclusion: Sleeping position after hair transplant
In this guide, we gave you four ways to improve your sleeping position after a hair transplant: reclining with a neck pillow, best results practices, the consequences of improper sleep, and dos and don’ts, so you are better prepared for your recovery. We wish you wellness and health, and until next time, let us know how these tips were helpful for you.
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