Itching after a hair transplant is a widespread sensation and is usually a part of the recovery process. It’s totally normal! On this page, you’ll find out everything you need to know about hair transplant itching, including its causes, how long it lasts into the recovery process, and how to relieve itching sensations.
Contents
Overview:
- Hair transplant itching is a completely normal part of the healing process, caused by scab formation, dry skin, nerve regeneration, and a small amount of inflammation.
- Itching after a hair transplant typically lasts between 7 and 14 days. The itchiness usually peaks towards the end of the first week and gradually improves towards the end of the initial recovery period.
- There are several methods to relieve symptoms of an itchy scalp, including saline (salt-water) spray, gentle washing (as outlined in aftercare instructions), and antihistamines approved by your hair transplant surgeon.
Hair Transplant Itching: What is it?
After a hair transplant, all patients will experience a small amount of discomfort in the first two weeks after surgery. It’s a completely normal part of the healing process. One of the most common after-effects of a hair transplant procedure is an itchy scalp.
Itching occurs when certain nerve fibres in the skin are activated, triggering signals that travel through the spinal cord to the brain, where they are perceived as an itch. While there are several broader explanations for itching after a hair transplant, it is primarily caused by nerve fibre activation during the healing process.
After a hair transplant surgery, the body begins repairing tissue and regenerating tiny nerves in the scalp. As these nerves regrow, they can send abnormal signals that the brain interprets as itching. The healing process involves the release of cytokines that can further contribute to the sensation of itch.
Believe it or not, itchiness in the first couple of days after a hair transplant is a really positive sign. Although, you probably won’t view it that way! It is an indication that your transplanted hair follicles are scabbing over.
Why Do We Have an Itchy Scalp After a Hair Transplant Procedure?
Itching after a hair transplant is a natural reaction as your scalp heals from surgery. During an FUE or DHI hair transplant, thousands of hair follicles (grafts) are extracted from the donor area and implanted into a recipient site (like the hairline or crown). In the first 2 weeks after surgery, all of these micro-incisions need time to heal!
During the initial recovery period, tiny scabs will develop around the transplanted area to help the skin heal and prevent infection. While this part is absolutely vital, it can cause your scalp to become dry and flaky, triggering itching sensations.
As FUE hair transplant surgery requires incisions to be made on the scalp, this can cause additional feelings of itchiness during the recovery process. The very nature of making incisions requires the breaking of skin which, of course, causes a small amount of temporary nerve damage. As the small nerves in your scalp recover, you may feel tingling or itching sensations.
How Many Days Will There Be Itching After a Hair Transplant Surgery?
For most patients, itching after a hair transplant usually lasts between 7-14 days after surgery. The itching sensation typically peaks around day 7, as your scabs have formed but have not yet begun to fall off.
If you are particularly prone to a dry scalp or have previously suffered from eczema, then you may feel an itching sensation for a couple of weeks after your hair transplant. If this occurs, you should contact your hair transplant surgeon or clinic to book you in for a follow-up call or consultation. Just to check it is nothing too serious!
What Can I Do To My Head After a hair transplant To Prevent Scalp Itching?
There are several steps you can take after a hair transplant to minimise itching. Primarily, be sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your hair transplant clinic and surgeon. You will likely be provided with an aftercare kit as well.
Saline Spray
In the first couple of days, you will be encouraged to use a saline spray regularly. Saline spray helps keep the transplanted area moist, preventing excessive dryness and scab build up: two significant causes of itching.
Most clinics recommend spraying the grafted area several times a day during the first few days. You can spray the area every 45 minutes to an hour. If you have not been provided with a saline spray by your clinic, you can make a solution using a teaspoon of salt, water, and a sterilised spray bottle.
Washing Your Scalp and Hair
Second, ensure that you follow the washing and cleaning instructions. Start washing your hair as directed by your surgeon. Usually, after 3 to 5 days. make sure you follow all relevant “contactless” and “contact” washing guidelines.
At Harley Street Hair Transplant Clinics, we provide all patients with a medicated shampoo and a YouTube series as part of their aftercare package. If you have not been provided with this information from your clinic, use a mild, non-irritating shampoo and gently pour water over the scalp, avoiding rubbing or scrubbing.
This will help remove dried blood, crusts, and potential irritants that can cause itching. The sooner you can safely reduce scabbing, the quicker you will stop having an itchy scalp.
Avoid Sun Exposure and Sweating
Your aftercare instructions will also advise you to keep your head out of direct sunlight and avoid activities that cause your scalp to sweat (such as going to the gym or using the sauna). It is vital you follow these instructions.
Direct sun exposure and heavy sweating can cause the scalp to dry out, leading to intense itching sensations. Further still, it can also increase your chances of contracting an infection (specifically, folliculitis).
Use Antihistamines (If Recommended By Your Surgeon)
If itching becomes persistent, you can ask your surgeon if you can take an over-the-counter antihistamine. These medications reduce histamine activity and can help relieve itchiness associated with inflammation or healing. Be sure to schedule a follow-up consultation with your hair transplant clinic.
Why Is it Bad to Rub My Scalp After a Hair Transplant Surgery?
After a hair transplant, your head and scalp are going to feel quite itchy. However, it is vital you do everything to avoid touching your donor and recipient areas in the first 7 days after your hair transplant. Newly implanted hair follicles are incredibly delicate, so you should avoid touching them at all costs.
Rubbing the scalp can dislodge or damage transplanted grafts before they properly anchor in the skin, leading to poor hair growth or even permanent graft loss. The last thing you want to do is compromise your final result because of a minor itch.
Secondly, as your hands, fingers, and nails come into contact with lots of bacteria and bugs, touching your scalp can potentially increase the risk of infection after surgery. Remember, Your scalp has tiny wounds from the procedure. Rubbing can introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection, inflammation, or folliculitis, all of which can compromise your results.
Can I Rub My Transplanted Hair After 10 Days?
After 10 days, most transplanted hair grafts are typically secure, meaning they have begun to anchor into the scalp. At this stage, gentle contact with the scalp becomes less risky. However, it’s still important to be cautious. While you may start to touch or wash the area more normally, rubbing the transplanted area aggressively is still not recommended unless specifically approved by your surgeon.
During the first week after surgery, the grafts are extremely delicate and can be dislodged easily. By the 10th day, scabs that form around the grafts may begin to fall off naturally, and the risk of graft loss significantly decreases. That said, if any scabs or crusts remain, you should not attempt to rub or scratch them off. Doing so could irritate the scalp, delay healing, or even affect the final results.
Many clinics advise patients to begin gently massaging the scalp during washing around day 10 to help soften and remove scabs. This should be done carefully using the fingertips—not the nails—and with mild pressure. It’s best to perform this while shampooing under lukewarm water using a gentle, non-sulphate shampoo.
Despite the general guideline, healing rates can vary between individuals. Some patients may need to wait until days 12 to 14 before any direct rubbing is safe. Always defer to your clinic’s specific post-operative instructions, as your surgeon will be the best judge of how your scalp is healing.
Conclusion
Itching after a hair transplant is a common and regular part of the healing process, typically lasting between 7 to 14 days due to scab formation, dry skin, and nerve regeneration. Relief methods include using saline spray, gentle washing, avoiding sun exposure and sweating, and possibly taking antihistamines if advised by your surgeon. Rubbing the scalp—especially within the first week—can dislodge grafts, delay healing, or cause infection; therefore, it’s essential to avoid touching the recipient area. After 10 days, light contact may be permitted, but aggressive rubbing should still be avoided unless approved by your clinic.
