Why Does My Hair Itch After A Hair Transplant?

Soon after a hair transplant, clients often express the strong urge to itch or scratch their scalp. This is nothing to be alarmed about; it is simply a sign that your scalp (i.e., the donor and transplant area) is undergoing a healing process as a result of hair extraction and implantation.

In response to repairing skin tissue, the scalp releases histamines that can cause that itchy feeling. What is important to remember is: Do not itch or scratch your scalp after a hair transplant. Here are reasons to avoid itching after an FUE hair transplant, plus what to expect post-transplant.

Why Does It Itch After Hair Transplant?

Hair transplant itching is considered normal for the most part. We know that feeling itchy is uncomfortable, so we hope the following tips and advice about managing an itchy scalp will help you during your hair transplant aftercare. 

A common question we get at Este is: How long does itching last after hair transplant? It really depends, and each hair transplant recipient has a unique experience. You will be tempted to touch your head after a hair transplant, but don’t do it!  

Immediate itching after a hair transplant treatment tends to feel worse at night, this is because right after a hair transplant procedure you are not able to wash your hair and scalp. Your scalp is reacting to postoperative crusting (e.g., scabbing) and inflammation; however, you will notice a huge improvement after you wash your head for the first time (i.e., first hair wash on the 3rd day). The urge to itch should lessen after the first wash, and improve by the final wash.

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Hair transplant itching 2 months later can also be a thing. This may occur across the whole transplant area or just in certain parts. Scalp itching weeks or months after a hair transplant may be a result of dry skin, an infection (e.g., dermatitis), an allergic reaction to topically products, and/or a previously existing skin condition (e.g., psoriasis).

Again, itching is not necessarily something to be alarmed about; it is considered a normal part of skin tissue repair and healing. Este Medical Group has a post-transplant aftercare plan for every FUE hair transplant client that addresses concerns like scalp itch. 

Do Not Scratch Your Head After A Hair Transplant 

There are several important reasons why you should not touch, itch, or scratch your hair after a hair transplant, including: 

• You may accidentally dislodge or pull out newly transplanted hairs, which will have a detrimental impact on final regrowth results.
• You may open donor incisions, which will delay healing. 
• You run the risk of introducing a skin infection to the hair follicle (e.g., folliculitis). 
• Scratching and itching may only increase irritation and discomfort. 

‍How To Deal With Itching After Hair Transplant

Este Medical Group provides each client with a detailed post-transplant aftercare plan. The most important step to manage hair transplant itch is the first wash or first aftercare shampoo.

Let us take you behind the scenes and show you an actual step-by-step first hair wash and the final wash on someone who has undergone an Este transplant. 

Other things you can do to manage post-transplant itching include: 

• Take an antihistamine
• Avoid the sun, as a burn may make the itch worse
• Avoid a hat or head covering, as some fabrics may cause irritation
• Avoid situations that might make you sweat, as dried sweat can cause irritation
• Medicated shampoo (e.g., anti-itch formula)
• Prescription steroid scalp solution

We strongly recommend you keep your clinic or hair transplant rep in the loop when treating scalp itch. When it comes to hair transplant tips & advice we’ve got you covered!  

How long does itching last after hair transplant?

Most of the major itching will be immediately after the hair transplant surgery, and with proper aftercare, itching symptoms should decrease. Some people do experience itching for longer but it is often not as dramatic.

The urge to itch your scalp post-transplant may last for a few weeks, and sometimes it can last a few months.  

‍What To Expect After A Hair Transplant 

Scalp itch may not be the only side effect of a hair transplant. Other common side effects include: 

• Itchy scalp
• Scalp tenderness
• Tight scalp 
• Scalp inflammation
• Aching scalp 
• Slight bruising
• Scabbing 

These are all normal parts of healing and recovery when it comes to hair transplant surgery recovery.

To help prepare you for your hair transplant journey we have prepared some commonly asked questions and answers to get you on the right track.

If you are considering a hair transplant in Turkey, we strongly recommend you book a FUE hair transplant consultation with us to discuss any concerns as well as your expectations.