How to Sleep After a Hair Transplant

Updated 31/08/2023 You may be wondering how to sleep after having a hair transplant. That’s a common question for those considering having a hair transplant procedure. After a hair transplant, your hair follicles are delicate for about 10 days, so it’s essential to sleep in the right way after having a hair transplant surgery. It’s important to avoid damaging your transplanted hair when asleep. In this article, we discuss how to sleep after a hair transplant, the best position, and more.

When Can You Sleep Normally After a Hair Transplant?

Right after your hair transplant, on days 0-10, it’s best to sleep on your back on an incline. From day 10-14, you can sleep on your side; however, avoid placing pressure directly on the area that receives the transplanted hair. From day 14 and on, you can sleep normally in any position. About 10 days after surgery, you can sleep almost without any discomfort. But it’s important to avoid putting too much pressure on the hair grafts, as this could damage them. It’s also best to avoid sleeping face down until 14 days after your procedure.

Sleeping After a Hair Transplant: Dos & Don’ts

Here’s what you can do when sleeping after a hair transplant surgery:

• Keep your head elevated when sleeping during the first two weeks after a hair transplant
• Use extra pillows to elevate your head
• Use a travel pillow to keep yourself from turning

Avoid doing these after your hair transplant:

• Toss and turn when trying to get to sleep
• Turn your head sideways
• Rub your head against anything
• Take sleeping pills, as these may wake you up during the night, causing you to feel disoriented, and possibly putting at risk for hitting your head

In most cases, the surgeon provides their patient with detailed instructions on how to sleep after they have hair loss surgery. The instructions may vary by patient depending on how their surgery went and the area that was transplanted.

What is the Best Position to Sleep in After a Hair Transplant?

The best way to sleep after a hair transplant is on your back, with your head elevated above your heart. This position helps reduce swelling and prevents your head from turning and damaging grafts during the night. You might try sleeping on 1 regular pillow with a travel pillow around your neck to prop your head forward and up. Sleeping this way can reduce the risk of hair follicle damage, reducing inflammation in the scalp. The reason to sleep in this position is to avoid discomfort and damaging hair follicles. The goal is for the hair follicles to become secure in the scalp. This usually happens about 14 days after the procedure. Usually by this time you can start to sleep in any position without causing damage to your hair.

What Type of Pillowcase Should I Use After a Hair Transplant?

It’s best to avoid sleeping on synthetic or cotton pillowcases. These materials can cause friction that can damage the hair follicles. This can result in hair breakage and damage. Instead, it’s best to sleep on satin or silk pillowcases, which are smooth and gentle on the hair.

Keep Bedding Clean

It’s also essential to ensure the surgical site doesn’t become infected. So, surgeons may also recommend maintaining your bed, pillowcases, and sheets by thorough washing. When the bedding is washed, avoid using cleaning agents that could cause itchiness or an allergic reaction on the scalp. The key is to avoid scratching the scalp during the recovery period. Scratching can damage the donor and grafted areas, leading to hair breakage and hair loss. In addition, you may want to keep a soft, dark towel over your pillows. After surgery, the scalp can leak blood and other fluids during the healing process. The towel will keep your pillowcases from becoming stained during the healing process.

How Can I Keep the Transplanted Area Clean and Moisturized After a Hair Transplant?

Surgeons usually advise their patients to limit showers for the first few days after surgery. They also tell their patients not to wash their hair. After a few days, they can start washing their hair gently and using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner to keep the scalp and hair hydrated.

Keep Your Scalp from Hitting the Headboard

Do you have a headboard? If so, it’s essential to keep your scalp from hitting the headboard. Hitting your scalp after surgery can have a negative impact on your recovery. So, it’s strongly recommended that you place a pillow between your head and the headboard.

Maintain Regular, Healthy Sleep Patterns

Getting a lot of rest after surgery is good for your health and healing process. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep every night for the first week or two after surgery. Resting is essential after your surgery.

Wear Your Headband

The surgeon may have you wear a headband after surgery to avoid swelling. So, it’s important to wear the headband as prescribed by the doctor, which is usually 1-2 days after your hair transplant. Be sure to wear the headband when sleeping and ensure you have it on correctly so it won’t come off as you sleep.

How Can I Speed Up Healing After the Hair Transplant?

There are some things you can do to ensure a fast, smooth healing process after your hair transplant procedure, including the following:

• Avoid physical activity or exercise that causes you to sweat or your heart rate to increase. Sweating can cause more itching on the scalp that can cause you to scratch, damaging hair grafts.
• To make the healing process faster, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. These activities have a direct impact on the blood supply to your head and scalp.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and make sure to stay hydrated.
• Avoid touching your scalp, which includes itching or scratching it.
• Avoid exposing your scalp to direct sunlight for long periods for the first 14 days after surgery.

Summing It Up

How to sleep after your transplant is crucial to your hair transplant’s success. The key is to avoid damaging the grafts or hair follicles by sleeping on your back. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s directions, and soon you’ll be feeling better!

FAQs about Sleeping After a Hair Transplant

Can I sleep on my side after a hair transplant? Sleeping on your side might not be ideal immediately after a hair transplant, as it can put pressure on the transplanted area. It's recommended to sleep on your back to avoid any unnecessary contact.How long should I sleep in an elevated position? You should aim to sleep in an elevated position for the first few nights after the transplant, as advised by your surgeon. This helps reduce swelling and promotes proper blood circulation.Will I experience discomfort while sleeping? Some discomfort is normal, especially during the initial days. However, following the recommended sleeping positions and using appropriate pillows can significantly minimise this discomfort.Can I cover my head while sleeping? It's best to avoid covering your head too tightly while sleeping to allow the scalp to breathe. If necessary, choose loose-fitting caps made from soft materials.When can I return to my normal sleeping habits? You can gradually transition back to your normal sleeping habits as your scalp heals. Consult your surgeon for guidance on when it's safe to do so.Is it okay to use sleeping aids? It's advisable to consult your surgeon before using any sleeping aids. Some medications could interfere with the healing process.