The results you get from a hair transplant are priceless. It gives you a permanent hair loss solution, but you must take precautions after the treatment. Whether it’s a regular hair restoration or an African American hair transplant, both require the same aftercare.
Before we discuss the precautions after a hair transplant, we will first understand the procedure.
Hair Transplant Procedure
An African American hair restoration can be more complex than other hair transplant procedures. People of black descent usually have curled hair, making it difficult to extract from the roots as it might destroy them. Due to this complexity, you require a skilled surgeon who understands the procedure well. First, your experienced hair loss surgeon will assess your hair loss needs to understand the complexity involved. After this, he can help you choose the ideal African American hair transplant technique. Just like straight hair, surgeons can use either Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) in afro hair. They are both viable.
In the FUE method, the practitioner extracts hair follicles from donor areas-back or sides of the scalp and transfers them to the area requiring hair filing or coverage. FUE is a minimally-invasive procedure and can only leave a less invisible scar than what the FUT procedure gives. But in the FUT procedure, the surgeon cuts a strip of scalp from the rear scalp, dismantles it and implants them into the recipient side. One concern for the people of color in the FUT procedure is keloid formation which they are more prone to than other people. So, a preferred method is the FUE procedure; working with a professional will also help.
Hair Transplant Aftercare
Recovery from the afro hair transplant is similar to other hair transplants, which take about two weeks. After an African American hair restoration, your doctor will issue you with simple precautions during your recovery period. These precautions include:
- Wait for five days before washing your hair after treatment.
- Use a pillow for 7-10 days to elevate your head as you sleep.
- Avoid going to the gym, so you don’t engage in strenuous activities for two weeks.
- In two weeks after your surgery, keep off from the sun as much as possible.
- When washing your hair after five days, use mild shampoo and avoid harsh ones.
- Refrain from taking alcohol before and after your surgery for seven days before and after your treatment.
Points to note during the 7-14 days after surgery:
- Avoid scratching your head even if you experience an itching sensation. You’ll get a saline solution that will help relieve this. Ensure to refrigerate this after use.
- Keep the area clean to expedite healing.
- For a while, the new follicles will be vulnerable. Please allow them to heal and avoid certain hair products such as hair dryers, dyes, and chemicals.
- Also, avoid the sauna and any power showers that might impact healing.
Go for Check-up Appointment
Your incisions will naturally heal if you follow your doctor’s instructions. However, you still have to go for checkups after three months so your doctor can see your progress. While everyone’s healing process differs, physicians make a record to ensure it’s going well. If they find a cause for alarm, they can act accordingly before the problem expands. And you can also discuss with your practitioner any concerns regarding aftercare.
When Does the Hair Grow?
You can expect your new natural hair from 2-3 months after your African American hair restoration. Then, this might start falling as it tries to adjust to its new location. So, it will be patchy and uneven as the follicles grow at different times.
But hair should start growing, and everything will be okay between 5-8 months, as most of your follicles will appear. Though it may vary, most people achieve fuller, healthy hair growth by the 10th month. Now, you can trim your hair as it tends to grow longer to maintain the ideal length.
Last Checkup
In the 12 months, your hair should have taken in, but you should go for your final aftercare checkup. Your doctor will check the hairline and assess the overall results. If this is not appealing, he can propose to repeat the procedure. As you can see, our hair transformation process and aftercare program are proven and precise and come with unparalleled results.
In Conclusion
If you got your African American hair transplant surgery and are concerned about maintenance, this is what you should do. Also, talk to your doctor, who will advise how to adjust your lifestyle and follow aftercare instructions. And you can expect unparalleled results of a natural new permanent hair, winning back your self-esteem and confidence. Taking all the precautions is to help you realize your hair loss goals.
