Hair loss is complex, and if you’re considering a hair transplant or you have one, then you may have heard about the scabs after a hair transplant. One of the common questions about this topic is: how long does it take to heal? This blog post will answer this question and explain why you must take care of your scabs after a hair transplant.
How does it work?
The hair transplant procedure is quite simple. During the operation, which takes a few hours, your surgeon will use a specialized tool to create tiny incisions in your scalp. These incisions are approximately 0.7 mm wide and 5 mm deep, so they don’t require any suturing after the procedure. Once these incisions have been made, your surgeon will insert donor hairs into them using small tweezers or forceps.

What are the scabs after a hair transplant?
A scab is a protective layer around a wound or injured area. When you have had a hair transplant procedure, the doctor makes little incisions to put on newly implanted grafts in your scalp. After that, in the healing process, scabs form to protect them from bacteria and others contaminants.
Are there scabs in the donor area?
Yes. The scabs in the donor area are completely normal after a hair restoration procedure, and obviously, in the reception area (where the grafted hair follicles are).
How long does it take for a scab to fall off?
The scabs usually appear in the first days after the surgery and will be there for approximately two weeks or more.
The time they take to fall off depends on age, health, habits, and care. In general terms, scabs will fall off 10 – 14 days after the intervention.

Hair graft care
The most important issue about this is: don’t remove scabs yourself! Never! The scabs fall naturally. You can affect the result if you withdraw scabs after a hair transplant. The patient’s scalp will have bleeding and tissue fluids in the first few days, don’t panic. It’s normal. You might think that a hair transplant crust looks awful, but they only last for a few weeks, while hair transplant scabs fall.
Take proper care with the following recommendations.
1. Sleep with your head elevated
After hair transplant scabs, the correct position to sleep is looking up with your head elevated or in a recliner. This way, you avoid scabs falling before time. Please read our article about how to sleep after a hair transplant and follow the tips.
2. Don’t use a cap
Putting on accessories is not a good idea when you have a recent area with hair transplantation because it can accelerate the scabs fall process. We don’t want this; we want the natural loosening.
3. Avoid sweat
Don’t do intense exercise, be careful, because the sweat can cause itching in the scalp and delay the cicatrization.
4. Stay away from the sun
Avoid exposure to the sun to prevent sun spots, and your hair will look great.
5. No alcohol and cigarettes
If you have habits that include smoking or drinking alcohol, you should stop for a while because it can cause complications in your recovery.
6. Use products prescribed by your specialist
Your doctor will inform you about creams you can use during the process to avoid itching. If you follow these tips, you will have healthy hair follicles.

Cleanliness and hygiene
Hygiene is part of health, so you should keep the zones clean. These are some recommendations after a hair transplant surgery.
Please keep it clean
Washing the zone after 3 days of the procedure can help. Clean it with great care; for example, squeeze a sponge with water and soap without touching the transplanted hair. This way, you are protecting the hair follicles.
Warm water
Not cold, not hot. Use room temperature water and rinse with gentle stream without letting it fall directly on the transplant area. You can use a container.
Use absorbent towels
Never put pressure on the zones. Dry the scalp gently with a towel or cloth without rubbing. Remember, scabs (hair transplant) are completely normal, and are part of the healing process.

Our surgery offers excellent results by creating tiny incisions in the scalp and inserting donor hairs directly into them without needing any sutures or scalpels.
We are Capilea, a hair transplant clinic, our procedures are secure and efficient, with more than 11,500 clients.
Make your appointment online. Get your hair back!
FAQ
What color are hair transplant scabs?
Hair transplant scabs are typically brown or dark in color. As they begin to heal and fall off, they may lighten slightly. The exact color can vary depending on your skin type and the healing process.
Are any tools recommended to assist with managing scabs during recovery from a hair transplant?
While no special tools are generally required, using soft-bristle brushes or prescribed saline sprays can help manage discomfort and clean the area without disturbing healing grafts. Always consult your surgeon before using any product or tool.
Can I use coconut oil to remove scabs after a hair transplant?
It’s generally not recommended to use coconut oil directly to remove scabs after a hair transplant. The scabs should fall off naturally to avoid damaging the grafts. Always consult your surgeon before applying any product to the treated area.
Can I use baby oil to remove scabs after a hair transplant?
It’s not recommended to use any oil on the scalp after the process. However, you should first get approval from your surgeon and follow their instructions carefully to avoid any potential harm to the newly implanted grafts.