When it comes to choosing one’s appearance, we do not compromise on how our hair looks. Every person is unique, and so is their growth or recession of hair. So, for the people seeking a solution for their hair loss problem, hair transplant is their best option.
When the question of hair transplant arises, a number of questions come to our mind. One of the most common questions is, “Can I colour my hair after transplant?”
What is Hair Transplant?
Hair transplant is a surgical procedure used to treat baldness or hair loss. At an initial consultation, the surgeon analyzes the patient’s scalp, discusses their preferences and expectations, and advises them on the best approach (e.g., single vs. multiple sessions) and what results might reasonably be expected.
During a hair transplant, a specialized doctor removes hair follicles from the donor area of the scalp. This is usually the area at the back and side of the scalp where the hair is fuller. They use a specialized extraction tool to remove hair follicles, which are then prepared under a microscope for transplantation.
The hair follicles are transplanted to the recipient area, where the hair is thinning. Doctors puncture the scalp using a special micro-surgical needle and place the grafts at an angle to match a natural hair pattern.
Since the transplanted hair follicles possess the same properties as they did before. This means you can treat your transplanted hair like your normal hair once your transplant has healed. You must ask important questions to your hair transplant surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
Coloring after Hair Transplant
The simple answer to the question, “Can I color my hair after transplant?” is YES. Although, a few precautions are suggested by surgeons that one must follow before coloring their hair after a transplant. Surgeons feel it is a safe bet to wait for at least 4 to 6 weeks before resuming normal hair styling activities like coloring.
The vulnerable and considerably weaker area must be protected from the sun, and shampooing is started only two days after the surgery. Some surgeons advise their patients to start shampooing at least one day after the surgery to prevent scabs from forming around the hair shaft. Although shampooing is usually performed under special supervision as the cleansing agent in shampoo can bother the unions or disturb the recuperating procedure.
Specialists usually prescribe holding off on using chemicals for no less than three weeks. The newly transplanted hair follicles are touchy and might respond in an aggravated manner when bought in contact with chemicals prematurely.
Transplanted hair follicles are, no doubt healthier and stronger than the existing hair in the recipient area. But at the same time, they are more vulnerable to chemicals after surgery. Therefore, treated hair should not be deliberately exposed to dyes and chemicals.
Once the hair follicles have attached themselves firmly to their recipient area and developed their own blood supply, it is more than safe to start coloring your hair and indulge in other hair styling activities. Surgeons usually suggest a waiting period of a few weeks until after the initial ‘shock’ of hair transplant surgery. ‘Shock’ is a common phenomenon which suggests the shedding of some of the transplanted as well as some of the healthy hair. This usually starts in the 3rd or 4th week after the Hair Transplant Surgery.
After getting the transplant and waiting for the advised time to see your locks in full glory, you will be pleased to see that the transplanted hair grows at a much faster rate. As a result of which you might have to color your hair a few days or maybe even a week before your normal coloring schedule.
Once your hair and scalp have settled down and healed, you will start to see your new hair beginning to grow. The results of the hair transplant surgery will start to show at around two to three months post-surgery, and you can expect to see your full results at around 12 months.
What surgeons recommend?
Colouring your hair within a month or two of transplant can lead to other hair problems. It is a strong recommendation by hair transplant surgeons that for dyeing your hair after a transplant procedure, one should visit a salon. The personnel there have a wide variety of products you can choose from and can help when applying the dye. It is always a better idea to avoid coloring your hair at home.
Surgeons advise seeking the professional help of a skilled stylist who can not only help you decide the best color for your hair but also use mild products that are less damaging. If, however going to the salon is not an option, then remember to do a patch test with the appropriate time interval before dyeing all your hair.
One must always keep in mind how hair brings personality to an individual. After undergoing a painstakingly yet life changing experience, we must follow all the advise, instructions, and suggestions of the surgeon for the process to reach its completion.
Also, there are certain things that you need to enquire from your surgeon before you get your hair colored to avoid allergies, hindrances in the growth of new hair or further health issues in the long run.
Final words
Although coloring your hair won’t affect the quality or quantity of your hair in any way, it is advised to wait for a few weeks to let the transplant heal. Coloring your hair earlier than advised can cause irritation and slow down the healing process because of the chemical and synthetic compounds found in coloring agents.
Also, make sure you consult with the doctor who performed your hair transplant. Get guidance on when and how to color your transplanted hair safely.
After all, going through a life changing experience like one of a Hair Transplant, we must take all precautions for everything to fall perfectly in place to achieve the desired result.
