Before your hair transplant: good preparation, a comfortable day

Preliminary assessment and medical information

The first step in preparing is to share your health information accurately. During the initial consultation, we will ask about:

• Chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease, etc.)
• Medication and supplements you take regularly
• Allergies, particularly to local anaesthetics and antibiotics
• Previous surgery and any tendency to bleed
• Whether you have had a hair transplant or hair loss treatment before
• Infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV

This information is needed to plan surgery safely. In cases such as heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes or a clotting disorder, clearance from the relevant specialist may be requested.

Two weeks before

• Blood thinners: Aspirin and blood-thinning medication can increase bleeding. Never stop these without consulting your doctor — but if you take them, you must tell us.
• Supplements: High-dose vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo biloba and some herbal supplements can increase bleeding. Pausing them 1–2 weeks before surgery is usually recommended.
• Hair loss medication: If you use hair loss medication, whether to continue it is decided together with your doctor.
• Hair dye and chemical treatments: Stop dyeing, perms, keratin and similar treatments at least two weeks before surgery.

One week before

• Alcohol: Alcohol can increase bleeding and slow healing. We recommend stopping alcohol at least one week before surgery.
• Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow in the scalp and can affect how well grafts take. If possible, avoid smoking for at least one week before and at least two weeks after surgery.
• Haircuts: Do not trim your hair yourself. Any trimming needed is done at the clinic on surgery day. If an unshaven transplant is planned, your hair needs to be a certain length.
• Sun: Make sure your scalp does not get sunburnt.

The day before

• Try to get a good night's sleep.
• Wash your hair with your usual shampoo in the evening. Do not use gel, spray or wax.
• Limit caffeine and energy drinks.
• If you are travelling, allow time to rest and recover from the flight.

Surgery day

• Breakfast: Eat a light but filling breakfast. Do not arrive hungry — it will be a long day.
• Coffee: Keep morning coffee and tea to a minimum. Caffeine can affect anaesthesia and bleeding.
• Clothing: Wear a comfortable top that buttons or zips at the front. After surgery you should not pull clothes over your head.
• Bring with you: A list of your medication, glasses (instead of contact lenses), a charger and headphones to pass the time.
• Jewellery: Leave valuables and jewellery at your hotel.

Prepare now for after surgery

Arranging a few things in advance makes recovery easier:

• If possible, plan the first week after surgery without a heavy work schedule.
• Allow for a few weeks' break from the gym, swimming and intense physical activity.
• Get a wide, loose-fitting hat and a neck pillow.
• Schedule important social events for after the first 10 days, when the scabs have fallen away.

If you are curious about what happens on the day, read our hair transplant stages page, and for what to do afterwards, our hair transplant aftercare page. If you are worried about pain, see our painless hair transplant guide.

Frequently asked questions