Washing Hair After DHI: Day-by-Day Instructions

The first hair wash after DHI happens 48-72 hours post-procedure, using a gentle cup-pouring method with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. Proper washing technique during the first two weeks is critical because transplanted grafts placed with the Choi Implanter Pen need 7-10 days to anchor securely into the scalp tissue.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Why Washing Technique Matters After DHI

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) places grafts directly into the scalp using a Choi pen without pre-made channels. Each graft sits in a tiny implantation site that needs time to heal and form new blood supply connections. During the first 7-10 days, grafts are vulnerable to being dislodged by pressure, friction, or strong water flow.

Proper washing removes dried blood, prevents infection, and helps scabs soften and fall off naturally. Skipping washes increases infection risk. Washing too aggressively can pull out grafts before they anchor.

What You Need

Before your first wash, have these items ready:

• pH-balanced or baby shampoo (provided by most DHI clinics)
• Moisturizing lotion or spray (often included in your post-op kit)
• A clean cup or small bowl
• Lukewarm water (never hot)
• Soft paper towels or a clean microfiber cloth
• A spray bottle (optional, useful for days 1-3)

Day-by-Day Washing Schedule

Days 0-2: No Washing

Do not wash the transplant area for the first 48 hours. You may use a spray bottle with saline solution to keep the recipient area moist if your surgeon recommends it. Some clinics provide a specific post-op spray for this period.

During these first days:

• Do not touch the transplanted area
• Avoid getting the grafts wet from any source
• Sleep elevated at 45 degrees to reduce swelling
• You may gently clean non-transplanted areas with a damp cloth if needed

Day 3: First Wash

Your first wash is the most important one to get right. Follow these steps:

1. Apply the moisturizing lotion provided by your clinic to the transplant area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to soften scabs
2. Fill a cup with lukewarm water
3. Gently pour water over the transplant area from a low height (5-10 cm above your head)
4. Apply a small amount of baby shampoo or pH-balanced shampoo to your fingertips
5. Use only your fingertips (not nails) to lightly dab the shampoo onto the scalp with zero pressure
6. Rinse by pouring cups of lukewarm water over the area
7. Pat dry with a soft paper towel or microfiber cloth (never rub)

Days 4-7: Gentle Daily Washing

Continue washing once daily using the same cup-pouring method. During this phase:

• Gradually increase the gentleness of your touch (you can begin very light circular motions with fingertips by day 5-6, but no pressure)
• Continue applying moisturizing lotion 15-20 minutes before each wash to help soften scabs
• Scabs will begin loosening on their own around day 7
• Do not pick at scabs, even if they feel loose
• The donor area (back of head) can be washed normally with gentle shampoo by day 4

Days 7-10: Scab Removal Phase

This is when most scabs naturally fall off. Your surgeon may instruct you to begin a gentle scab-softening routine:

1. Apply moisturizing lotion to the recipient area for 30-45 minutes before washing
2. In the shower, let lukewarm water run over the area for 2-3 minutes
3. Using your fingertips, apply very light circular motions to help loosen softened scabs
4. Do not force any scab that is still firmly attached
5. Repeat daily until all scabs are gone (usually by day 10-14)

Days 10-14: Transition to Normal Washing

By day 10, most grafts are securely anchored. You can begin using a gentle shower stream (not full pressure) directly on the transplant area. Continue using the mild shampoo until day 14.

Key milestones during this phase:

• All scabs should be gone by day 14
• You can begin using a low-heat hair dryer on the coolest setting by day 10
• Light conditioner can be reintroduced by day 10-12 (avoid the transplant zone directly)

Week 3 and Beyond: Normal Routine

After day 14, you can return to your regular washing routine with your normal shampoo. At this point:

• Grafts are fully anchored and cannot be dislodged by washing
• Normal shower pressure is safe
• Regular hair dryer use is fine (avoid extreme heat directly on the scalp)
• You may notice transplanted hairs beginning to shed around weeks 2-4 (this is normal shock loss, not graft failure)

Common Washing Mistakes to Avoid

These are the most frequent errors patients make during the first two weeks:

• Using hot water: Hot water increases blood flow and swelling, and can damage healing tissue
• Showering directly on grafts before day 10: Even "gentle" shower pressure is too much in the first week
• Picking at scabs: Pulling a scab can remove the graft underneath it
• Using regular shampoo too early: Fragrances, sulfates, and chemicals in standard shampoos can irritate healing skin
• Rubbing with a towel: Always pat dry, never rub, for the first two weeks
• Skipping washes to "protect" grafts: Not washing increases infection risk and delays scab removal

When to Contact Your Surgeon

Reach out to your DHI clinic if you notice any of the following during the washing process:

• Bleeding that does not stop after gentle pressure
• Unusual odor from the transplant area
• Increasing redness or swelling after day 5
• Pus or yellow discharge
• Grafts visibly falling out with scabs after day 10

For more information about the DHI procedure compared to other methods, see our FUE vs FUT comparison. To understand your hair loss stage and what level of treatment is appropriate, check the Norwood scale guide.

Want to know what your hair loss pattern means for treatment planning? Get a free AI analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze for personalized guidance.