You can wash your hair the day after PRP treatment. Most providers recommend waiting at least 12 to 24 hours before your first wash to allow the platelet-rich plasma to settle into the scalp tissue and begin releasing growth factors. After that initial waiting period, gentle hair washing is not only safe but encouraged to keep the scalp clean and free of any dried blood or residue from the procedure.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the specific washing instructions provided by your treatment provider.
Day-by-Day Washing Guide After PRP
The first few days after PRP require a slightly modified approach to hair washing. The injections leave tiny puncture sites across your scalp that need a short time to close. Here is a practical timeline.
Day of Treatment
Do not wash your hair on the day of your PRP session. Leave the scalp undisturbed for at least 12 hours. The concentrated growth factors need time to bind to the surrounding tissue before being exposed to water, shampoo, or mechanical friction.
If you notice small spots of dried blood at injection sites, resist the urge to pick at or rinse them. They will come off easily during your first wash the next day.
Day 1 (First Wash)
Your first wash after PRP should be gentle and intentional. Follow these steps:
- Use lukewarm water only. Hot water increases blood flow to the scalp and can cause swelling or reactivate tenderness at injection sites
- Apply a small amount of mild, sulfate-free shampoo to your fingertips
- Distribute the shampoo across your scalp using your fingertip pads, not your nails. Use light circular motions without pressing hard
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, letting the water flow over your scalp rather than directing a strong stream at close range
- Pat your hair dry with a soft towel. Do not rub vigorously
- Let your hair air-dry if possible. If you must use a blow dryer, set it to cool or low heat and hold it at least 12 inches from your scalp
Days 2 Through 3
Continue using lukewarm water and gentle technique. By day 2, most patients report that the scalp tenderness from PRP has largely resolved, and redness at injection sites has faded within 1 to 2 days. You can increase the amount of shampoo and the thoroughness of your wash, but still avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Day 4 and Beyond
By day 4, you can return to your normal washing routine. Hot water, standard shampoos, and your usual technique are all fine at this point. If you use a medicated shampoo such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) or a salicylic acid formula, most providers consider it safe to reintroduce these by day 3 to 4.
Choosing the Right Shampoo After PRP
Not all shampoos are created equal when it comes to post-PRP care. For the first 48 hours, your shampoo choice matters.
What to Use
- Sulfate-free shampoos: Sulfates are the foaming agents in most standard shampoos. They are effective cleansers but can be harsh on freshly treated skin. Sulfate-free formulas clean without stripping the scalp's natural oils or irritating injection sites
- Fragrance-free options: Added fragrances contain chemical compounds that can sting on broken skin. Unscented or fragrance-free formulas are gentler on a post-treatment scalp
- Baby shampoo: A simple option that is mild, widely available, and effective enough for the first few washes
What to Avoid for the First 48 Hours
- Dandruff shampoos with zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide: These active ingredients can irritate the micro-wounds from PRP injections
- Clarifying shampoos: Designed to strip buildup, these are too aggressive for a recently treated scalp
- Tea tree or menthol shampoos: The tingling sensation these products create comes from mild irritation, which is the last thing injection sites need in the first 48 hours
- Shampoos with high alcohol content: Alcohol dries out the scalp and can sting at injection sites
After the first 48 hours, you can use any shampoo you normally use, including medicated formulas prescribed as part of your hair loss treatment plan.
Common Questions About Washing After PRP
Can I condition my hair after PRP?
Yes. Conditioner applied to the lengths and ends of your hair is fine from your very first post-treatment wash. For the first 48 hours, try to keep conditioner away from the scalp itself, applying it from the mid-lengths downward. After 48 hours, you can apply conditioner to the scalp as usual.
Does water temperature really matter?
It matters most in the first 24 to 48 hours. Hot water causes vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the scalp. After PRP, this can increase swelling, prolong redness, and make the scalp more tender. Lukewarm water provides adequate cleaning without triggering these responses. By day 3 or 4, hot water is fine.
How often should I wash my hair after PRP?
Wash at your normal frequency. There is no need to wash more or less often than you typically would. If you normally wash daily, continue doing so (starting the day after treatment). If you wash every 2 to 3 days, that is also fine. The key variable is technique and gentleness during the first 48 hours, not frequency.
Can I use dry shampoo instead of washing?
Dry shampoo is acceptable as a temporary measure on the day of treatment if your hair feels oily. However, do not rely on dry shampoo for more than a day after PRP. The scalp needs to be properly cleansed to remove any residue from the procedure and to prevent buildup at the injection sites that could cause irritation.
Hair Styling Products After PRP
Beyond shampoo, patients often ask when they can return to using styling products. Here is a practical guide.
Product Reintroduction Timeline
| Product Type | When to Resume |
|---|---|
| Light leave-in conditioner | Day 1 (mid-lengths and ends only) |
| Hair oil (argan, jojoba) | Day 2 (avoid scalp contact) |
| Gel or mousse | Day 2 to 3 |
| Hairspray | Day 2 to 3 |
| Wax or pomade | Day 3 to 4 |
| Hair dye or chemical treatments | 2 weeks minimum |
Hair coloring and chemical treatments like perms or keratin treatments should be postponed for at least 2 weeks after PRP. These processes involve harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and potentially interfere with the biological response PRP is designed to stimulate.
Long-Term Hair Care Between PRP Sessions
PRP results become visible after 3 to 4 sessions, with improvements appearing between 3 and 6 months into treatment. During this period, consistent and gentle scalp care supports the treatment's effectiveness.
Between sessions, maintain a routine that keeps your scalp healthy:
- Wash regularly to prevent sebum buildup that can clog follicles
- Use a scalp sunscreen or wear a hat when spending extended time outdoors, since UV damage impairs scalp health
- Avoid tight hairstyles that create traction on follicles, especially in areas where you are trying to preserve or regrow hair
- Consider a scalp massage routine to promote circulation, which complements PRP's growth factor delivery
Understanding your hair loss pattern on the Norwood scale helps you and your provider focus PRP treatments on the areas that need the most attention. Maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months, costing between $500 and $2,000 per session, keep results on track. See our PRP cost guide for a full pricing breakdown.
Get Your Personalized Assessment
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