Scabs After Hair Transplant: When and How to Get Rid of Them?

Medically reviewed & verified by Dermatologists at: Avrupa Hair Transplant Clinic

Written by: ClinicAdvisor

Now that you’ve had your hair transplant you must be wondering about scabs, what they are and how to get rid of them. Scabs are a normal and common side effect of hair transplant so you should not be alarmed.

And while they disappear within a couple weeks, it’s important to understand how scabs after hair transplant are formed and how to get rid of them.

In this article we will answer all the questions you have in mind in details. After you read this article, you will learn:

How to remove scabs after hair transplant?
When to remove scabs after hair transplant?
Some tips when removing scabs.

So let's get right into it!

What is a Scab?

When you’re injured, your body responds naturally by forming a crust over the wound to protect it from infections.

This happens when your blood cells (platelets) form a blood clot around the wounds which hardens into a crust.

With time the crusts fall out to allow the new formation of the skin and promote natural healing.

How Do Scabs After Hair Transplant Form?

Similar to the way in which crusts form after an injury, during a hair transplant surgeons create micro incisions to place the hair follicles.

Hence the body responds to this trauma by forming scabs/crusts after hair transplant.

These scabs act as a protective shield for the wounds and prevent any infections.

Therefore, we can say that scabbing after hair transplant is a good sign that everything is going smoothly in the healing process.

Scabs normally start to form 3-4 days after hair transplant. It will be at its peak after 1 week and will cover the entire transplanted area.

5 days after hair transplantBut the question is “will scabs fall out by themselves or should you do something to remove them?”

How to Remove Scabs After Hair Transplant?

The removal of scabs after hair transplant is a very sensitive topic and every patient should know how to deal with it.

Scabs should eventually fall out to allow the newly transplanted hair to grow.

In order to remove the scabs, you must follow the instructions given to you by your clinic.

The first thing you should do is to keep your scalp clean and that’s by washing properly after hair transplant.

Some clinics will recommend their patients to wash daily, while others might ask them to wash every other day.

The frequency of washing will depend on each individual case, so make sure to stick to their instructions.

First off, let’s agree that removing scabs is done by washing your hair correctly during the first 14 days.

Now let’s move into the process of scab removal which is very easy and can be done in these simple steps:

Apply the moisturize (lotion) given to you by the clinic on the transplanted area and wait for half an hour. This will help soften the scabs.
Wash off the lotion carefully by using your fingertips. Make sure to adjust the water temperature to be lukewarm and it’s not preferred to use a shower head. You can use a bowl for lower water pressure.
Now put some shampoo into the palm of your hands and lather it up until it foams.
Next, you will want to gently massage your scalp in circular motions. You can repeat this twice for the fir couple days to get rid of any blood clots.
Finally, dry off your head by patting on your scalp gently using a clean soft cotton towel. Remember that the grafts are still not anchored in the scalp so avoid rubbing.

You will start this process 48 hours after your hair transplant and continue for 10-12 days.

Check out: The best shampoos to use after hair transplant.

Please, be aware of anyone who tells you that the scabs will fall out by themselves with time without doing anything.

It’s true that you should not pick them off using your nails but your careful interference in the process is crucial.

How Long Does it Take for the Scabs to Fall Out After Hair Transplant?

It takes about 10-14 days for the scabs to disappear completely after hair transplantation.

8 days after hair transplant

The scabs will fall out in clumps, and the hair will be more visible than before.

14 days after hair transplant - no more scabsDuring this time, you will notice some hair falling out with scabs after hair transplant.

I bet the first thing that will come to your mind is “did I damage my grafts while washing my hair?” Calm Down!

Your transplanted hair follicles are intact and the hair will start to fall out by the 2^nd or 3^rd week after hair transplant.

This is a very natural process for the new hair to grow. By the beginning of the 3^rd month your hair will start growing back again and it will never fall out afterwards.

Is There a Way to Prevent Scab Formation After Hair Transplant?

I know you wanted to hear a “YES” but scab formation is an inevitable process after hair transplant and it’s actually a sign of proper healing.

There is no way to prevent crusts from forming after your hair transplant surgery.

Instead, you have to carefully remove them by washing your hair to allow the new hair to sprout.

Precautions When Removing Crusts After Hair Transplant

While you remove the crusts from your scalp after hair transplant, you should follow the instruction below:

Do not use your nails to pick off the scabs from your scalp. This will dislocate and damage the grafts.
Do not scratch or rub your scalp if it’s itching as this could result in scarring. Instead, you can use a saline spray to relieve itchiness after hair transplant.
Do not touch or put a lot of pressure on the transplanted area.

What to Do If Scabs Do Not Disappear 2 Weeks After Hair Transplant?

Some patients report that scabs are not going after hair transplant even though they followed all instructions for 14 days.

This could be because they were not washing their head properly.

Since the grafts are securely rooted in the scalp after 2 weeks, patients can apply more pressure to remove the scabs with their fingertips.

If they still persist, please make sure to consult your doctor before taking any steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I remove scabs after hair transplant?

Scabs start falling off almost 6-7 days after hair transplant. By washing your hair properly as instructed by your doctor all the scabs should disappear within 10-14 days.

Should I remove scabs after hair transplant?

Make sure not to pick or scratch the scabs with your nails. Doing so will leads to infections and will dislocate the newly transplanted grafts. All the scabs will be gone within 10-14 days given that you wash you hair in the correct way after hair transplant.

Does picking scabs after hair transplant damage the grafts?

Yes picking out and scratching the scabs after hair transplant will damage the grafts by dislocating them. The grafts take 2 weeks to firmly attach into the scalp. Therefore, touching or plucking the crusts jeopardizes the results.

Does scabbing after hair transplant affect the grafts?

Scab formation does not harm or affect the grafts but instead it is a natural way of wound healing. It acts as a protective shield for the wounds created by the incisions. Once the wounds heal the scabs will fall off and the new hair will come out.