Preoperative Instructions for Hair Transplant

24 Hours Before

  • Hygiene: Wash your hair the night before the procedure using a gentle shampoo (baby shampoo). Do not use conditioner.

  • Food: Eat a light breakfast on the day of the procedure.

  • Clothing: Wear a button-up or zip-up shirt to avoid pulling clothes over your head afterward.

  • No shaving: Do not shave your head unless your medical team specifically instructs you to do so.

  • No caffeine or energy drinks.

  • Documents & payment: Bring your ID. If you paid the deposit with a credit card, bring the same card (or the cardholder with their ID) for verification.


Quick Checklist

  • No smoking or vaping at least 1–2 weeks before.

  • No alcohol 48–72 hours before.

  • Stop NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) 7 days before.

  • Stop Vitamin E and herbal supplements (ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, etc.) 7 days before.

  • Minoxidil (topical or oral): stop 5–7 days prior.

  • Finasteride/Dutasteride: usually continued unless instructed otherwise.

  • Wash your hair the night before and the morning of the procedure.

  • No gels, waxes, or hair spray on the day of the surgery.

  • Wear loose or front-opening clothing.

  • Report if you develop fever, cold symptoms, scalp irritation, or medication changes.

  • No shaving: Do not shave your head unless instructed.


2–4 Weeks Before

  • Stop smoking and vaping (ideal: 2–4 weeks before).

  • No shaving: Do not shave your head unless instructed.


7 Days Before

  • NSAIDs: Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed.

  • Supplements/herbs that increase bleeding: Stop vitamin E, high-dose omega-3, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, turmeric extracts, etc.

  • Minoxidil: Stop 5–7 days before.

  • Hair coloring: Avoid dyeing your hair 3–4 days before the procedure.

  • No shaving: Do not shave your head unless instructed.


48–72 Hours Before

  • No alcohol or recreational drugs.

  • Reduce caffeine and energy drinks.

  • Avoid intense exercise and excessive sun exposure to the scalp.

  • No shaving: Do not shave your head unless instructed.