Can I Shave my Head a Few Days After a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Procedure?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums: 

Three days ago, I underwent a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure. I’m returning to work soon and would like to shave my head so that all the hairs are the same length. Is it safe to shave (or “buzz”) my head a few days after an FUE procedure? My hair transplant surgeon says I should wait a week. Is he correct? Could this damage the grafts? Should I wait?

Your surgeon is right. Shaving your head now would almost certainly damage the newly implanted grafts. The new follicles take approximately 7-10 days to fully “anchor” and become permanent, and any disruption during this period can cause lasting damage. Altogether, it would be best to wait at least 7 days before shaving your head. Many would argue that you should really wait 10-14 days, but I would follow your hair restoration surgeon‘s post-operative advice and instructions as closely as possible.

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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

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