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Understanding Hair Transplant Scabs: What to Expect and How to Care for Them

Knox Beasley, MD

Reviewed by Knox Beasley, MD

Written by Sian Ferguson

Published 10/04/2024

Hair transplant surgery is an expensive, but effective treatment for hair loss. After the surgical procedure, it’s common to develop hair transplant scabs. 

Although these scabs don’t look pretty, they’re only temporary — and they’re a sign your body is healing well. 

Hair transplants involve making many tiny cuts in your scalp. Scabs help these cuts heal. They protect you from infections and ensure your hair grafts take to your scalp. 

If you’re wondering how long your hair transplant scabs will be around, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about hair transplant scabs, including how to care for them and when to seek medical advice.

Hair transplant scabs are a completely normal part of the healing process. In fact, they’re a sign that your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do to protect and heal the newly transplanted hair follicles. 

But let’s break it down a bit more.

During the surgery, the hair transplant surgeon makes tiny incisions in your scalp. These incisions are necessary to insert healthy hair follicles into the recipient area.  Your surgeon will also take healthy hair grafts from areas that grow hair — called “donor sites” — which creates small wounds in the scalp.  

In other words, the hair transplant procedure involves making a lot of small incisions in your skin. 

As your body starts to heal, these scabs form as a protective layer over the incisions. These scabs are crusts that develop to cover the wounds and allow the underlying tissue to heal without being exposed to bacteria or other potential contaminants.

So, while they might not be the most aesthetically pleasing, hair transplant scabs are crucial for your scalp’s recovery. They help to keep the transplanted follicles safe and secure as they settle into their new environment. 

Some people have more pronounced hair transplant scabs, while others have only minimal scabbing. The formation of scabs can vary depending on factors such as: 

  • Your skin type

  • The extent of the transplant

  • How well you follow post-operative care instructions

Typically, these scabs will start forming within the first couple of days after the procedure. Hair transplant clinics say that the scabs last anywhere from 7 to 10 days. During this time, it’s essential to care for your scalp properly to ensure the best possible healing outcome. 

You might notice some hair transplant scabs falling off with hair. This is normal — your hair will usually shed after the hair transplant. You’ll notice new hair growth within the next few weeks or months. 

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Hair transplant scabs are small, crusty formations that appear around each transplanted follicle. They’re usually light brown or reddish in color and will cover the areas where your surgeon made incisions to implant the new hair follicles.  

The appearance of scabs can differ slightly depending on whether you had an FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) procedure. 

While both FUE and FUT hair transplants lead to scarring, FUE usually involves less scarring than FUT.

FUE hair transplants involve making tiny, circular incisions around individual hair follicles.  These incisions are usually very small, so the scabs will also be small and less noticeable. FUE scabs generally result in minimal scarring, and once they fall off, the area should heal with little to no visible marks.

FUT involves taking a linear strip of hair follicles and transplanting that hair graft in the recipient site. Scabs will form along the linear incision made at the donor area, where a strip of scalp was removed. The scabs in this area may appear as a longer line. You’ll also develop tiny scabs around the newly implanted grafts, similar to the scabs on someone who had an FUE procedure.   

As your scalp heals and scabs form, you might notice a few symptoms. Understanding these symptoms can help you differentiate between what’s normal and when something might be off track.

Common symptoms associated with hair transplant scabs include:

  • Small crusts around transplanted follicles

  • Mild itching on the scalp

  • Discomfort or tenderness

These symptoms are all part of the process, but it’s crucial to know how to care for your scalp during this time to avoid any complications.

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After your hair restoration surgery, you need to take proper care of your scalp. Good aftercare will ensure that your scalp heals well. 

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Wash your scalp gently. Typically, your doctor will recommend waiting a day or two before washing your scalp. When you do wash, use a mild shampoo and warm water. Instead of rubbing or scrubbing your scalp, gently pat it with your fingertips to clean it without disturbing the scabs. Let the water and shampoo rinse the area clean without applying too much pressure.

  • Moisturize your scalp. Keeping your scalp moisturized can help reduce itching and aid in the healing process. Your doctor might suggest using a specific lotion or oil to keep the area hydrated. Apply the moisturizer gently, making sure not to rub it in too vigorously, as this could disrupt the scabs.

  • Avoid scratching. As tempting as it might be to scratch those itchy scabs, it’s crucial that you don’t. Scratching can cause the scabs to fall off prematurely, potentially leading to infection or disrupting the healing process. If the itching becomes unbearable, talk to your doctor about safe ways to manage it.

Last but certainly not least, it’s important to keep an eye on your scabs for any worrying symptoms, and call your hair transplant surgeon if you think something’s up. We’ll cover what to look out for in the next section.

No, not at first. Although scab removal might be tempting, these scabs protect the area from bacteria and they help your scalp heal well. 

Pulling off your scabs can affect your hair transplant results and even lead to infections. Instead, you should wash your hair as advised with mild shampoo — this usually softens the scabs and helps them fall off. 

However, if your scabs haven’t started falling off after 10 days or so, call your hair transplant clinic. They can advise you on whether you’ll need to do something to soften or gently remove the scabs. 

If you find the scabs unsightly, remember that they don’t last too long. If you think about it, 7 to 10 days is a small price to pay for a permanent solution to hair loss.

It may be tempting to wear a hat or beanie to cover your scabs. Hair transplant clinics generally recommend you avoid this for the first week after your procedure, as the friction can irritate your scar and halt the healing process.

Loose-fitting headwear —like  a hoodie, satin-lined bonnet, or loose beanie — might be a better option. If you’re self-conscious about your scabs, ask your hair transplant surgeon about your options.

Hair transplant scabs are a normal part of the healing process — but certain signs and symptoms can suggest you have an infection. 

Speak with your surgeon or another healthcare professional if you notice symptoms of infection like:

  • Swelling

  • Pus

  • Significant pain or itching

  • Increased discoloration

  • Excessive bleeding

It’s also a good idea to call an expert if your scabs haven’t started to fall off after 10 days. 

Sometimes your body might take longer to heal if you have a condition that affects your immune system, like diabetes. In these cases, it’s even more important to follow your doctor’s care instructions closely and reach out if you have any concerns. They can provide you with tailored advice to help you heal more effectively.

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While they might not be the most pleasant thing to deal with, hair transplant scabs are a sign that your scalp is healing and that the new follicles are settling in. By taking proper care of your scalp, you can help these scabs fall off naturally and ensure a smooth recovery. 

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

  • Hair transplant scabs are normal. Scab formation is a natural part of the healing process after a hair restoration procedure. These scabs usually last about 7-10 days.

  • Take care of your scalp while it’s scabbing. Proper hair transplant aftercare is essential for a successful recovery. Keep your scalp clean and moisturized, and avoid scratching or removing scabs.

  • But be aware of the risks. Watch for signs of infection or other unusual symptoms and consult your doctor if needed.

Before your hair transplant surgery, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the recovery process. You can learn more about using minoxidil after a hair transplant and take a look at our hair transplant recovery timeline.  

If you have any concerns about your healing process or want more information on post hair transplant care, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hair transplant surgeon. 

And if you’d like to explore non-surgical hair restoration options, we can help you connect with a qualified medical provider. Whether you’re concerned about a receding hairline or simply want to boost your hair growth, they can help. You can start your online hair loss consultation today.

7 Sources

  1. A hair transplant can give you permanent, natural-looking results. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/transplant
  2. Hair replacement surgery. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/hair-replacement-surgery
  3. Jimenez F. (2021). Hair transplantation: Basic overview.
  4. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(21)00901-4/fulltext
  5. Mysore V, et al. (2021). Hair Transplant Practice Guidelines. https://journals.lww.com/jcas/abstract/2021/14030/hair_transplant_practice_guidelines.1.aspx
  6. Shichang ZJ, et al. (2024). Self-management in the post-hair transplantation recovery period among patients with androgenetic alopecia: A qualitative study. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666142X24000614
  7. Zito PM, et al. (2024). Hair Transplantation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/
Editorial Standards

Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at [email protected]!

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

Knox Beasley, MD

Dr. Knox Beasley is a board certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss. He completed his undergraduate studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and subsequently attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. 

Dr. Beasley first began doing telemedicine during his dermatology residency in 2013 with the military, helping to diagnose dermatologic conditions in soldiers all over the world. 

Dr. Beasley is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Originally from Nashville, TN, Dr. Beasley currently lives in North Carolina and enjoys spending time outdoors (with sunscreen of course) with his wife and two children in his spare time. 

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  • Dermatology Residency. San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium

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