Avoid all exercise for at least 2 weeks after DHI. Physical activity raises blood pressure, increases scalp sweating, and creates risk of impact to the transplant area. Since DHI grafts placed with the Choi Implanter Pen need 7-10 days to anchor securely, even moderate exertion during this period can affect graft survival and your 90-95% expected success rate.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Why Exercise Restrictions Exist After DHI
Three physiological effects of exercise directly threaten DHI graft survival:
Increased blood pressure. Exercise raises systolic blood pressure, which can cause bleeding at graft implantation sites. Each Choi pen insertion creates a small wound, and elevated pressure during the first 7-10 days can reopen these sites or push grafts out of position.
Sweating. Sweat on the scalp introduces salt and bacteria to healing implantation sites. During the first two weeks, these sites are open micro-wounds. Sweat-related infection is one of the most preventable complications after DHI.
Physical contact and vibration. Any activity that involves head movement, bending forward, or risk of being bumped increases the chance of graft displacement. This includes exercises like deadlifts where you strain and exercises in crowded gym environments.
Complete Exercise Timeline After DHI
| Timeframe | Allowed Activities | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Rest, short gentle walks indoors | All exercise, bending, lifting |
| Days 4-7 | Light walking (15-20 minutes, flat ground) | Any activity causing sweating |
| Week 2 | Moderate walking (30 minutes, flat ground) | Gym, running, cycling, swimming |
| Week 3 | Brisk walking, light stationary cycling | Heavy weights, running, swimming |
| Week 4 | Light jogging, moderate weightlifting, yoga | Heavy lifting, contact sports, swimming |
| Week 5-6 | Most gym activities at moderate intensity | Contact sports, competitive athletics |
| Week 6+ | Full return to all activities | Nothing (full clearance) |
These timelines assume a typical DHI session of up to 3,500 grafts. Always follow your individual surgeon's guidelines, which may vary based on your specific procedure and healing progress.
Activity-Specific Guidelines
Walking
Walking is the safest form of exercise after DHI and is encouraged from day 2-3 onward. It promotes blood circulation without significantly raising heart rate or blood pressure.
- Days 2-7: Short walks (10-15 minutes), indoors or in shade
- Week 2: Extend to 20-30 minutes, still avoiding hills or hot conditions
- Week 3+: Normal walking with no restrictions
Avoid walking outdoors in direct sunlight during the first 4 weeks. If you must walk outside, wear a loose hat (after day 7-10 when your surgeon approves head coverings) and apply SPF 50+ sunscreen to any exposed scalp areas.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting poses several risks: elevated blood pressure from straining, forward bending during exercises like rows and deadlifts, and potential sweating under a hat or headband.
| Exercise Type | When to Resume | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Isolation exercises (curls, lateral raises) | Week 3-4 | Light weight, no straining |
| Machine-based exercises | Week 3-4 | Controlled movement, moderate weight |
| Compound lifts (bench, squat) | Week 4-5 | Start at 50-60% normal weight |
| Heavy compounds (deadlift, overhead press) | Week 5-6 | Full strain okay by week 6 |
| Exercises with head below heart | Week 4+ | Inverted rows, decline bench |
When you return to the gym, wipe sweat from your scalp frequently with a clean, soft cloth. Avoid headbands or tight hats that press on the transplant area.
Running and Cardio
Running creates repetitive jarring motion and raises heart rate quickly. The impact vibrations can stress healing graft sites during the first two weeks.
- Week 3: Light jogging (10-15 minutes, slow pace) on flat surfaces
- Week 4: Moderate running (20-30 minutes)
- Week 5-6: Normal running intensity and duration
- Treadmill is preferred over outdoor running initially (controlled environment, no sun)
For cycling, a stationary bike at low resistance can resume at week 3. Outdoor cycling should wait until week 4 due to wind, sun, and the risk of wearing a helmet before grafts are fully secure.
Swimming
Swimming requires the longest wait of any common exercise after DHI:
- Pool swimming: Wait at least 4-6 weeks. Chlorine irritates healing tissue and submerging the scalp in pool water before full healing significantly increases infection risk.
- Ocean swimming: Wait at least 6 weeks. Salt water, bacteria, and sun exposure combine to create the highest risk environment for healing grafts.
- Hot tubs and saunas: Avoid for 4-6 weeks. Heat dilates blood vessels and the bacterial load in shared hot water is a concern.
Contact Sports and High-Risk Activities
Any sport with a risk of head contact should wait at least 6 weeks:
- Basketball, soccer, martial arts, boxing: Week 6+
- Football, rugby, hockey (with helmet): Week 6+
- Rock climbing, gymnastics: Week 4-6 (depending on head contact risk)
If your sport requires a helmet, confirm with your surgeon that the helmet fit does not press on the transplant area before returning.
Signs You Returned to Exercise Too Soon
Stop exercising and contact your surgeon if you experience any of the following:
- Bleeding from graft sites during or after exercise
- Increased swelling in the transplant area
- Unusual pain or throbbing at the recipient or donor site
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus) after sweating
- Visible graft displacement or scabs pulling away
Maintaining Fitness During Recovery
Two weeks without exercise is manageable for most people. Here are strategies to stay active without risking your results:
- Walk daily (the best low-risk exercise during recovery)
- Focus on nutrition and sleep quality during the rest period
- Use the time for meal prepping, mobility work, and recovery
- Practice bodyweight exercises that keep your head above your heart after week 2 (wall sits, calf raises, light squats without bending forward)
For a comparison of recovery requirements across transplant methods, see our FUE vs FUT comparison. To understand how your hair loss stage affects treatment planning, review the Norwood scale guide.
Want to know what a DHI procedure would look like for your specific hair loss pattern? Get a free AI analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze.