Your first hair wash after a Turkey transplant happens at the clinic on day 2-3, performed by a trained nurse who demonstrates the technique you will replicate at home. Proper washing during the first two weeks is one of the most important factors in graft survival because transplanted follicles need 7-10 days to anchor securely into the scalp tissue. Getting the technique right prevents infection, helps scabs fall off naturally, and protects your investment.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
The First Wash at the Turkish Clinic
Most Turkish clinics schedule your first wash appointment for day 2 or day 3 after surgery. This is included in your all-inclusive package. The clinic's VIP transfer will bring you from your hotel to the clinic for this appointment.
What Happens at the Clinic Wash
A trained nurse or technician performs the first wash following a specific protocol:
- The donor area bandage is carefully removed
- Moisturizing lotion is applied to the entire recipient area and left to sit for 15-20 minutes
- Lukewarm water is gently poured over the scalp from a cup held close to the head
- A small amount of the clinic's specialized shampoo is dabbed onto the recipient area using only fingertips
- The shampoo is rinsed off by pouring more lukewarm water
- The donor area is washed separately with slightly more pressure since it heals faster
- The scalp is patted dry with soft paper towels (never rubbed)
- The nurse examines both areas and photographs your progress
This appointment takes about 30-45 minutes. Pay close attention to the technique because you will repeat it daily at home.
What You Receive for Home Washing
Your aftercare kit (included in the all-inclusive package) should contain:
- Specialized pH-balanced shampoo (enough for 2-4 weeks)
- Moisturizing lotion for softening scabs before washing
- Healing spray (saline or biotin-based) for keeping grafts hydrated
- Written washing instructions in your language
If your kit is missing any of these items, ask the clinic before you leave Turkey.
Home Washing Schedule: Day by Day
Days 0-2: No Washing
Do not wash the recipient area during the first 48 hours. You can use the healing spray provided by the clinic to mist the grafts every 1-2 hours, keeping them hydrated. The donor area remains bandaged until your clinic wash appointment.
During this period:
- Do not touch the transplanted area with your hands
- Avoid getting water on the grafts from any source
- Sleep elevated at 45 degrees
- You may use a damp cloth to gently clean your face and non-transplanted areas
Day 3-4: Begin Daily Home Washing
After your clinic wash demonstrates the technique, start washing once daily at home. Follow these steps exactly:
- Apply moisturizing lotion across the entire recipient area
- Wait 15-20 minutes for the lotion to soften dried blood and early scabs
- Fill a clean cup with lukewarm water (body temperature, never hot)
- Pour water gently over the recipient area from 5-10 cm above your head
- Place a pea-sized amount of the specialized shampoo on your fingertips
- Dab the shampoo onto the scalp using only your fingertip pads (no nails, no palms)
- Use zero pressure on the transplanted grafts during this phase
- Rinse by pouring cups of water over the area
- Pat dry with soft paper towels or a clean microfiber cloth
| Rule | Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Water source | Pour from a cup | Shower head directly on grafts |
| Water temperature | Lukewarm (body temperature) | Hot or cold |
| Touch method | Fingertip pads only | Nails, palms, cloths, sponges |
| Pressure | Zero on recipient area | Any rubbing, scrubbing, or pressing |
| Drying | Pat with paper towel | Rub with towel or use hair dryer |
| Frequency | Once daily | More than once or skipping days |
Days 5-7: Gradual Progress
Continue daily washing with the same cup-pouring method. By day 5-6, you can begin using very light circular motions with your fingertips while applying shampoo, but keep pressure minimal. Scabs will begin to feel dry and slightly raised.
The donor area (back of head) heals faster than the recipient area. By day 5, you can wash the donor area with slightly more firmness and use gentle circular motions to clean it thoroughly.
Days 7-10: Scab Softening Phase
This is the critical scab removal period. Scabs naturally loosen between days 7-10, and your washing technique should help this process along without forcing anything.
Updated washing routine:
- Apply moisturizing lotion for 30-45 minutes before washing (longer than the initial period)
- Stand under a lukewarm shower and let water flow over the recipient area for 2-3 minutes
- Apply shampoo with fingertips using light circular motions
- Focus on areas where scabs feel loose and softened
- Do not peel, pick, or force any scab that remains firmly attached
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry
By the end of day 10, most scabs should be gone or nearly gone. Some stubborn scabs may take until day 14.
Days 10-14: Transition Period
| Day | Water Source | Pressure | Shampoo Type | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 | Cup pour only | Zero | Clinic shampoo | First home wash |
| 5-7 | Cup pour | Very light | Clinic shampoo | Light circular motions begin |
| 7-10 | Gentle shower stream | Light | Clinic shampoo | Scab removal active |
| 10-14 | Normal gentle shower | Moderate | Clinic shampoo | Most scabs gone |
| 14+ | Normal shower | Normal | Can switch to regular shampoo | Grafts fully anchored |
By day 10, you can use a normal (not full-pressure) shower stream on the transplant area. Grafts are largely anchored at this point. Continue using the clinic-provided shampoo until it runs out or until day 14, whichever comes first.
Week 3 and Beyond: Normal Routine
After day 14, grafts are securely anchored and you can return to your normal hair washing routine:
- Normal shower pressure is safe
- You can switch to your regular shampoo
- A hair dryer on low heat is acceptable (avoid extreme heat directly on the scalp)
- Conditioner can be used on the transplant area
- Normal towel drying (gentle, not vigorous rubbing) is fine
Around weeks 2-4, you will notice transplanted hairs beginning to shed. This is shock loss, not graft failure. The follicles remain alive and new growth starts at months 3-4.
Common Washing Mistakes
These errors can damage grafts or delay healing:
- Washing too aggressively before day 10: Even if scabs feel ready, use gentle motions only
- Skipping washes to "protect" grafts: Daily washing from day 3 onward prevents infection and helps scabs soften. Skipping creates more problems than it solves
- Using hot water: Hot water increases swelling, blood flow, and can damage healing tissue
- Picking at scabs: Pulling a scab can remove the graft beneath it. Let washing do the work
- Using regular shampoo before day 14: Standard shampoos contain sulfates and fragrances that irritate healing skin
- Rubbing with a towel: Always pat dry for the first two weeks. Rubbing creates friction that can dislodge grafts
When to Contact Your Clinic
Reach out to your Turkish clinic via WhatsApp if you notice during the washing process:
- Bleeding that does not stop after gentle pressure
- Unusual smell from the transplant area
- Increasing redness or swelling after day 5
- Yellow or green discharge (pus)
- Large numbers of grafts visibly coming out with scabs after day 10
For a full overview of what your Turkey package includes for recovery, see our Turkey vs USA cost comparison. To understand how different extraction methods affect your post-op care, read our FUE vs FUT comparison.
Want to understand your hair loss stage before planning a Turkey transplant? Get a free AI analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze for a personalized assessment of your graft needs and recovery expectations.