Hair and Beard Transplant Aftercare: Key Differences at My Hair Clinics

Healing and Early Recovery

The healing process after a hair transplant and a beard transplant follows similar principles but differs due to the nature of the skin and daily movements in each area. Scalp transplants involve implanting follicles into a thicker, more vascularised area, which generally results in faster healing and less sensitivity once the initial swelling subsides. Patients must avoid touching or washing the scalp for the first 48 hours, after which a gentle cleansing routine can begin. Swelling, if present, typically affects the forehead and subsides within a few days.

Beard transplants, on the other hand, involve graft placement into facial skin, which is thinner, more sensitive, and constantly exposed to movement. The facial area is prone to more noticeable swelling, particularly around the cheeks and jawline, due to the lymphatic drainage system. Patients often experience tightness or discomfort for a slightly longer period than with a hair transplant. Eating, speaking, and facial expressions can all contribute to minor irritation in the early days. Keeping the face clean is crucial, but washing must be done very gently to avoid disturbing the newly implanted follicles. Patients are also advised to avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and spicy foods in the first few days to minimise swelling and irritation.

Graft Survival and Long-Term Care

The survival of transplanted grafts depends on multiple factors, including blood supply, trauma prevention, and post-operative care. On the scalp, follicles integrate quickly due to the rich vascular network of the skin, allowing for a stable attachment within the first 10–14 days. Patients are advised to avoid direct sun exposure, excessive sweating, and vigorous physical activity during this period. Shedding of the newly transplanted hairs—commonly known as shock loss—occurs within the first two to four weeks, after which new growth begins around three to four months later.

Facial hair grafts follow the same general timeline, but beard growth cycles differ from scalp hair cycles, meaning that new beard hairs may appear slightly later than their scalp counterparts. Facial skin also produces more oil, which can lead to clogged pores or mild folliculitis if aftercare is not carefully followed. Patients are instructed to avoid using harsh skincare products and to refrain from shaving for at least three weeks to prevent disturbing the grafts. Studies suggest that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can improve graft survival and accelerate the healing process by promoting angiogenesis.

Cost and Procedure Complexity

A hair transplant at My Hair UK is priced based on graft numbers, with up to 1000 grafts (2000 hairs) costing £2,899 and up to 3000 grafts (6000 hairs) costing £4,499. A beard transplant, typically requiring fewer grafts, is priced at a set fee of £2,899: https://www.my-hair.uk/beard-transplant. Despite the lower graft count, beard transplants require greater precision due to the need for accurate depth and angle placement to match the natural direction of beard growth.

The complexity of beard transplants extends to post-operative care. Unlike scalp transplants, where hair naturally angles outward, facial hair must be placed in alignment with the existing beard pattern to create a natural appearance. The thicker sebaceous gland concentration in the facial area also influences how the grafts settle and grow, requiring a slightly longer adaptation period. Patients seeking a beard transplant should be aware that the final results may take up to 12 months to fully develop, with new growth appearing gradually over time.