Preparing for a hair transplant: two weeks, one week, one day

Two weeks before: medication, smoking and alcohol

Aspirin, ibuprofen, ginkgo biloba, omega-3 and high-dose vitamin E all thin the blood and should be stopped at least 10–14 days beforehand. They increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure.

Smoking and alcohol adversely affect circulation and wound healing. Stopping smoking at least a week beforehand and alcohol three days beforehand matters for how the grafts are nourished.

• Aspirin and NSAID painkillers: stopped 10 days before the procedure.
• Herbal supplements (ginkgo, ginger, garlic extract): stopped two weeks before.
• Alcohol: stopped 72 hours before the procedure.

Diet, hydration and hair care

Eating a balanced, protein-rich diet and drinking 2–2.5 litres of water a day in the week before supports tissue healing. If iron, zinc or B12 levels are low, correcting them before the procedure is advised.

Wash your hair the day before the procedure and do not use gel, wax or hairspray. Product residue on the scalp makes sterilisation more difficult.

One week before: haircut, exercise and sleep

The donor area (back of the head and above the ears) needs to be of sufficient length on the day. Hair cut too short can make follicle extraction more difficult; hair that is too long makes dressing and aftercare harder. Your physician will give you a specific length recommendation.

Weight training, sports involving inverted positions such as yoga, and intense cardio should be reduced 2–3 days before. Getting used to sleeping with the pillow raised to 45 degrees from the first night improves comfort afterwards.

The day itself: clothing, transport and the morning

Wear a dark top that buttons at the front with a wide collar. Clothing that has to be pulled over your head can touch the recipient area in the days that follow.

Have a light breakfast; going hungry can cause low blood sugar. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea are limited in the morning because they increase the risk of bleeding. Get clear instructions from your physician about your medication.

• Wash your hair in the morning; do not use gel, mousse or spray.
• Do not wear jewellery, contact lenses or perfume.
• If you are going straight home afterwards, bring a cardigan that buttons at the front or a wide-necked top.

Mental preparation: managing expectations

A hair transplant is a process of change, not an instant transformation. There is shock loss in the first three months, slow growth at month six and the final result at month twelve. Knowing that timeline substantially reduces the anxiety of the first weeks.

Note down the questions you want to ask before you come in. At the pre-procedure examination, the hairline, graft range and technique are decided together with your physician, and written approval is taken at the end of that conversation.