The resurgence of buzz cuts in recent years as one of the more popular hairstyles in the U.S. is evident from the statistics that show a 25.4% increase in online searches on buzz cuts, as seen in 2020. The popularity of this low-maintenance yet classy hairstyle continues, with more people opting for the buzz cut, making it one of the most hyped hair trends. However, if you have undergone a hair transplant, consider certain factors before getting a buzz cut.
This blog discusses the vital aspects you must know if you plan to get a buzz cut after your hair transplant. Whether you can have a buzz cut after a hair transplant procedure, the waiting period post-procedure, or the challenges of shaving your head too soon after your hair transplant. So, let's learn if all types of types of hair transplant procedures allow for a buzz cut.
You can sport any hairstyle, including the trendy buzz cut after a hair transplant. However, you must wait through the recovery phase before heading to your favorite hair salon or barber shop. While the scabs, scars, swelling, and redness in the treatment area heal on their own in a few days, the transplanted hair grafts are very delicate and must not be touched during the initial period post your transplant procedure. It takes a minimum of ten to fourteen days for the grafts to settle and seal themselves securely in the scalp.
As a part of the recovery process, the transplanted hair grafts start to fall after 12 to 14 days of hair transplant. So, to have a buzz cut, you must wait at least a few months after the procedure, during which you can expect all the hair grafts to fall off and the transplanted hair follicles to grow back.
The longer you wait for a haircut, the better your treatment's outcome will be. The grafts will have more time to settle into your scalp and flourish without being distubred, resulting in thicker hair.
The best option is to get a post-procedure follow-up with your hair transplant specialist, who can assess your scalp healing process, determine whether the hair restoration process is on track, and offer you a timeline for safely getting a buzz cut.
The most significant risk of shaving off your head too soon after a hair transplant is irreversible damage to the highly fragile hair follicles, which may lead to sub-par results.
Also, you may be vulnerable to infections if the hyper-sensitive treatment area comes into contact with germs through non-sterile instruments such as the hair clippers and razors used in the barbershop. While the infections are temporary in most cases, they can extend your recovery period and adversely impact the hair restoration outcome. In some instances, however, these infections have been known to cause severe health complications, including sepsis.
Once your scalp has fully recovered after the hair transplant procedure, you can spot any hairstyle you want, including the highly in-trend buzz cut. This hairstyle involves cutting hair uniformly all over the head as short as 1/8 inch to ¼ inch.
Several hair transplant patients are also known to shave their heads to a grade 0 or keep their hair very short to a number 1 or 2 grade cut. However, the shorter your hair is during the initial period after surgery, the more visible the scars are likely to be.
You can get a buzz cut regardless of the type of hair transplant surgery you have undergone. Modern technological hair transplant innovations such as the FUE procedure result in minimal scarring, and you can opt for a buzz cut post-procedure without hesitation.
However, FUT surgery involves a thin but visible scar in the donor area, which is usually at the back of your head. Once the scar heals and becomes less visible, you can sport a buzz cut even after an FUT procedure.
After about six months from your hair transplant procedure, the transplanted hair follicles reach their maximum thickness. By this time, the scars, if any, will heal and become less visible. You can then experiment with new hairstyles you wanted to try earlier but could not due to receding hairline and volume. However, you must avoid tight hairstyles that cause stress to the newly-grown hair follicles and use gentler hair products for better long-term results.
Buzz cut, with its no-fuss, minimalistic, and classy look, has become one of the most popular hairstyles in recent times. You can sport this hairstyle even after your hair transplant procedure. However, for the best outcome and minimal risks, ensure that your scalp is completely healed and wait until the transplanted hair grafts are securely embedded into the scalp, leading to healthier and thicker hair follicles.
If you are looking for a hair restoration center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, that offers the most advanced hair transplant and restoration technology, Mane Center for Advanced Hair Restoration is your best option.
Our expert team of hair restoration professionals, led by renowned hair restoration surgeon Dr. Douglas Burka, provides an array of highly effective personalized hair restoration solutions, including the latest ARTAS iX Hair Restoration. Contact us today to book a consultation or to learn more about our treatments and procedures.