Royce Hair Lab

How to sleep after a hair transplant

Which position to sleep in on the first nights after a hair transplant, whether you need a neck pillow and when you can sleep normally again.

  • 3 min read
  • Last updated:
  • Written by: Royce Hair Lab editorial team

3 sectionsStart reading

With any surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. You are advised to get a detailed opinion from your doctor before the procedure. Images are representative; they do not show our clinic or real patients.

On this page 3
  1. The first 7 nights
  2. Why it matters
  3. When can I sleep normally?

The first 7 nights

  • Sleep on your back with your head raised to about 45 degrees.
  • A neck pillow stops your head turning and the recipient area rubbing on the pillow.
  • Put a clean towel over your pillow; the donor area may ooze slightly on the first nights.

Why it matters

Keeping your head raised reduces swelling moving down to the forehead. Rubbing the area on a pillow in the first days can dislodge follicles.

When can I sleep normally?

Usually after 7–10 days, once scabs are fewer, you can sleep on your side. After day 14 most patients return to their normal sleep.

Sources

This guide draws on the general sources and regulations below.

  1. A hair transplant can give you permanent, natural-looking results · American Academy of Dermatology
  2. Hair transplant · MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine

The information on this site is general and does not replace an examination or diagnosis.

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