No matter where you are in your hair care journey, using shampoo and conditioner can keep your hair clean, moisturized, and healthy. But of course, it can get more complicated than that, particularly during hair loss and after hair restoration treatment. 

Expert Hair Science and Treatment With Dr. Lam

While maintaining the health of your hair always begins at home, the complex art of hair restoration should be placed in the hands of double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Lam. At the Lam Institute for Hair Restoration in Dallas, he has helped 6,000 patients and counting experience a thicker, fuller scalp using his multiple hair restoration techniques.

Ideally, patients can prolong their original hair follicles with some critical best practices, described in more detail in the sections below. Additionally, we’ll explain how to extend the results of a hair restoration after your procedure.

What Should a Proper Daily Hair Care Routine Look Like?

Though genetics and other patient-specific factors play a role in determining when or if hair loss will occur, there are steps you can take on your own to delay this process for as long as possible. This comes down to using the right products and practicing the best habits.

Shampoo is only designed for cleaning off oils, sweat, dead skin cells, and hair products. To protect your follicles and keep your hair soft and moisturized, apply conditioner every time you use shampoo. Make sure the shampoo is concentrated on the scalp and the conditioner is focused on the length and tips of the hair. 

However, you don’t necessarily need to wash your hair every day. It generally depends on how oily your hair is and whether you use dyes, bleach, or other chemicals. The straighter the hair, the more oil and the more often you should wash (unless the chemicals you’re using say otherwise). While skipping shampoo and conditioner can give your hair and follicles a break, you’ll need to wash more frequently if you start to notice dandruff and excess oil.

How Should I Change My Strategy if I’m Noticing Hair Loss?

If you’re starting to thin out, it’s time to make some critical adjustments to your hair care strategy. Your doctor may recommend the following:

  • Switch to a gentle shampoo. Continue using conditioner.
  • Wrap your hair in a towel after showering to help it dry faster. The longer you have to blow-dry, the more damaging that heat is.
  • Slow down on at-home coloring and straightening chemicals. Salons will have products tailored to your specific hair for a healthier application.
  • Do not wear your hair pulled back in a bun, ponytail, or braids.

I’m Loving My Post-Restoration Hair. How Do I Keep It Going?

For some patients, their best option will be hair restoration therapy, such as exosome/stem cell or a hybrid FUE transplant. While recovery differs depending on the procedure, patients must usually wait at least two days before washing their hair and avoid strenuous activities for a week or longer.

In the months and years ahead, keep following the hair care tips listed above. Some patients will need follow-up treatments. Sometimes, your doctor will prescribe medication to preserve your new hair’s thickness and longevity.  

A Customized Treatment Plan for Your Hair

If you’re in the DFW area and looking for advice on your current hair care strategy or restorative treatment options, Dr. Lam is here to help. Contact the Lam Institute for Hair Restoration today to schedule your consultation.