Planning for a hair transplant surgery or already had one here is a guide for a balanced diet for optimal hair transplant results.
With the help of this guide, you will get familiar with important information that you must know before or after a hair transplant. Let's get started.
What Is The Importance Of Nutrition In Hair Health?
- Hair Growth: A proper amount of protein is necessary for hair as hair is made of protein. Keratin is a primary structural protein present in hair. To produce Keratin, hair follicles require amino acids. Foods such as eggs, fish and lean meats are rich in protein.
- Shiny Hair: Omega-3 fatty acids help in maintaining the natural oils. Natural oils promote moisturisation and glossiness of hair. Sources include walnuts, salmon and flaxseeds.
- Control hormonal disbalance: Hormonal disbalance can be controlled by nutrients that help in maintaining hair health.
- Get rid of hair loss: Deficiency in vitamin D and vitamin E can become the reason for certain hair problems. Hair loss and hair thinning are one of them.
- Scalp health: Vitamin A and zinc support scalp health. Sebum is a natural oil that helps in hydrating the scalp.
Post-Hair Transplant Diet
Iron
Iron helps in increasing the oxygen flow in your bloodstream and boosts the immune system. Vitamins and nutrients are successfully delivered to your hair roots this will be ensured by increased blood flow. Iron-rich foods like dried fruit, nuts and seeds, seafood, beans and peas promote hair growth. Not only does iron help in hair growth but also enhances the texture of your scalp hair.
Zinc
Zinc enhances collagen production in the body. Collagen helps in reducing hair breakage and split ends. Collagen production also helps in the regeneration of cells and the repair of tissues after surgery. Zinc-rich foods are nuts, meat, shellfish and eggs.
Protein
Protein is very important for your hair health. It helps in getting healthy and bouncy hair. Deficiency of protein can lead to dry, brittle and weak hair. Lack of protein in your diet leads to hair loss.
Your hair and scalp tissue's development and maintenance are highly dependent on protein. A diet rich in protein promotes a better healing process and helps transplanted hair follicles to grow. Protein-rich foods are walnuts, eggs, fish, chicken and dairy products.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important in promoting cell growth. To avoid dry scalp issues after hair transplant treatment, consume vitamin A as it preserves the natural oils on the scalp and prevents the newly treated scalp from itching. Vitamin A-rich foods are spinach, carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin.
Vitamin B-Complex
B12 and Biotin (B7) are included in vitamins B-Complex. Hair growth and maintenance of strong hair structure are what these vitamins do. After a surgical procedure like a hair transplant, your body needs time to heal. Vitamin B-complex promotes a better healing process. Foods like bananas, eggs, nuts, avocado and chicken are rich in vitamin B-complex.
Vitamin D
Deficiency of vitamin D is responsible for male pattern baldness. Vitamin D helps in the growth and functions of hair follicles. Foods rich in vitamin D are fish, walnuts, chia seeds and fish oil. Follow this diet and add essential vitamins and minerals to your diet not only for hair growth but also for a better healing process.
Important Points To Note
- Avoid tough exercises.
- Keep your head elevated to avoid swelling.
- Take medications only after consulting your surgeon.
- Avoid sun exposure, UV rays can damage your sensitive surgical area.
- Avoid head gears.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
These are the important post-op instructions. Some instructions regarding cleanliness or washing will vary from surgeon to surgeon. A hair transplant is a permanent solution. Although the recovery period can take time you are going to be satisfied with the results.
How Long Do I Have To Follow The Diet?
Although it is not a strict diet you must take this diet seriously for optimal hair transplant results. Not every individual’s body is the same so the healing process varies from person to person. Normally you will need to follow diet recommendations for at least a week or two.
Conclusion
In this guide, we discussed how much nutrients are important for your hair's well-being. Then we had a look at the post-hair transplant diet which included important vitamins and minerals you need for your hair growth and better healing process after hair transplant surgery. Keep in mind the important instructions as well which we discussed above. Then at least we saw how long you have to follow the diet.
This diet is a very essential part of your post-op hair transplant result so do not take it lightly. Discuss with your surgeons for better advice and follow their instructions.