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So now that you have done your hair transplant in Turkey, you might be wondering what you need to do to get marvellous results. Well, aside from following the after-care instructions that are explained by your surgeons, you must make sure your hair gets the nutrition it needs. Believe it or not, diet plays a very important role in the final results of your hair transplant procedure.
You are what you eat. It shouldn’t be a surprise that your newly implanted hair follicles will be affected by what you consume. A diet that isn’t well balanced can hold back the growth of the implanted hair that your surgeon spent hours working on to give you a better hairline.
A Good Diet After Hair Transplant Can Boost the Results
Researchers found that a diet lacking in the essentials (minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids) can cause the cells to malfunction which leads to further permanent or temporary hair loss because of the interruption of normal hair cycling, inability of follicles to produce new hair.
Right Food After Hair Transplant Can Prevent Shock Hair Loss
Also, as you might know, after the hair transplant there is a “Shock Hair Loss” phase that occurs in the first two months. A nutritious diet is known to decrease (sometimes prevent) this “surgical shock”. Especially a diet that has iron and zinc which are essential for the production of healthy hair follicles.
Now, let’s get in all the details about the diet that you need to be following to get the optimal results that you are intended to have from your hair transplant surgery.
Water Is the Main Important Part of Your Diet After Hair Transplant
drinking water after hair transplant
The most important part of your diet is water. You may already know it, but water is the essence of life. So, make sure you consume at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your hair healthy, blood pressure regulated and your life in balance and to decrease and eliminate the hair loss due to dry scalp.
Best Foods To Eat to Get a Better Hair Look
Below is the list of the other essential nutrients you need in your diet:
1) B-complex Vitamins Help Hair Growth and Wound Healing Process
Such as B7 (Biotin) and B12. B-Complex vitamins play an elemental role in the hair structure and its growth. Also, it ensures optimal protein and fat metabolism and assists clotting during the wound-healing process. After the hair transplant, doctors believe that a patient should consume B-complex vitamin supplements to get to the levels that are needed.
Some foods that are rich in B-complex vitamins are; Chicken, Meat, Bananas, Avocados, Brown Rice, Nuts, and Eggs.
2) Zinc Mineral Prevents Hair Loss After Hair Transplant
Zinc deficiency can lead to serious hair loss thus, it is important to have zinc in your diet after your hair transplant surgery. It plays a big role in tissue repair as it helps in the production of collagen, cell multiplication, maintenance of hormone levels, protein synthesis and absorption of vitamins and other minerals.
Some foods that are rich in zinc are Oysters, Beef, Cashews, Spinach, and Pumpkin Seeds.
3) Iron Mineral Boosts Oxygen Flow and Immune System
Iron deficiency just like zinc deficiency can cause hair loss. It boosts the hair texture, boost the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the roots and scalp of the hair to allow greater results. Also, iron enhances immunity which is necessary for the healing phase after the hair transplant surgery.
Some foods that are rich in iron are; Spinach, Beef, Beans, Clams, and Beef liver.
4) Vitamin E Speed-Up the Recovery Time and Improve Tissues and Damaged Grafts
Vitamin E is an antioxidant by nature. It helps to accelerate the healing of damaged skin and prevents scars from becoming permanent healing. It is recommended to use Vitamin E oil on your donor and recipient area once your wound has healed to soften and improve the tissue quality also it repairs damaged hair follicles.
Some foods that are rich in Vitamin E are; Almonds, Spinach, Avocado, Sunflower Seeds, and Olive Oil.
5) Vitamin C Acts as an Antioxidant and Prevents Hair Loss and Hair Graying
It speeds healing by working as an antioxidant, also it helps in the production of collagen and elastin. Vitamin C also fights oxidative stress that is responsible for hair graying and hair loss.
Some foods that are rich in Vitamin C are; Peppers, Kale, Kiwi, Broccoli, Berries, and Citrus Fruits.
6) Vitamin A Prevents Dry and Itchy Scalp
All cells need vitamin A for growth. Including cells of hair follicles. Also, it assists in the production of sebum which is an oily substance that moisturizes the scalp and keeps hair healthy. Deficiency in Vitamin A leads to hair loss and dry and itchy scalp (itchy scalp is a side effect that you may experience after hair transplant).
Some foods that are rich in Vitamin A are; Carrots, Sweet Potato, Beef Liver, Kale, Spinach, and Winter Squash.
Things to Avoid After Hair Transplant
The recovery time is as important as the operation. Although the hair transplant success rate is at least 90%, avoiding certain habits and unhealthy diets can increase this rate to 95%.
Avoid Junk Foods
Two more points you must be careful about are the cholesterol level and the blood supply to the hair.
You should cut down the oil in your diet which decreases the LDT and increases HDT cholesterol. With balanced cholesterol levels, healing would become faster and better also makes sure you get good hair growth after the hair transplant surgery.
Stop Smoking and Drinking Alcohol for at Least 2 Weeks After Hair Restoration
If you are a smoker, try to decrease it as much as you can. Blood supply is utterly lowered in a smoker’s body, hair and scalp as compared to a non-smoker. Also, the healing period is extended after hair transplant for the patients who smoke.
Alcohol has blood-thinning ingredients and slows down the healing process. Drinking alcohol after a hair transplant increases the risk of complications and can be dangerous for the survival of the new grafts. Doctors recommend stopping the beverages one week in advance and two weeks after the hair surrey.
Overall, stay positive and live a healthy life by making healthy choices. These nutrition tips are not only for better hair but for generally better health.
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