Using Hair Relaxer after Hair Transplant

Q:

Hi Doc!

I have a question for you.  In the past, I used chemical hair relaxers.  Do you think they damaged my hair follicles?  If not, am I able have a chemical relaxer in my hair 6 weeks post-surgery?

Thanx!

 

A:

Hair relaxers do not seem to be absorbed through the skin.  The generative parts of hair follicles are residing a few millimeters below skin level and any product that does not get absorbed through skin, cannot reach the active parts of the follicles and cannot affect their growth.  Most cosmetics and other products can be safely used a few weeks after a hair transplant procedure, when the active inflammatory phase is over.

Thanks,