The Two-Week Rule

Most of what can compromise a hair transplant happens in the two weeks before surgery, not during. Blood thinners, certain supplements, alcohol, and nicotine all affect graft survival. The good news: these are all things you can control.

Standard Pre-op Bloodwork

Before surgery you will be asked to complete a blood panel. The standard panel includes:

• Complete blood count (CBC) — checks for anaemia and infection
• HbA1c — screens for undiagnosed diabetes
• HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C — required in most EU jurisdictions
• Coagulation panel (PT/INR) — ensures your blood clots properly
• Basic metabolic panel — kidney and liver function

Medications to Pause

Always confirm with your GP before stopping any medication. The general windows we recommend:

• Blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin): stop 7–14 days before, per your doctor’s guidance
• NSAIDs (Advil, Naproxen): stop 7 days before
• Minoxidil (topical): pause 3–5 days before
• Finasteride: continue as prescribed — no need to stop
• Vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo: stop 7 days before (they thin the blood)
• Green tea extract, high-dose vitamin C: pause 3 days before

Alcohol, Nicotine, and Caffeine

These three are the most underestimated risk factors for poor graft survival:

• Alcohol: stop at least 7 days before — it thins the blood and dehydrates the scalp.
• Nicotine (cigarettes, vape, patches): stop at least 2 weeks before. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen to the newly placed grafts. This is the single biggest modifiable risk factor.
• Caffeine: reduce to one cup a day for the 48 hours before surgery.

The Week Before

Small habits add up in the final week. Aim to:

• Eat iron- and protein-rich foods — lean meat, eggs, leafy greens.
• Stay hydrated — 2–3 litres of water daily.
• Sleep 7+ hours a night.
• Do not dye, bleach, or chemically treat your hair.
• Do not cut the donor area very short — the team will do it on the day.

On the Day

What to bring and wear:

• A button-up or zip-up shirt (so you don’t pull anything over your head after)
• A loose, light hood or beanie for the ride home
• No hair product, gel, or dry shampoo
• Your blood-test results, your ID, and your list of medications
• Snacks and a phone charger — it is a long day

Red Flags to Disclose

Tell the team upfront about any of the following — they are not disqualifying in most cases, but they change the plan:

• Keloid or hypertrophic scar history
• Autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata, lupus, psoriasis)
• Active scalp infection or severe dandruff
• Cardiac conditions or use of anticoagulants
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding