How long after a cesarean section can I wash my hair?
Mar 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, cesarean section refers to a cesarean delivery. The appropriate time for washing hair after cesarean delivery should be determined based on individual circumstances. If the mother recovers well and experiences no discomfort, hair washing can usually be done within one week; however, if the mother is weak after surgery or experiences other symptoms, it is recommended to wait 1–2 weeks post-surgery before washing hair. When washing hair, warm water should be used, and excessively hot water should be avoided.
Generally speaking, cesarean section refers to a cesarean delivery procedure. The appropriate time for washing hair after cesarean delivery depends on individual circumstances. If the mother recovers well and experiences no discomfort, hair washing is usually allowed within one week after surgery. However, if the mother's physical condition is weak or other symptoms occur after surgery, it is recommended to wait 1–2 weeks before washing the hair. If discomfort arises, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the woman's body recovers quickly, the wound heals gradually, and there are no abnormal conditions such as redness, swelling, exudation, or increased pain, washing hair generally can be done within one week after surgery. However, excessive bending at the waist should be avoided while washing hair, and lying flat or sitting is recommended. Attention should also be paid to the water temperature, avoiding water that is too cold or too hot.
If the mother is physically weak and faces risks such as postpartum hemorrhage or infection, the recovery period may be prolonged. In such cases, it is recommended to observe the physical condition first and wait 1–2 weeks after surgery before washing the hair. Washing hair too early may increase the risk of infection, leading to poor wound healing and potentially causing symptoms such as wound bleeding and pain.
Warm water should be used for washing hair, with the water temperature ideally between 37°C and 40°C, to avoid excessively high or low temperatures that may irritate the scalp and body. The duration of hair washing should not be too long, ideally 5–10 minutes. After washing, the hair should be immediately dried with a towel, followed by thoroughly drying the hair with a hair dryer on the warm setting to prevent catching a chill.
