Exosome Hair Restoration – Pre & Post Treatment Care Guide (Women)
Exosome-based hair restoration is a cutting-edge therapy to help women regrow fuller, healthier hair. It is particularly beneficial for female hair thinning or loss due to hormonal changes (such as post-pregnancy shedding or PCOS-related thinning) . At Opal Radiant, every exosome treatment is medically supervised by Dr. Punit and customized to each woman’s needs – taking into account underlying factors like hormonal status and hair condition . To ensure you get the safest and best results from your exosome hair therapy, please follow these pre- and post-treatment care guidelines.
Pre-Treatment Care
Proper preparation can significantly improve your comfort and outcome. Follow this timeline of pre-care instructions before your exosome hair restoration session:
One Week Before: Avoid any hair coloring or chemical hair treatments in the lead-up to your session (ideally no coloring for 2 weeks prior) . Discontinue blood-thinning medications or supplements unless otherwise directed by your doctor – this includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and herbal supplements like Vitamin E, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, and Omega-3 fish oils . These substances can increase bleeding or bruising during injections. It’s also advised to stop using topical minoxidil (Rogaine) a few days before treatment, as you will need to hold off on it for about a week after the session . Begin hydrating well at least a week in advance – drink plenty of water daily to ensure you’re well-hydrated (this is especially important if your treatment will include a PRP blood draw for combined therapy). If you smoke, try to cut down or stop in the days before treatment; smoking can impair circulation and healing.
24–48 Hours Before: In the final day or two before your appointment, focus on keeping your body primed for healing. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours prior (48–72 hours abstinence is even better ) to avoid dehydration and reduce bleeding risk. Likewise, refrain from smoking during this period . Ensure you get a good night’s sleep. You may continue to hydrate – aim for 6–8 glasses of water in the 24 hours before treatment . If you exercise regularly, stick to light activities; avoid exhausting workouts in the day before so you come in well-rested and hydrated. Also, plan your schedule around your menstrual cycle if applicable – some women have a lower pain threshold and bruise more easily during their period . If you tend to feel more sensitive or uncomfortable at that time of month, consider scheduling the treatment when you’re not menstruating for a better experience.
Day of Treatment: Wash your hair the morning of your appointment (or the night before) using a gentle shampoo. Arrive with clean, product-free hair and scalp – do not apply any styling products, sprays, gels, or dry shampoo . A clean scalp ensures the exosomes (and any combined treatments like PRP or microneedling) can be applied under optimal conditions. Eat a light meal before coming in and drink a glass of water so that you’re not on an empty stomach (this can help prevent light-headedness, especially if blood will be drawn for PRP). Wear comfortable clothing and if you have long hair, you might tie or clip it loosely for convenience. Expect that a topical numbing cream will be applied to your scalp to maximize comfort during the procedure . If you are nervous about discomfort, you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) beforehand if needed, but do NOT take any NSAIDs (like Advil or Aleve) on the day of treatment . Finally, inform Dr. Punit of any new or ongoing medical conditions – for example, let us know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an active scalp issue or infection (treatment may be deferred in some cases ). With proper prep, you’ll be set for a safe and effective session.
Post-Treatment Care
After your exosome therapy, your scalp will be in a sensitive, healing state. Following these post-care instructions will help protect your scalp, maximize the treatment’s benefits, and minimize any side effects. Here’s what to do (and avoid) in the hours and days after your session:
Hair Washing: Do not wash or wet your hair immediately after the treatment. Wait at least 24–48 hours before shampooing your hair . This gives the exosomes time to fully absorb into your scalp and begin their regenerative work . During this initial period, also avoid getting your scalp excessively wet – no swimming, saunas, or steamexposure for 2 days . When you do resume washing, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm water . Be gentle – do not scrub the scalp vigorously for the first week; let the water and mild shampoo cleanse the area without heavy rubbing. Pat dry with a soft towel afterward.
Hair Products & Styling: For the first several days, keep things very minimal with your hair. Avoid all styling products such as hairspray, gels, mousses, or dry shampoo for at least 72 hours post-procedure . These products can irritate the injection or microneedling sites and may interfere with exosome activity. It’s also important to avoid heat styling tools for about one week – no blow dryers, flat irons, or curling irons during this time . Heat can irritate the scalp and potentially reduce the treatment’s effectiveness while you’re healing. Let your hair air-dry whenever possible. Do not dye, bleach, or chemically treat your hair for at least 7 days after the procedure . Chemical treatments could irritate your scalp while it’s healing, so it’s best to hold off until about a week has passed (our clinic generally gives the green light to color your hair starting one week post-treatment ). Similarly, if you were using topical hair growth products like minoxidil (Rogaine), wait about 7–10 days after the exosome treatment before resuming them . This pause allows your scalp to heal and ensures the exosomes can work without any interference from other active products. After a week, you can gradually return to your normal hair care routine, introducing products one at a time and watching for any scalp irritation.
Physical Activity: It’s advised to take it easy for a couple of days after your session. Avoid strenuous exercise or any activity that causes heavy sweating for at least 48 hours . Excess sweat can irritate the scalp and increases the risk of infection in the tiny injection or microneedling sites. Skip high-intensity workouts, hot yoga, and long runs during this initial period. Light daily activities or gentle walks are fine as long as they don’t make you overheat or perspire excessively. After 2 days, you can gradually resume your exercise routine, but if you notice any swelling or discomfort on the scalp when working out, scale back and give it a little more rest.
Sun Exposure & Environment: Protect your treated scalp from the sun and environmental irritants in the first week. Avoid direct sun exposure on your scalp for at least 7 days . The scalp will be more sensitive to UV light, and sun exposure could cause inflammation or irritation. If you need to be outdoors, wear a loose, clean hatto shield your scalp (bringing a hat to your appointment is a good idea so you can wear it on the way home) . Alternatively, use a sunscreen designed for the scalp or a spray-on SPF, but only after the initial 48 hours and if your provider says it’s okay to apply (we usually prefer physical covering like a hat in the immediate days after treatment). Also avoid dusty, dirty environments for the first few days – the tiny needle entry points should be kept clean. No swimming in pools, oceans, or hot tubs for at least 72 hours post-treatment , as chlorine, saltwater, and bacteria could irritate or infect your healing scalp.
Diet & Habits: Good circulation and health will aid your hair’s recovery. Thus, avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 72 hours after your session . Both alcohol and nicotine can reduce blood flow to the scalp and slow down healing . Continue to stay well-hydrated in the days after treatment. Eating a balanced diet rich in hair-healthy nutrients (protein, iron, zinc, biotin, vitamins) can support the hair growth process as well . If Dr. Punit has prescribed any supplements or medications for your hair loss (for example, iron tablets in iron-deficiency or specific vitamins), keep taking those as directed. Just avoid any supplements that were restricted before the procedure for a few days after as well (such as high-dose vitamin E or fish oil) to minimize bleeding risk until the initial healing has passed.
Medications & Discomfort: It’s normal to experience some mild soreness, tenderness, or throbbing in the scalp after exosome treatment. If you have discomfort, you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as instructed. Do NOT take NSAID pain relievers (like Aspirin, Advil/ibuprofen, Aleve/naproxen) for at least 3–7 days post-treatment . Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can dampen the inflammatory response that is part of the healing and regeneration process, and they can also increase bruising. By avoiding them, you help the treatment work optimally. For relief, stick to Tylenol or any pain medication Dr. Punit approves that doesn’t interfere with inflammation. Typically, though, pain is minimal – most women find the soreness very tolerable, and it subsides in a day or two. If your scalp feels a bit warm or swollen, you can apply a cool (not ice-cold) compress gently on the area off-and-on for a few minutes at a time . Also, when sleeping the first night or two, use an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated; this can help reduce swelling and discomfort .
Scalp Reactions – What to Expect: Don’t be alarmed by mild redness, pinkness, or small pinpoint marks on your scalp – this is normal after microneedling or injection and can last a few days up to a week . You may notice the treated areas have some redness or feel like a mild sunburn; this typically settles within 48 hours, and any residual pinkness fades over the next several days. If you had injection-based delivery of exosomes, you might feel tiny bumps at the injection sites or see minor bruises; these should resolve on their own in about 3–5 days. Some patients have a bit of itching or flaking as the scalp heals – resist any urge to scratch. Do not scratch, rub, or pick at your scalp while it’s healing . Scratching can introduce infection or dislodge the exosomes from where they were placed . Let any scabs or flakes come off naturally. Typically, any side effects are mild and self-limiting. Monitor for any unusual or severe reactions: while rare, if you notice signs of infection (intense redness, swelling that worsens after 2–3 days, warmth, pus, or severe pain), or if you develop any fever, contact us immediately. It’s very uncommon to have these issues when aftercare instructions are followed, but it’s important to be vigilant. Also reach out if redness or soreness persists beyond 1–2 weeks or seems to be getting worse rather than better .
Returning to Routine: You can typically go back to work or normal daily activities immediately or the next day since there’s no significant downtime with exosome therapy. Just remember the above restrictions (no gym, no washing, etc.) for the first couple of days. By 48 hours post-treatment, if all is well, you can resume gentle hair washing and light exercise, and by one week post-treatment you should be able to fully return to your usual hair care and styling routine (including coloring or chemical treatments) . At that point, your scalp should be healed from any injections or microneedling. If you are unsure about any specific activity (for example, if you can resume a particular supplement or hair growth serum), please check with Dr. Punit during your follow-up.
Follow-Up and Maintenance: Dr. Punit will schedule follow-up appointments as needed to monitor your progress and guide your hair restoration journey. It’s important to attend these follow-ups, as female hair loss can have multiple contributing factors and may require ongoing management. Many patients notice reduced shedding within a few weeks and early signs of new growth in 2–3 months after exosome treatment . Typically, a series of sessions may be recommended for best results (often a few treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart), and some women opt for maintenance treatments about once or twice a year . Dr. Punit will customize this plan based on your response – for example, women with PCOS or postpartum hair loss might also be advised on managing hormones or nutritional factors alongside the exosome therapy to sustain results . Always remember that at Opal Radiant, your treatment is part of a comprehensive approach to your hair health.
Aftercare Variations for Combination Treatments
Many women undergo exosome therapy in combination with other hair rejuvenation procedures, like PRP injections or microneedling, to enhance results. If your session included exosomes + PRP, or exosomes + microneedling, your core aftercare will remain as outlined above, but with a few additions:
Exosomes + PRP: Platelet-Rich Plasma injections are often done alongside exosomes for synergistic effect. In this case, it is especially important to avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) before and after treatment, since PRP relies on the body’s natural inflammatory healing process . Follow all the same scalp care instructions (no washing, no products, etc.). You may have a bit more scalp fullness or swelling right after combined injections – this is normal and should subside in a day or two. Keep hydrating well after the treatment to help your body recover from the blood draw and to optimize circulation for both PRP and exosomes. All other post-care steps (no alcohol/smoking, no heavy exercise, etc.) apply equally when PRP is combined.
Exosomes + Microneedling: When microneedling is used, the exosome solution is often applied immediately after creating the micro-channels in your scalp . This can lead to a uniform redness over the scalp that looks and feels similar to a sunburn for ~24-48 hours. The aftercare is very similar to microneedling alone: be very gentle with your scalp, and do not apply any products or wash the scalp for at least 24 hours, since the micro-channels need time to close and you want the exosomes to absorb fully . There is a slightly increased risk of irritation or infection with microneedling (because a larger area of skin was treated), so absolutely avoid sweating, swimming, or exposing the scalp to dirt until the initial healing is done (at least 2-3 days). We may have applied a soothing serum or spray after microneedling – if so, continue using only products given or approved by Dr. Punit in the first couple of days. Expect a bit of scalp flaking as it heals; again, do not pick or scratch. By one week, microneedling-related redness or dryness should be resolved, and you can resume your usual hair routine as noted above.
No matter the technique – exosomes alone or in combination – your treatment is tailored to you. Women’s hair loss can be influenced by life stage and hormones (for example, a new mother with postpartum shedding vs. a woman with PCOS-related thinning), and Dr. Punit will have adjusted your plan accordingly . Always follow any additional personalized instructions given to you at the clinic, as those will factor in your specific treatment combination and medical profile.
Special Considerations for Female Clients
Exosome hair restoration therapy is designed with women’s unique needs in mind. Here are a few extra points to consider:
Hormonal Factors: Female hair loss often has a hormonal component. If your hair thinning is related to postpartum changes or conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), it’s important to coordinate your treatment timing and expectations with these factors. Postpartum hair loss typically occurs a few months after delivery; many women choose to start exosome or PRP treatments once the active shedding phase has begun to slow down. Make sure you have clearance from your OB/GYN if you are less than 6 months postpartum or if you are breastfeeding. Exosome therapy can be a great option for postpartum regrowth and is done under medical guidance to ensure it’s safe for your situation. In cases of PCOS-related hair thinning, exosome therapy will often be one part of the plan – for example, Dr. Punit might also recommend managing androgen levels (perhaps in concert with an endocrinologist) or using supportive medications/supplements alongside the exosome treatments. The good news is that regenerative treatments like PRP and exosomes have shown promise in improving hair density in women with hormonal hair loss , especially when combined with holistic care.
Menstrual Cycle Sensitivity: As noted, schedule your treatment when you will be most comfortable. Many women can undergo the procedure at any time in their cycle with no issue. However, if you know that you tend to feel more pain or see more bruising around the time of your period, plan accordingly. There is evidence that pain perception can be higher and bruising more likely during menses due to hormonal fluctuations . You might achieve a smoother experience by scheduling the session in the mid-cycle or luteal phase when you typically feel your best. Our clinic is women-only and we understand these considerations – don’t hesitate to discuss timing with us. We aim to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you.
Hair Styling and Treatments: Women often ask when they can color or chemically treat their hair around the exosome therapy timeline. As mentioned, avoid any harsh chemical hair treatments (dye, bleach, perm) for at least a week before and after the procedure . If you have an important event or hair appointment, schedule it with plenty of buffer. For example, get your hair colored a couple of weeks before your exosome treatment (not last-minute), or wait to color until a week afterward. This prevents any scalp irritation that could complicate treatment. Similarly, if you wear hair extensions, wigs, or tight braids, you’ll need to remove or loosen them before treatment so that the scalp is accessible and can heal properly. You can usually reinstall extensions or resume tight hairstyles about 1–2 weeks post-treatment (once any tenderness is gone and initial healing is complete). Be gentle when brushing or styling your hair in the days after the procedure – use a soft brush or wide-tooth comb to avoid irritating the scalp.
Lastly, always remember that consistent care and communication are key. Report any concerns or unusual symptoms to Dr. Punit and the team – we are here to support your hair restoration journey at every step. With diligent pre- and post-care, most women find the exosome therapy process smooth and see encouraging improvements in their hair over the ensuing weeks and months. We are excited to help you restore your hair’s fullness and confidence with this advanced treatment. Following these guidelines will set you up for the safest experience and optimal results. Here’s to healthier, more radiant hair growth!
Sources: Proper pre- and post-care practices have been informed by clinical best practices and guidelines for exosome hair restoration , as well as our experience in treating female hair loss cases (postpartum, PCOS, etc.) at Opal Radiant . These measures ensure that your scalp heals well and that the treatment delivers maximum benefit with minimal side effects. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the clinic if you have any questions about your pre/post care instructions. Your comfort and results are our top priority. Enjoy your path to renewed hair growth under our dedicated care!
