Q: Are camouflage agents harmful to newly transplanted follicles after a hair transplant?

A: Cosmetic camouflage products are not harmful to grafts per se, but they may make it difficult to keep the transplanted area clean right after the hair restoration procedure.

They may be used safely as early as one week following a hair transplant, since at this time they can be gently washed out without disturbing the newly transplanted grafts.

These products are useful in reducing any residual redness and can make the transplanted area appear fuller until the new grafts grow.

There are a number of products that can be used and they come in a variety of forms: creams, sprays, powders and gels. To find out where to get them, go to the Camouflage page in the Resources section of the Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration website.