Hair Care for Epilepsy Surgery

Important information:

Our goal is to remove as little hair as possible during surgery. Every child’s medical needs are different. Your child’s Neurosurgery team will discuss the details of the surgery with you. Please follow these guidelines for hair care before and after your child’s surgery.

Instructions for hair care before surgery:

• Consider washing, conditioning, and detangling your child’s hair 48 hours (about 2 days) prior to surgery.

• Do not apply hair products the morning of surgery.

Instructions for hair care after surgery:

For the first 2 weeks

• After surgery, leave the incision open to the air as much as possible.

• The day after surgery, you may wash your child’s hair and incision.

• Clean the incision twice a day using a paper towel, mild soap (such as Johnson's® baby shampoo), and water.

  • Gently clean the area of the incision with a circular motion and light pressure. Pat dry with a paper towel.

  • Do not use terry cloth towels because the fabric loops may snag and pull the stitches.

• Your child’s preferred shampoo may be used on the rest of the hair.

  • Avoid getting shampoo directly on the incision.

  • Consider washing hair in sections to protect the incision from shampoo.

• Avoid conditioner and other hair products for 2 weeks after surgery.

• Avoid tight braids that will pull on the incision.

• When brushing or combing hair, hold hair at the root to keep from pulling the scalp.

• Hats and wraps may be worn for short periods. Cover the incision with clean gauze under the head covering. Clean the incision after the covering is removed.

• If hair coverings must be worn more frequently for religious purposes, monitor the incision closely for redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision.

• Avoid wigs during this time.

For weeks 2-6

• Clean the incision daily using a paper towel, mild soap (such as Johnson's® baby shampoo), and water.

  • Gently clean the area of the incision with a circular motion and light pressure. Pat dry with a paper towel.

  • Do not use terry cloth towels because the fabric loops may snag and pull the stitches.

• Your child’s preferred shampoo may be used on the rest of the hair. Avoid getting shampoo directly on the incision.

• Conditioner and other hair products may be used on the hair away from the incision.

  • Avoid strong hair treatments that may be harsh on the skin for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

  • Consider washing hair in sections in order to protect the incision from other hair products with moisturizers.

• Avoid very tight braids directly around an incision that may pull open the incision for at least 6 weeks after surgery.

• When brushing or combing hair, hold hair at the root to keep from pulling the scalp.

• Hats and wraps may be worn for short periods. Cover the incision with clean gauze under the head covering. Clean the incision after the covering is removed.

• If hair coverings must be worn more frequently for religious purposes, monitor the incision closely for redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision.

• If wearing a wig, clean the incision after the wig is removed and stop use if there is concern for redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision.

For 6 weeks and beyond

• Follow up with your neurosurgery team for a post-operative visit as instructed.

• Salon services are available to our patients after surgery. Please call 215-590-2780 to inquire about setting up a visit to discuss hair options.

Contact your CHOP Neurosurgery team with questions or concerns.

Division of Neurology

215-590-1719
Available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After hours and weekends: Call CHOP operator at 215-590-1000
Ask for the neurosurgeon on call

Reviewed July 2024 by Allison Rodman PA-C