PRP Injection Aftercare: Day-by-Day Care & What to Avoid
By Catalia Beauty & Wellness | October 16, 2026
Fast rule to remember: protect your scalp for the first 48 hours. That means no washing for 24 to 48 hours and no heavy sweating, alcohol, or anti-inflammatory pain meds for the first couple days. That simple window is where I see people either support their PRP results or accidentally work against them.
People come to me because they want their hair to look amazing after a treatment, and PRP Plasma Therapy is no different. I’m in New York’s Garment District (Midtown Manhattan), and a lot of my PRP guests are busy, in the public eye, or simply trying to keep things discreet. The good news is PRP aftercare is usually straightforward, as long as you follow a real timeline and don’t “just wing it” in the first week.
0 to 48 hours after a PRP shot: the rules that matter most
Right after your rich platelet plasma injection, your scalp is doing a lot of quiet work. I want you to protect that work, not scrub it off or overheat it.
Do this
- Keep the scalp untouched and clean. Hands off unless you truly need to lightly blot.
- Rest and keep your body temperature steady. Light walking is fine, but skip anything that makes you sweat.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated if you tend to swell easily.
Avoid this
- Washing your hair for 24 to 48 hours. That includes rinsing “just with water.”
- Heavy exercise and sweating for 48 hours. Sweat and friction are a common reason scalps get irritated.
- Alcohol for 48 hours. I know it’s tempting after a long day in Midtown, but it’s worth pausing.
- NSAIDs for 48 to 72 hours when medically safe. This includes things like ibuprofen and naproxen. If you’re on any medications, follow your prescribing clinician’s guidance.
Discrete Midtown tip: If you’re heading back to the office, keep a clean hat or loose-fitting cap handy, but avoid anything tight that rubs the injection sites.
Days 3 to 7: scalp comfort, sun protection, and NYC sweat management
Once you’re past the first 48 hours, most people feel more “normal, ” but the first week is still protective time. Think gentle and consistent.
Washing and styling in week one
When you’re cleared to wash, use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free shampoo. Wash with the pads of your fingers, not your nails. And don’t “deep clean” your scalp. If you notice tiny scabs or pinpoint crusts, let them fall off on their own. Picking is one of the quickest ways to prolong redness.
Heat, sun, pools, and saunas
- Skip saunas and steam rooms for at least a week.
- Avoid pools and hot tubs for at least a week. Chlorine and heat can be irritating.
- Protect the treated area from sun and heat for at least a week. If you’ll be outdoors, use a hat that isn’t tight.
NYC seasonal note: Cooler fall weather in New York tends to mean less sweat and friction under hats and hoods, so PRP can feel easier to manage heading into winter.
Week 2 rules: hair color, chemical services, and when your scalp is ready
If you’re the type who searches “hair color near me, ” “highlights near me, ” or “balayage near me, ” I get it. You’re planning your look. After PRP, I want you to plan your timing, too.
I recommend pausing hair dyes and chemical treatments for 1 to 2 weeks after PRP scalp injections. That includes lightener, permanent color, toners with strong fragrance, chemical straighteners, and anything that creates scalp heat or sensitivity. If you’re also booking a hair cut near me or hair styling near me, you can usually do those sooner since they don’t have to touch your scalp aggressively. Just keep the blow dryer on a comfortable temperature and avoid harsh brushing at the root.
Busy schedule tip: If you’re commuting in and out of Midtown or performing, I’d rather you delay color for a week than rush it and deal with scalp irritation right before an event.
The simple routine I like after a PRP infusion (no fancy product lists)
PRP Plasma Therapy is a 60-minute appointment at Catalia, starting at $620. After you leave, your routine matters more than your product shelf. I keep this simple on purpose.
Shampoo and scalp touch
Use a mild, fragrance-free shampoo when you’re cleared to wash. Massage gently, rinse well, and pat dry. Skip gritty scrubs, strong essential oils, and aggressive scalp tools in the first couple weeks.
Heat and styling habits
Keep heat low and keep tension off the scalp. Avoid tight ponytails, braids, or anything that pulls on tender areas. Gentle brushing is fine once your scalp feels calm.
And yes, I run a full beauty and wellness space, so if you’re also searching manicure near me, pedicure near me, nails near me, massage near me, waxing near me, facials near me, facial spa near me, microneedling near me, or laser hair removal near me, I’ll still tell you the same thing: schedule around your recovery window so nothing irritates the treated area.
What’s normal after PRP, what isn’t, and how I handle check-ins in the Garment District
A little redness, mild swelling, pinpoint bleeding, and small bruises can be normal after a PRP injection. Most of the time, it calms down quickly.
Reach out right away if you have fever, spreading redness, severe pain, or bleeding that doesn’t stop. I’d rather you ask early than sit at home worried.
"I’ve been going to Avi and Rafi for my (complicated) hair coloring needs for over a decade. Their eye for color is unmatched and I've found that over the years, they continue to impress me with their hard work and dedication to meeting their clients' needs."
one of our long-time clients
Easy follow-up access: I’m in the Garment District (Midtown Manhattan). That’s helpful if you want a quick check-in without turning it into an all-day plan, especially if you’re coming from Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Brooklyn, Long Island City, Hoboken, Jersey City.
Want your PRP aftercare plan written down? I’ll keep it simple.
If you’ve got a show, a shoot, or a packed work week, tell me. I’ll help you map your PRP Plasma Therapy timing so the first 48 hours stay calm and your first week stays predictable. That’s usually what makes the difference for Midtown professionals who need a short, discreet recovery window.
To schedule or ask an aftercare question, call +12129716100 or email catalianyc@gmail.com. You can also find all our services on our services page.
