How Long After Lasik Can I Wash My Hair And Why?

logo by Editorial Staff | Updated on July 13th, 2022

It is advised to avoid using soaps and other similar items after a Lasik eye procedure since there is a danger that the chemicals in the soap might seep inside your eye. In addition, many people often do not follow what they are instructed, which results in various issues.


There should be no compromising when it comes to maintaining the health of your eye. After a Lasik procedure, you can at least wash your hair or take a shower, although it is advised not to use hair products right after.

Patient on an eye surgery

How soon can I wash my hair after getting a Lasik?

You now have the chance to give up wearing glasses permanently, and it’s time to start caring for your eyes properly. The decision to have Lasik surgery is crucial since it’s relatively new. But the procedure will only take a little while until it is through.

However, those who have just undergone Lasik surgery should know that it takes time to recover and that you should take care of your eyes during this period. Because there is a danger of infection, aftercare is vital for a patient. In addition, you should take the necessary precautions because your cornea will take many weeks to recover.

Doctors are certain that showering or washing right after a Lasik procedure is safe. Thus patients are free to choose to do so. However, it is crucial to keep water, soap, hair products, and other similar liquids for cleaning away from the eye during the first week. 

Additionally, avoid rubbing your eyes when taking a bath. Even if you haven’t had surgery, refraining from rubbing your eyes is advised since it might damage your cornea.

Why does washing the hair after Lasik take so long?

Patients risk contracting an infection if they ignore the doctor’s advice and use soaps, hair products, and other items. As a result, they could have eye irritation and a burning sensation. People may get dry eyes too.

Many medical professionals advise not using water for at least two weeks. Although it could be challenging, doing this is in the patients’ best interests to prevent issues in the future. Therefore, before returning to their regular lives, doctors advise their patients to wait two weeks.

You should also be aware that the ocean and other sites are off-limits since the chlorine water might infect your cornea. In addition, avoid contact with any water body right after your Lasik procedure because doing so can eventually hinder the healing process and might harm your eyes.

Patients who have undergone a Lasik procedure would want to return to their regular lives as soon as possible. However, even though patients may not initially experience discomfort, their corneal tissue will take some time to recover after the operation.

To prevent your healing process from being delayed, you should adhere to your doctor’s recommendations and take all of the prescribed medications.

Post-Lasik protection instructions

  • Wait until the next day to shower and shampoo your hair.
  • During the first several days following surgery, avoid getting non-sterile water from the shower into the eyes.
  • When taking a bath or shower, be extra careful. When washing your hair, be cautious not to get soap in your eyes, and be cautious around hairspray and shaving creams.
  • For at least a month, refrain from rubbing your eyes.
  • Use all the eyes drops, including artificial tears, your doctor has recommended.
  • Don’t get behind the wheel until you’re at ease. Instead, drive once you get your doctor’s signal.
  • For the first week, when you’re sleeping, put on the eye protection or goggles your doctor provided you.
  • For at least a week, avoid getting tap water in your eyes.
  • Stay away from lakes, whirlpools, saunas, and pools for at least three weeks.
  • For at least a week, avoid using eye makeup. Also, throw away partially used items to prevent infection.
  • Wait at least 10 days before getting your hair dyed or permed.
  • Don’t exercise for two days.
  • Use eye protection for at least a month to resume exercise and sports.
  • For a period, your eyes will likely be light-sensitive. Therefore, dark shades come in handy during this time.
  • For a week, stay away from dusty and dirty environments.
  • Wear sunglasses on sunny days for at least a year since intense sunlight can leave scars.

FAQs

When can you take a regular shower after Lasik?

You should avoid cleaning your face for at least 24 hours following the procedure. In addition, you must refrain from getting soap or water in your eyes for at least a few days.

How soon after having Lasik can I work out?

Within a few days, you may start exercising normally again. But because everyone is different, speak with your doctor first! Keep your eyes free of sweat. A sweatband on your forehead is advised if you often sweat when working out.

How soon can I wear artificial eyelashes after having Lasik?

You can wear artificial eyelashes after laser eye surgery, but we ask you to wait a week to give your eyes enough time to recuperate.

How long until Lasik is completely healed?

Although your eyesight will noticeably improve right after, healing following Laser eye surgery is a continuous process. Depending on the patient’s full recovery, your eyesight may not stabilize completely for three to six months.

How should I look after my eyes after having Lasik?

Put on your shades. Don’t read too much too quickly. Avoid extreme activities—the eye makeup for a week. Avoid using hot tubs and swimming pools. Try to quit smoking. Wait to drive until your doctor gives you the approval.

Final thoughts

In the end, you should attempt to maintain good health generally in addition to being fit and healthy for your eye care. For example, issues with your teeth might negatively impact your eyes, as these sense organs are all interrelated.

If you don’t want an infection to develop in your cornea, make sure you do what the physicians advise. You don’t want any of these complications to arise. Well, if you take care of yourself properly, nothing bad will happen, and you will recover much faster.

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Editorial Staff

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