Do I need to wash my hair the night before and morning of surgery?

Pre-Surgery hair care: What you need to know

When you are preparing for an upcoming procedure, every detail counts—including how you wash your hair. While it might seem like a minor part of your routine, hospitals and surgical centers have strict hygiene protocols designed to minimize the risk of infection.

Typically, healthcare providers will give you specific instructions regarding pre-surgery bathing, which often includes washing your hair either the night before or the morning of your operation. The goal is to reduce the number of bacteria on your skin and scalp as much as possible before you enter the operating room.

However, always follow your surgical team's exact guidelines rather than a generic routine. Some specialized procedures—such as certain head, neck, or neurosurgeries, may require unique antiseptic shampoos or have specific restrictions on when your hair can get wet.

As you prep, keep a few practical tips in mind:

* Skip the products: On the day of surgery, avoid using hairsprays, gels, mousses, or leave-in treatments. Clean, product-free hair is much safer and easier for medical teams to manage.

* Check for special instructions: If your care team provides an antimicrobial wash, use it exactly as directed for your body and hair.

* Ask your nurse: If you are unsure about the timing or products allowed, call your surgeon’s office a few days in advance to clarify.

By taking a few minutes to get your hair clean and product-free ahead of time, you are helping ensure a smooth, safe start to your surgical day.