Should I wash my hair the morning of surgery?

Preparing for Surgery: Why Washing Your Hair Matters

Preparing for an upcoming procedure involves more than just arriving on time; proper hygiene plays a vital role in ensuring a safe recovery. One of the most effective steps you can take is showering and washing your hair both the night before and the morning of your surgery. This routine significantly lowers the presence of naturally occurring bacteria on your skin and scalp, directly reducing the risk of surgical site infections.

When you shower, use standard soap and water for your body, and thoroughly shampoo your hair to remove natural oils, dirt, and microscopic germs. However, a crucial rule applies once you finish: do not apply any additional hair or skin products. Items such as leave-in conditioners, hairsprays, gels, oils, or body lotions leave residues that can trap bacteria or interfere with the specialized antiseptic solutions applied by the surgical team.

By keeping your hair and skin completely clean and free of extra products, you help create the cleanest possible environment for your procedure, protecting your health and giving your body the best start to healing.