The main reasons we recommend washing your hair before having surgery:

  • Washing hair helps remove oils and dirt that could enter surgical cuts and cause infections.
  • Clean hair minimizes flammability risks when cautery tools are used.
  • Hair washing and bathing before surgery is a hygiene measure for the surgery environment.
  • Clean hair helps you feel better after surgery.

How to Wash

Wash your hair with regular shampoo and rinse thoroughly. You can do it the night before surgery or preferably morning of surgery. Some surgeons and hospitals recommend to do both.  
Wash your face with regular soap and water.
Wash your body with antiseptic soap like Hibiclens and dry with a towel.
Do not use regular soap after washing with Hibiclens.
Do not apply creams, lotions or deodorants.
Dry your hair.
Stay away from the pets. 

Do not apply hair products, such as gels, oils, hairsprays and do not wear hairpieces or accessories.

  • Hair products contain chemicals that can undermine sterilization process or are flammable.
  • Hair products can cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation and complicate the surgical process and recovery.
  • Hair extensions, wigs or hairpieces are fire risk during surgery.

Your surgeon might want you to do things differently depending on the type of surgery you will have. Always follow all your surgeon’s pre-op instructions for best results.