Hi, I’m Jonathan. In January 2025 I flew to Istanbul for a hair transplant at Clinicana. I’m absolutely delighted with the results, but I delayed the decision for many years because I simply didn’t have the knowledge or confidence I needed. Now I want to share everything I learned — and most importantly, turn that learning into free resources and checklists to help YOU plan confidently, avoid mistakes, and make the most of your journey.
If you haven’t yet grabbed my free guide “8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Booking My Hair Transplant in Turkey”, you can download it right now for free and it ties in nicely with these checklists.
1. Why I Created These Free Resources
When I began researching a hair transplant in Turkey, I found information everywhere—but it was scattered and inconsistent. I wanted one cohesive place that covered every stage: selecting a clinic, travelling, the surgery day, recovery, budget, and mental preparation. Instead of piecing together blog posts, clinic brochures, and forums, I wished I had a structured set of checklists I could print, tick off, and feel assured I wasn’t forgetting anything.
So I built these resources based on my own experience at Clinicana and the best practice from recognised authorities (for example the post-operative care guidelines from reputable clinics).
These resources are free, concise, and designed to save you time and stress—while giving you the confidence to move forward.
Next, we’ll look at what you need to do before you go.
2. Before You Go – The Pre-Trip Hair Transplant Checklist
Planning is half the procedure. In the weeks and months before your trip to Turkey for a transplant, there are key steps you should complete.
Researching Clinics: What to Look For
- Verify the clinic’s medical licensing, certifications, and patient reviews.
- Ask for case photos of real patients (not stock images).
- Make sure you understand the technique: for example, the widely used method is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which avoids the linear scar of older methods. Wikipedia
When I chose Clinicana, I did a deep dive: I read independent reviews, asked numerous questions, and felt comfortable with their transparency.
Consultation Preparation
- Prepare a list of questions (e.g., graft number estimate, experience of surgeon, recovery timeline).
- Bring your medical history (any prior hair loss treatment, allergies, chronic conditions).
- Request a clear quote with all packaged costs and what’s included (transfers, accommodation, post-care).
Travel & Booking Essentials
- Book your flights and accommodation ahead; Istanbul is busy and clinics may recommend nearby hotels.
- Pack a checklist: loose-fitting shirts, pillowcase protector for travel, hat or scarf for post-op.
- Consider arrival date: I flew in a day before surgery to acclimatise and rest.
And once you’ve sorted the pre-trip stage, it’s time to look at the surgery day checklist..
3. Surgery Day Checklist – What to Expect and Bring
The day of your hair transplant can feel exciting, a little nerve-wracking, and very intense all at once. I wanted to capture exactly what helped me stay calm and focused at Clinicana.
Morning of Surgery
- Have a light breakfast (avoid caffeine if your clinic recommends).
- Wear a loose-fitting button-up shirt (so you don’t pull anything over your head post-op).
- Pack your bag: ID/passport, any medications, phone charger, a translation app if needed.
During the Procedure
At Clinicana my procedure took around 7 hours (with breaks). They used FUE microscopically, and between extraction and implantation I had short rest periods.
Understanding the process helped: you’ll have local anaesthesia, donor-area extraction (typically back of your head), and implantation in the recipient zone. Knowing what to expect removes surprises.
After the Operation
- You’ll be transported back to your hotel or recovery room. I recommend bringing a soft hat or scarf (clinic may provide one) for the journey home.
- Avoid touching the transplanted area; it’s fragile in the first 24–48 hours.
- Travelling back: bring neck support so you’re comfortable.
With the surgery day behind you, we move into the recovery phase — arguably the most important for achieving great results.
4. Aftercare & Recovery – Post-Transplant Daily Checklist
Here’s where your new follicles really start the process of healing and growth. Following correct aftercare is key — and both my own experience and the medical literature back this up.
Initial 1–10 Days
Your scalp will be tender, lightly swollen or pink, and form scabs. Authorities emphasise: avoid touching, scratching, or rubbing the grafts. Absolute hair clinic+1
For example, one guideline says: “Avoid any chemical or physical damage to your hair” and recommends a gentle washing regime. DR. Emrah CINIK
From days 2–3 you may start very gentle washes; for instance one clinic recommends washing twice daily with a baby-shampoo style product, avoiding direct water jets on the graft area. bernsteinmedical.com+1
Month 1–3
You’ll likely experience “shock-loss” — native hairs near the transplant zone may fall out. This is normal and temporary. DR. Emrah CINIK+1
Continue to avoid strenuous physical activity, avoid sun exposure (your scalp is still healing). For example: “Do not expose yourself to direct sunlight after surgery for at least two weeks” is recommended. Treatment Rooms London+1
Long-Term Growth Phase
From around 5-7 months you’ll see decent hair regrowth; full results often appear around 12 months. bernsteinmedical.com
At this stage you can start more normal grooming, styling, but still keep regular follow-ups and gentle care.
With your aftercare and recovery mapped out, the next area we’ll cover is something many skip: budgeting and cost planning.
5. Budgeting & Cost Planning Resources
Getting the numbers right ahead of time helps you avoid surprises and ensures you choose a clinic with transparency.
My Real Cost
I chose Clinicana and paid for the Standard Package. Knowing exactly what was included (graft count, transfers, hotel stay, follow-up) helped me budget and avoid hidden costs.
Cost Breakdown & Comparison
- Turkey vs UK/US: Generally Turkey offers excellent value, but cost alone should not be the only factor.
- Be aware of extras: PRP treatments, after-care shampoos, accommodation upgrades, flight changes.
- Avoid ultra-low-cost “bargains” that skip essential steps like donor-area care or full after-care support.
Next, we’ll address something often overlooked: the mental preparation and confidence toolkit. Your headspace matters as much as your hairline.
6. Bonus: Mental Preparation & Confidence Builder Toolkit
Undergoing a hair transplant is not just a physical journey—it’s emotional too. I delayed my decision for years due to uncertainty and fear. In preparing this toolkit, I drew on my own mindset and what helped me mentally.
Recognising Your Readiness
- Ask: “Do I feel ready to commit to after-care, recovery time, cost?” If not, take more time.
- Track your goals: why are you doing this? My answer: “Regain my confidence, see myself in the mirror and feel like me again.”
- Keep a support network: connect with others who’ve done it (forums, Reddit r/Tressless for example).
Managing Emotional Ups & Downs
- There will be days where you look in the mirror and the donor/recipient areas don’t yet look like you’d hoped. That’s normal.
- Celebrate small wins: first wash, first time seeing scabs fall, first signs of growth.
- Use your free guide “8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Booking My Hair Transplant in Turkey” as a mental anchor—it was exactly what I wish I’d had back when I waited.
7. Join My Free Members Area – Access All Resources Instantly
Inside my free members area you’ll get access to the full downloadable checklists (pre-trip, surgery day, aftercare, budgeting, mindset) and bonus video interviews with people who’ve done their hair transplant in Turkey.
Why join? Because you’ll get everything in one place, structured in a way that I personally used to stay organised and confident.
Click here to Join Now (Free) and become part of the community.
8. Closing Thoughts: Your Journey Starts with Knowledge
When I walked into Clinicana’s clinic in Istanbul, I already felt prepared. Why? Because I had done the homework, used checklists, remained mentally ready—and most of all, I knew what to expect.
These free resources + checklists are the tools I wish I’d had earlier—and I’m giving them to you now so you don’t delay your decision like I did.
Use them. Print them. Tick the boxes. Feel confident. Then you’ll be living your hair-restoration story instead of just planning it.
Thank you for reading, and here’s to your hair journey—and to the confidence that comes after.
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