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The hair is shaved, the back of the head is red, the transplanted area looks strange after hair transplantation. Patients who have had a hair transplant surgery, often want to wear a hat or bandana to look as normal as possible.
Questions often asked by patients who undergo a hair transplant procedure,
“Can I wear a hat after hair transplant surgery?”
“When can I cover my head after the hair implantation surgery? ”
‘‘Can I Wear a Bandana After Hair Transplant?’’
The answer to these questions may seem simple, but in fact, it depends on many factors, such as the area on the head that the hair was transplanted to, the type of hat or another cover the patient is going to use, the speed of scalp healing and the time it will take for the hair follicles to anchor in their new location. These factors can differ per patient. Aftercare instructions are really crucial after hair transplant operations. Doctors often recommend you use a headband after your surgery
Usually, the grafts are completely anchored about 10 days after the hair transplant operation. Until you are sure that the grafts are fully anchored, it is advised to avoid any type of head covering, because any form of manipulation or compression can damage the hair follicles and create empty spots on the scalp.
How Long After Hair Transplant Can I Wear a Hat?
If you are careful with the details, it can be even a good idea to avoid any direct sunlight, dirt, wind, or rain on your fragile scalp during the first weeks. Some doctors may let their patients cover their heads directly after the procedure with some special conditions after FUE or FUT hair transplant:
- Your hat should not be in contact with your newly implanted hairs nor with the mini-scars of the donor area. For the first 2-3 weeks you should prevent any tight headwear or physical pressure on your head (recipient and donor area).
- You should be careful about how to put the hat on and take it off to avoid possible injuries on the grafts. Always use two hands and try to decrease the contact and rubbing as much as possible.
- Wearing headwear while walking from home to work and vice versa, should be fine, however, it is important to avoid headwear for prolonged periods. The incisions and new hair grafts should have some fresh air every day. Therefore covering your head after a hair transplant should not be more than 5 hours a day.
After Hair Transplant Use Loose, Big and Adjustable Hats such as Bucket Hats
In the first weeks after hair transplant, only a certain type of headwear is allowed. The hat should be loose, big, and adjustable -You may see a lot of patients who did hair transplants in Istanbul, Turkey wearing a hair transplant hat which is a bucket hat. Tight hats such as caps, beanies, hoods or baseball caps are not recommended for the first weeks.
You Can Cover Your Head with a Baggy Adjusted Hair Bandana After Hair Transplant
You could also wear a bandana instead of a bucket hat, but you should adjust it lose and certainly not tight. The material and fabric of the bandana should not stick to your new implanted hairs and damage them.
Do Not Wear Heavy Hats Such as Helmets During the First 6 Weeks after Hair Transplant
Other headwear, such as motorcycle helmets, should not be worn during the first 6 weeks after hair transplant. Compared to other hats helmets are pretty heavy and wearing it can apply direct pressure to the new grafts. Also, it may cause sweating and possible infections.
When Can I Wear a Cap After a Hair Transplant?
To wear a cap after hair transplant doctors recommend waiting at least two weeks after the operation. By this time the hairs will take roots on the scalp and therefore the caps wouldn’t be a risk. However, as we mentioned before the exact time depends on your healing condition.
What is The Best Hat After a Hair Transplant?
Any kind of cover that is loose and adjustable for your head can be a good option. If you want to hide your head our doctors recommend bucket hats and bandanas.
What Fabrics and Materials to Cover the Head after a Hair Transplant
Certain fabrics made of cotton or wool can stick to the newly implanted grafts and disturb the healing process. Because it will damage the implanted area these fabrics should be avoided as well. Even when the grafts are fully anchored, you should be aware that your skin may remain sensitive to certain fabrics for another 2 weeks.
Be Careful About Choosing Your Clothes After a Hair Transplant
These conditions not only apply to hats but also clothing. Be very careful when wearing and taking off clothing. Try to avoid wearing anything that has to go over your head, such as t-shirts and hoodies. It is better to stick with buttoned clothes or ones with a zipper.
Protect Your Hair from Direct Sunlight and UV Rays and Accelerate the Healing Process
The sunlight may cause sweating and therefore infections. Also, direct contact with sunlight and UV rays can cause a sunburn on your scalp and affect the recovery process. That’s why doctors recommend covering your head with a loos hat or bandana or using an umbrella when you are outside on sunny days.
It is very important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions if you want to ensure the optimal results from your hair transplant surgery.
Keep in mind that even though a hair transplant is a mild surgery and the survival rate is very high, taking good care of yourself after the operation can affect the success rate a lot. MCAN Health, a medical tourism company that has been offering hair Transplant in Istanbul since 2015, is happy to help you about your concerns!
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