Last updated on July 14th, 2024
Many people are self-conscious about their appearance and want to look their best even right after undergoing surgery like a hair transplant. here we tell you How to cover head after hair transplant and look your best
After a hair transplant, patients soon want to cover their heads to conceal the surgery's temporary traces, including redness, scabs, and swelling.
We understand that it could be embarrassing for some of us to go out in public with a bandage wrapped around our head, attracting curious looks, but wearing hats or covering your head haphazardly without properly following the instructions after hair transplantation has its risks.
For that reason, we’re here today to show you how to cover your head after a hair transplant and what types of headwear are the best, so as not to damage your newly implanted hair follicles.
When To Cover Your Head After Hair Transplant?
It’s always recommended not to cover your head after a hair transplant for at least 10-14 days. The first two weeks after a hair transplant are the most critical and you must approach the hair grafts with special care.
That’s because the grafts are not yet firmly anchored in the canals during the first 7 to 10 days. And any contact or compression could dislodge the grafts.
However, if you feel the urge to cover your head the first few days after a hair transplant consult your clinic. Usually, they will advise you to which kind of head covers you’re allowed to use and how to wear them properly.
Generally, most clinics in Turkey include a post-op kit which has a free loose-fitting hat that looks like a fisherman's hat.
How to Cover Your Head After Hair Transplant?
If you decide to wear a hat after a hair transplant, ask for the clinic’s help to show you the right way to put it on. Since your scalp is still sensitive you must pay attention while wearing or removing the hat.
Here are some simple instructions to put in mind on how to cover your head after a hair transplant:
- First, you must opt for a loose-fitting hat and avoid any tight headwear such as caps, beanies, and hoods. A wide hat that is not too tight on the head eliminates contact with the grafts.
- Second, never use one hand to wear or remove the hat. Always use both hands and slowly put on or remove the hat to avoid rubbing the grafts. Take your time there is no hurry!!
When Can I Start Wearing Caps Normally After Hair Transplant?
Two weeks after the hair transplant you are free to wear a normal cap of your choice. By this time the grafts are perfectly secure and there is no risk of them being dislocated.
However, if you want to wear a helmet you must wait at least 3-4 weeks.
Keep in mind that the newly transplanted hair needs to be exposed to some air from time to time. Hence, try not to wear the cap all day long and specify some hours to cover your head if needed.
Exceptional Situations to Cover Your Head After Hair Transplant
As we have mentioned above that it’s recommended to leave the head uncovered for the first two weeks after the hair transplant. This way we ensure healthy hair growth without causing any disturbance to the grafts.
But there are certain cases where we advise patients of the importance of covering their heads after a hair transplant. And they are as follows:
Protecting the Scalp from Sunlight
After a hair transplant, the scalp becomes very delicate and sore which requires extra care. This includes exposure to sunlight and UV rays.
If you don’t protect your scalp from the sun rays you run the risk of sunburns and interfering with the healing process.
Additionally, being under the sun for too long makes you sweat which leads to infections and the accumulation of bacteria on the open wounds.
In this case, it is wise to cover your head by wearing a hat after a hair transplant. You can opt for a loose hat after discussing it with the clinic and getting their approval.
Read more about the dangers of exposure to sunlight after a hair transplant
Protecting the Scalp from Air Pollutants
The incisions made on the scalp and the open wounds take some time to heal. Keeping your head uncovered in a very dusty area paves the way for dirt to build up on the wounds. Which in turn causes infections to the scalp and prolongs the recovery period.
Therefore, if you’re going to be in an area with too much dust, we recommend you wear a loose-fitting hat.
Protecting Your Scalp from Rain and Wind
The effects of rain and wind on the grafts after hair transplant are not as dangerous as sunlight. But, in severe conditions, protection is a must.
Being under heavy rain and strong winds without wearing anything to cover your head could make the grafts move from their position.
This is during the first week after hair transplant when the grafts are still adapting to the tissues. You can avoid this by either wearing a hat or using an umbrella to keep your grafts secure.
Wearing a Helmet After a Hair Transplant
Patients who work in construction or any job that requires wearing a helmet after a hair transplant must take 3 weeks off work.
How to Cover Your Head After Hair Transplant and The Best Hats You Can Wear
By doing so, you give the grafts enough time to anchor firmly and avoid causing any trauma to your scalp.
Because wearing construction or motorcycle helmets right after a hair transplant compresses the scalp and causes friction with the grafts.
And as we discussed earlier anything that comes into contact with the grafts must be avoided after a hair transplant.
Covering Head After Hair Transplant For Women
For some women, a head-cover carries a religious or cultural importance and some think that this could be an obstacle to getting a hair transplant.
In fact, many women who are covered can still get a hair transplant done provided that they use a certain fabric.
We recommend wearing a silky fabric that wouldn’t stick on the grafts after the operation. And wrapping it very gently and not too tight.
It’s better for women to avoid situations where they must be covered all the time to give the scalp a chance to breathe.
What is the best hat after a hair transplant?
The best hat after hair transplant is loose-fitting, breathable, and soft. Top choices include:
- Mesh Baseball Cap: Breathable, adjustable, seamless top.
- Cotton Bucket Hat: 100% cotton, wide brim, loose fit.
- Wide-Brimmed Hat: UPF 50+ fabric, adjustable strap, wide brim.
- Bamboo Beanie: Soft, antibacterial, moisture-wicking.
- Adjustable Snapback Hat: Trendy, breathable cotton, loose fit.
These hats offer protection and comfort for healing.
Types of Caps to Wear After Hair Transplant
Not every hat or cap is suitable to wear after a hair transplant as there are specific types that patients can use.
As a rule of thumb, anything tight that you feel will cause pressure on the scalp is a bad choice. If you’re in doubt ask your hair transplant specialist and they will let you know if it’s ok to wear.
Here is our suggestion for some caps to use after a hair transplant:
- A fisherman hat is our top choice.
- A loose cowboy hat only after taking your doctor’s approval
While these are our suggestions for the caps to wear, the following are some styles that you absolutely must not wear after a hair transplant:
- Beanie after a hair transplant is not a good choice as they are tight and made of fabric such as wool that could stick to the grafts. It could also slip off the head very easily causing friction with the grafts.
- A hood attached to a sweatshirt is also not a good alternative either. Although some clinics recommend it, with our extensive experience we don’t see it as a suitable option.
- We also do not recommend wearing a baseball cap after a hair transplant even if it’s adjustable.
Eventually, by adhering to your clinic’s recommendations and aftercare instructions you will get satisfactory results and avoid causing any damage to your grafts.
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