Wearing a hat for sun exposure post hair transplant?

It is best to ask your doctor for post surgical questions. Wearing hats or bandanas should be fine after surgery.  There is no issue with heat generated from wearing a hat.

Hello,Sun exposure should be avoided for first 12 weeks.  UV light can damage hair.  More specifically, hair protein degradation occurs at wavelengths of 254nm-400nm, while UVB is responsible for hair protein loss while UVA is responsible for color changes.  On newly transplanted hair, the hair can be damaged by free radicals and photochemical degradation.  
Be safe- 
Anil Shah MD 

Thank you for your question. It is good that you have waited 1 month before exposure, however, I recommend that you wear a lightweight hat and remain in the shade as much as possible. Also, I suggest that you consult with the board certified facial plastic surgeon who performed your procedure for additional recovery guidelines.Best wishes,

You did the right thing.  As long as you are protecting your scalp from the sun either way, you will be fine.  Having a bandana to soften things and absorb any excess sweat was a very good idea. If anything, I would tell you to use a lighter color hat as it will not get nearly as hot as a black hat.  Heat in it of itself will not have any negative effect on the follicles.  You are one month post FUT - at this point you are pretty safe in regards to infection, follicle loss, etc.  However, as your scalp sweats from the heat you can develop obstruction of the follicles and subsequent ingrown hairs.  What you did was correct.  Enjoy the sun! And remember to put on sunscreen on the rest of your body! The australian sun can be incredibly strong (as you well know)

A light colored hat or bandana is sufficient to protect yor hair. But both simultaneously are not required or recommended. Sunscreen on the scalp is not a reliable protection and should be avoided for at least the first three months after your transplant. Heat and UV light are not, especially together conducive to a follicles well being.

Sun and UV exposure is enemy of healing.  Furthermore your scalp and follicles prefer to be at a slightly cooler temperature than the rest of your body.   Heat and follicles are not a happy mix. Definitly cover your recipient with a breathable cloth or breathable loose hat.  If in hot temperatures, use a cooling mist or a cool compress to cool the areas.  Overexposure to sun and uv rays will not only injure the scalp causing irriation and infalmmation in the dermal layer, by that same process, it will delay your growth as it will dessicate grafts that for the first few months are more dependent on the surrounding tissue to provide them protection, hydration, and nourishment. Take care of your procedure properly and be patient for optimal yield. 

A hat is a good idea if placed carefully. You do not want a sunburn or sunscreen as those would affect your results.

It is a good idea to use cover for your head and baseball caps, even down under, works well. Use a good blocker if you don't labor in the sun