Wearing a hat for sun exposure post hair transplant?

Question

Hello respected doctors. I am 1 month post FUT and went to the beach for the first time post. 4pm Australian sun, 30 minutes max on the beach. I wore a bandana and a black hat on top just to be extra safe. Don't like sun screen and dint use it. Question is 1) it is cap/hat or sunscreen right ? Doesn't have to be both right ? Question 2) Will heat generated from under the cap and bandana have any negative on the follicles ? Kind Regards, Dr. KK

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

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.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

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

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

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,

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

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)

William Woessner, MD · Answer

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.

Wearing a hat for sun exposure post hair transplant?

Answers (5)