Cap After Hair Transplant: The Ultimate Guide

If you’ve recently undergone hair transplantation surgery, you may be wondering when it’s safe to start wearing a cap again.

In this post, we’ll answer that question and also provide some tips on how to care for your new hair.

Keep reading for more information!

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Why is wearing a cap after a hair transplant not allowed?

While you may be tempted to cover your head after a hair transplant with a hat or scarf, this can actually cause more harm than good. The pressure from a tight-fitting hat can disrupt the healing process. Additionally, the fabric can rub against the transplanted hair, causing it to become dislodged.

Also, don’t forget that your scalp needs to breathe and have frequent airflow from time to time. Wearing a cap after hair transplant can trap heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. This will increase the risk of infection.

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When can I start wearing a cap or hat after a hair transplant?

One of the most common questions patients ask after a hair transplant is when they can wear hats or caps. While every patient is different, most surgeons recommend waiting at least 10 to 14 days before applying any kind of headwear to the scalp.

This gives the transplanted hair follicles time to settle into their new location and start growing. Once the follicles are firmly rooted, they will be better able to withstand the pressure of a hat or cap.

Additionally, it is essential to avoid anything that could irritate the scalp during this period, as this may damage the newly transplanted hair. After a couple of weeks, you should be able to return to your normal activities, including wearing a hat or cap.

However, some doctors may give the green light to wear a hat sooner after 7 days but under one condition and that’s to wear a loose bucket hat.

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What kind of hats can I wear after a hair transplant?

Although wearing a cap after a hair transplant is generally not allowed for 2 weeks, there may be exceptions in some instances. Some people must cover their heads after undergoing hair transplantation surgery for various reasons. Maybe they want to conceal the signs of the surgery, or perhaps they don’t want anyone to know they had the procedure done.

In such cases, your doctor may permit you to wear a loose head cover that doesn’t put much pressure on the scalp. This includes wearing a fisherman’s or bucket hat, which most hair transplant clinics in Turkey provide as part of their packages.

That means no tight beanies, baseball hats, or other headwear that could put pressure on your scalp is allowed. Additionally, you must be careful of the material or fabric used for the hat. You must stay away from anything made from wool, as it can stick to the hair follicles and dislodge them.

After two weeks, you can start slowly introducing hats back into your life. Start with loose-fitting caps and work your way up to tighter-fitting hats as your scalp begins to heal.

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Things to keep in mind when covering your head after hair transplantation

While it is generally not recommended to cover your head after a hair transplant, there are some exceptions. If you must cover your head, make sure to:

• Wear a loose-fitting hat such as a fisherman’s cap that doesn’t put pressure on the scalp.
• Avoid hats made from wool or other materials that could stick to the transplanted.
• Avoid wearing hoodies and opt for button-down shirts or those with a zipper.
• Be careful when putting on or removing the hat to prevent friction with the transplanted hair grafts.

Is wearing a helmet allowed after a hair transplant?

We understand that sometimes it is necessary to wear a helmet as part of the job. However, wearing a helmet after a hair transplant is generally not allowed, as it can actually interfere with the healing process.

The pressure from the helmet can cause the newly transplanted hair follicles to become dislodged, resulting in an uneven or patchy appearance. Additionally, the helmet can trap sweat and moisture around the hair follicles, potentially clogging pores and leading to infection.

While it’s essential to wear a helmet for work, in this case, it’s best to take a leave for at least 3-4 weeks.

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Can women wear a scarf after a hair transplant?

Some women who are covered may hesitate to get a hair transplant since they know that they shouldn’t cover their heads. So, what to do in this case?

We have performed many hair transplants for women who wear hijab and they can still cover their heads. But it’s important that they use a soft and silky fabric. Also, we recommend our female patients not to wrap it very tight around their head and keep it loose for the first 10-14 days.

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Protecting the scalp from sunlight and dust after a hair transplant

You must be asking yourself now, “How am I supposed to protect my scalp from sunlight and dust if I can’t wear a cap after a hair transplant?”

In cases where you need to be outdoors for a short while, we recommend wearing the bucket cap provided by the clinic. Also, we recommend our patients limit their exposure to sunlight and windy or rainy weather as much as possible during the first 2 weeks.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure the success of your hair transplant. If you still have concerns about caring for your transplanted area, please consult your doctor.

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What is the best hat after a hair transplant?

The best hat to wear after a hair transplant is one that is loose-fitting, breathable, and gentle on the scalp. During the first 10–14 days, most surgeons recommend using a bucket hat or fisherman-style hat, as these do not touch the grafted areas directly and allow air circulation. The hat should be made of soft, lightweight fabrics, such as cotton, to avoid wool or rough materials that could irritate the grafts or cause friction.

After the initial healing phase, patients can gradually transition to other loose caps. Still, tight beanies, snapbacks, or baseball caps should be avoided until the scalp has fully recovered, usually after 3–4 weeks. Ultimately, the best hat is one that protects the scalp from sun and dust, while minimizing pressure and contact with the transplanted grafts.

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FAQs

Which cap to wear after a hair transplant?

During the first two weeks after a hair transplant, you must opt for a loose-fitting cap such as a bucket or a fisherman’s hat. Avoid wearing tight caps after a hair transplant, as this can put pressure on the scalp and dislodge the grafts.

Can you cover your head after a hair transplant?

Hair transplant doctors typically recommend avoiding head coverings for 2 weeks after a hair transplant. If the patient needs to cover their head for any reason, they can opt for a loose-fitting hat, such as a bucket hat.

How soon after a hair transplant can you wear a hat?

Most hair transplant experts recommend that their patients wait at least 10-14 days before wearing a hat. This will give the follicles time to settle into their new location and start to grow. It’s also essential to make sure that the hat is loose-fitting and doesn’t put too much pressure on the scalp.

Can I wear a scarf or hijab after a hair transplant?

We understand that a headcover holds some religious and cultural importance for some women. Females can wear a loosely wrapped scarf made of soft silk fabric to prevent it from sticking to the hair grafts.

Can you wear a bandana after a hair transplant?

Whenever unnecessary, it’s best not to wear any head accessories for the first 10-14 days. However, if necessary, patients may wear a loose-fitting bandana, but ensure it’s not tied too tightly.