Can I wear a hat after a hair transplant?

The short answer

Usually from day 21, if your clinic agrees.

Day by day

  1. Days 0–2Careful

    Only if you need to cover up, for example to travel, and only a very loose hat or the cap your clinic gave you. Lift it on and off from front to back without touching the grafts. Your clinic's own advice comes first.

  2. Days 3–9Careful

    A loose, clean hat that doesn't touch or rub the grafts is usually OK if your clinic agrees. Avoid tight bands, beanies and caps that press on the grafted area.

  3. Days 10–20Careful

    Loose hats are usually fine now. Hold off on tight beanies and fitted caps a little longer, and keep hats clean.

  4. From day 21Yes

    Most hats are OK now. Clean hats are kinder to healing skin, and a hat is one of the best ways to protect the scalp from sun.

Not yet reviewed by a doctor — verify with your clinic.

Sources

  1. Hair transplantNHS, 2023
  2. Hair transplantation surgeryIndian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 2008
  3. Save Your Scalp from Sun Damage!The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2023