Can I Wear a Hat After Hair Transplant Surgery?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums: 

I recently underwent hair transplant surgery, and need to return to work. Part of my job requires me to wear a hat. I spoke with my hair restoration physician and he said I could wear a hat after the grafts were fully anchored. How long does it take for the grafts to anchor and become permanent? Can I wear a hat after hair transplant surgery?

It takes approximately 7 to 10 days for the newly implanted follicular unit grafts to fully “anchor” and become permanent. Before this time, manipulation or compression of the grafts may cause permanent damage and affect growth. Due to this fact, most hair transplant surgeons recommend waiting 7-10 days before wearing any type of cap that could compress, move, or dislodge a graft.

After the 7 – 10 day mark, the grafts should be permanently connected; at this point, no amount of manipulation should cause any damage. Wearing a hat after this period should be perfectly safe. It is, however, important to discuss issues like this with your hair restoration physician. Many doctors have specific rules about activity post-surgery, and it is important to follow these closely.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

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