Hair transplant is increasingly sought after due to rising hair thinning and baldness in young adults and can significantly enhance your appearance, self-confidence, and self-esteem.[1]
However, although hair transplants often have successful outcomes, there is a need to be aware of the precautions to be taken after the procedure to improve the results and avoid side effects.
Exposure to the sun is one of the most adverse factors that can negatively affect the results of your hair transplant. This article discusses the effect of sun exposure on hair transplant and what you can do to minimize the damage caused by UV radiation in the sunrays.
How Does Sun Affect Hair Transplant?
The hair transplant procedure involves multiple layers of the skin of the scalp. Although the superficial layer of the skin called epidermis usually repairs quickly after the procedure, the deeper tissues often take much longer time to heal completely.
The healing may be delayed further as a result of sun exposure because the UV rays tend to penetrate the epidermis and enter the deeper tissues, causing harm to the transplanted hair follicles.
Here are the three main effects of the sun after hair transplant:
Hence, it is important to be aware of how sun exposure can affect your hair transplant so that you can take appropriate precautions to minimize the damage and protect the transplanted hair follicles.
Can heat damage hair transplant?
Yes, heat can damage hair transplants and put you at risk of side effects such as redness, swelling, and inflammation at the donor and recipient sites. [2]
It is important to note that heat in any form, such as from sun exposure, sunbathing on a beach, sun tanning, steam bath, or sauna can trigger similar symptoms and potentially damage the hair follicles.
Can sunburn ruin my hair transplant?
Yes, sunburn can put you at risk of ruining your hair transplant. This side effect is linked to the harmful UV radiation the donor and recipient areas are exposed to. [3]
Sunburn can cause damage to the superficial as well as deeper layers of the skin of the scalp. This can delay the healing and even cause damage to the transplanted grafts. As a result, the new hair follicles may die, thus keeping you from deriving the expected results from your hair transplant procedure.
How long should I avoid the sun after a hair transplant?
Generally, it is advisable to avoid the sun for at least 2 weeks after a hair transplant. However, if you must step out in the sun, you can apply a sunscreen cream or lotion having an SPF of at least 30 on the skin of the scalp and wear a loose-fitting, wide-brimmed hat. You can continue applying sunscreen for both protecting your skin and hair follicles.
These methods can help protect the scalp from harmful UV radiation and minimize the damage to the hair follicles. However, it is important to note that it is still necessary to avoid sun exposure as much as possible to protect the treatment areas.
You can consult your hair care expert at the HEVA to know more about how to take care of your hair after the procedure to improve the results.
How can I prevent sunburn after the operation?
The best way to prevent sunburn is to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after your hair transplant.
Wearing a hat after hair transplant is another way to protect the new hair follicles. However, you should hold off wearing a hat for at least 3 days after the procedure. You should also choose only loose-fitting hats as tighter hats can obstruct the blood circulation through the scalp as a result of which the healing may slow down.
You can wear a wide-brimmed, loose-fitting hat 3 days after the hair transplant, although some experts recommend waiting for at least 10 to 14 days after the procedure. In addition, you must make sure the hat is clean and not too tight to avoid the risk of infection and delayed healing.
It is best to choose a loose-fitting, wide-brimmed hat to wear after a hair transplant.
A loose loose-fitting hat is less likely to obstruct blood circulation through the scalp and hair follicles while a wide-brimmed hat is suitable for minimizing direct exposure to sunlight.
Yes, you can use sunscreen after a hair transplant. It is generally advisable to apply sunscreen having an SPF of a minimum of 30 for up to 4 months after this procedure.
However, you should avoid applying sunscreen until the incisions have healed completely, which is typically after the scabs have fallen off.
Is It Safe To Get a Hair Transplant in the Summer?
Yes, it is safe to get a hair transplant in summer.
Most people have a misconception that they must avoid hair transplants in summer; however, the temperature change in this season is not known to affect the hair transplant results.
It can only limit your activities for a summer holiday a couple of weeks after the procedure. So, if it’s convenient for you to get your hair transplant in the summer, you can safely go ahead with it.
When can I go to the beach after a hair transplant?
You may go to the beach about 4 weeks after your hair transplant.In most cases, the donor areas of the scalp heal, causing the scabs to fall off on their own during this period. Once this happens, you can consider it safe to go to a beach.
Our medical team generally advises our patients to go to the beach 45 days after the procedure to make sure they prevent any potential negative factor.
How to find your clinic for the best results?
Choosing a reputable clinic is crucial for optimal results as the aftercare part is as important as the surgery itself. To minimize the negative factors after the procedure, choose a clinic that has a post operation team.
Clinics like HEVA, renowned for their expertise, minimize complications and ensure excellent results.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35841210/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32312509/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19138021/
