“When Can I Wear A Baseball Hat After FUE?”, is the most common yet most puzzling query that crosses the mind following hair transplant. The response to this question is not that simple. You may or may not be advised to wear a baseball hat or cap depending upon the recovery timeline and post procedure condition of your scalp.
FUE (follicular unit extraction) is a widely offered aesthetic procedure for balding scalp and thinning hair. It is a minimally invasive technique in which hair follicles are extracted from high concentration hair areas (back and sides of head) and implanted or grafted in bald areas with less hair concentration.
In this article, we are going to discuss in detail about when you can wear a baseball hat after FUE and what to avoid to aid in quick and smooth recovery.
When Is It Safe To Wear A Baseball Hat After FUE Hair Transplant?
It is safer to avoid any tight fitting baseball hat during the first 2-4 weeks. But if necessary, an oversized or adjustable baseball hat can be worn. This is to prevent any tugging, plucking or rubbing on the transplanted and donor area of the scalp.
Here are some reasons headwears are used post FUE:
- Avoiding Sun Exposure: You can stay indoors without a headcover, but a loose hat is advised to prevent ultraviolet rays exposure that can damage your sensitive post treatment scalp.
- Healing And Scarring Concealment: Keeping your hair transplant a secret is completely up to you. Most people prefer to cover the post treatment scalp until healing persists.
- Elevate Your Style: Many people like to carry their uniqueness and taste in the form of stylish caps or hats.
- Occupational Necessity: Occupations such as baseball players or mine workers are needed to cover their head with hats as an occupational necessity.
- Preventing Cold Exposure: Beanies and hats are used in winters to protect yourself from cold temperature.
See Also: How To Hide A Hair Transplant
How Can I Cover My Head After FUE Transplant?
Aftercare is just as crucial as the technique itself to make your hair transplant a success. Here is the timeline for the types of headcover to choose with respect to healing and healthy recovery.
- 0-3 days: We generally advise our patients to avoid any hat or caps for the first 72 hrs i.e. immediately after FUE transplant.
- 3-7 days: A loose fitted cap or hat, made from lightweight, breathable material such as cotton is advised. It should not sit tight directly above or around the transplant area. Oversized bucket hats, caps or loose beanies can be worn during this time.
- 7-14 days: Any caps, hats, beanies can be worn but that should not be tight fitting. It is recommended to avoid helmets during this stage of healing. Adjustable baseball hats can also be used.
- After 2 weeks: Initial healing is usually completed during the first 2 weeks. So normal activities are resumed and any type of headwear can be worn including baseball hats and motorcycle helmets. But it is better to be cautious for at least 6 weeks to be on the safe side.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Wearing A Tight Hat After FUE?
FUE is gaining popularity in the cosmetic industry for its fewer side effects and effective desirable outcomes. Each hair follicle is grafted to the donor area and it needs time to acclimatize and get the grip on the scalp.
- Follicle Dislodgement: Wearing tight hats prematurely can dislodge or snag away the newly implanted follicle and may produce inadequate results of the treatment.
- Sweating Issues: Sweating is a major con of tight hats that can interfere with the anticipated success of the treatment.
- Infection Risk: Wearing tight or hard headwears might cause skin infection. Tight hats made of non breathable material along with sweat may serve as a nidus for bacterial growth and thus halting the results. This may also lead to sepsis, which can be a major health disaster.
- Scalp Sensitivity: Your scalp is sensitive after hair transplant and tight caps can produce friction and mechanical rubbing against sensitive areas.
Checkout: Celebrity Hair Transplants
What Is The Best Hat To Wear Post Fue?
These are some points which should be kept in mind while choosing the right headwear. Your headwear should be:
- Loose fitted
- Made of breathable material such as cotton
- Has wider brim
- Suits your style
- Light weight
- Cleaned and washed regularly
How Long After A Hair Transplant Can I Head A Ball?
For the first 2-4 weeks avoid any contact sports including heading a ball as it may displace the implanted hair follicles and may produce infection or bleeding. After 4 weeks you can slightly head a ball but only wearing a helmet or a headgear. Still it is risky. After 6-8 weeks, you are allowed to resume normal activities and contact sports including heading a ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a beanie a month after hair transplant?
Yes, you can wear a loose fitting beanie after a month and a normal sized beanie in about 2-3 months.
When can I put my head on a pillow after a hair transplant?
For the first 3-4 days it is advisable to use a softer pillow but avoid direct laying on the transplanted area of head. You may also use a travel pillow during this period. You can gradually return to a normal sleeping position and a pillow in about 7-10 days.
When can I pull a shirt over my head after a hair transplant?
You can pull a shirt over your head with big necks in a week or two but a tight neck shirt should only be worn once grafts have lodged in perfectly, that is after 6 weeks at least.
Can I wear a surgical cap after a hair transplant?
As the material of the surgical cap is softer and breathable and the cap is adjustable, you can wear it if required. But make sure it is loosely adjusted and does not cause compression on the transplant area.
See Also: Second Hair Transplant
