Summer is the perfect time for hair transplant, but you need to protect your hair from the sun during the recovery period.

During the surgery several layers of the skin are affected. The surface or epidermis heals faster, then the deeper tissues. Even though you will be able to continue your daily routine your scalp will need more time to heal so you sould protect your hair from the sun for several months after the surgery. Because the skin in that area will not be able to protect itself from the sun.

Skin is more sensitive to light after surgery because of chromatophores. These are cells in the the skin that are responsible for pigmentation regulation, they darken the skin when exposed to sunlight. These cells get affected during a hair transplant, and they regenerate over time but this can take several months. If you expose your head to the sun before they regenerate they cannot protect the skin the way they usually do. This can cause permanent discolorations in the skin and hinder the growth of the new follicles.

How Can You protect your head from the sun?

You should avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks after the procedure, and once incisions are healed apply sunscreen (minimum SPF of 30) for up to four months. This does not mean you have to stay in the house for the entire time. You can spend time outdoors you will only have to protect your head from the sun.

Hats can be a very good option however you will have to wait for about 3 days until you use them. After 3 days you can start to wearing a very loose hat. After one week you can wear a regular hat.