When is the Best Time for a Hair Transplant?

When you are losing your hair everything changes, from wearing a hat in the winter to the sun on your scalp in the summer. And when you spend time and money on hair restoration to enhance your appearance, you want the best chance of success. Does timing matter? Summer or winter? Spring or fall? Hot or cold? Do the seasons have any impact on hair transplant success? It turns out they do.

Here is everything you need to know about how the seasons could impact your hair transplant.

What is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant involves moving hair from areas of denser growth to sparser areas of the head. These transplanted hairs take root and grow naturally. A hair restoration specialist moves grafts which contain hair follicles, often using Follicle Unit Extraction (FUE) which offers minimal scarring, little downtime, and a natural result. They perform successful hair transplants in all seasons, but the time of year is worth thinking about as you plan your hair restoration treatment.

Warm Weather Considerations

We all know that sun exposure can damage skin. So it is not surprising that it can impact the appearance of scars and the process of healing after a hair transplant. Direct sun can harm the transplanted hair grafts and impact the success of a hair transplant. It is wise to avoid sun exposure in the first few months post-transplant.

Your scalp is typically sensitive and especially prone to sunburn after hair transplant surgery which is another reason to be particularly careful in the summer. A serious sunburn could undermine your hair transplant efforts and be painful. Additionally, sun can cause hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) in the treated area so it is best to avoid the sun until your transplant surgery scars fade and your hair thickens and blends in as much as possible.

Hot temperatures can also cause increased swelling after a hair transplant which can add to the discomfort. After a hair transplant procedure it is important to keep the hair dry to avoid an infection or other complications, warm weather can make this more challenging because of the body’s tendency to sweat in high temperatures.

There are some upsides to pursuing a hair transplant in warm weather. In general higher temperatures and humidity speed up healing. And warm weather amplifies the nutrients needed for keratin production so hair grows faster. Many people prefer to schedule their hair transplant for the spring when temperatures are warm rather than the heat of deep summer.

Cold Weather Considerations

As with warm weather, there are pros and cons to pursuing a hair transplant in cooler temperatures. The frigid cold of winter and use of indoor heating can cause dryness in the scalp and post-procedure discomfort. However, the cool temperatures mean that sweat is not an issue and there is less risk of excessive sun and sunburn which can impact healing and results. Many people choose winter months for a hair transplant so they have time to recover and can enjoy the results in the summer.

Choosing the Best Season for You

There is no perfect time for a hair transplant, only the time that works the best for you. A Dallas hair restoration provider can help you determine when to schedule your procedure by considering a number of factors including the season.

Your schedule should be a significant consideration when planning your hair transplant surgery. Though minor, a hair transplant is a surgical procedure and will require time off for recovery. If you are unable to find adequate time in your schedule you should wait until you can put aside  time for rest and recovery post-transplant. You should avoid excessive travel directly after a hair transplant, so many people do it after a planned vacation.

In addition to your schedule, of course  you’ll want to make sure the hair clinic of your choice has availability when you are planning your hair transplant. If you have a preferred surgeon you’ll need to make sure they are free and able perform your treatment.

It is also important to consider social and professional commitments when planning your hair transplant. Of course you need time to rest and recover, but you also want to minimize physical exertion and any social or work commitments that may increase stress.

Consider upcoming events as well. Perhaps you’d like a thick head of hair for your daughter’s wedding in May or maybe you want to be looking your best for your family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Ask your provider to help you time your procedure so you can look your best for these events.

Ready to Book Your Treatment?

Now that you know how the seasons can impact a hair transplant you are ready to take the next steps and we’re here to help. At AdvancedYOU Hair Restoration, our experienced hair restoration specialists can help you consider your options, build a timeline and schedule the hair transplant surgery that is right for you at the right time.