Direct sun exposure should be avoided for 2 to 4 weeks after an ARTAS robotic hair transplant. UV radiation damages newly placed grafts, increases scalp inflammation, and can cause permanent hyperpigmentation at healing graft sites. Proper sun protection is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment in hair restoration.
This guide covers the week-by-week sun exposure rules, which sunscreens and hats to use, and how to safely return to outdoor activities after your ARTAS procedure.
Why Sun Exposure Is Dangerous After Hair Transplant Surgery
UV Damage to New Grafts
Transplanted hair follicles go through a vulnerable period immediately after placement. During the first 2 weeks, grafts are anchoring into their new blood supply. UV radiation at this stage can:
- Increase inflammation in the recipient area, slowing the healing process
- Cause sunburn on the freshly treated scalp, which has no hair coverage for protection
- Trigger hyperpigmentation (dark spots) at each graft site that may take months to fade
- Damage the delicate new blood vessel connections forming around each follicle
The donor area on the back of the head is also vulnerable. The small extraction points from the ARTAS system are healing wounds that can scar more visibly with sun exposure.
How UV Affects Graft Survival
There is no clinical evidence that brief, incidental sun exposure kills transplanted grafts outright. The real concern is cumulative damage during the healing window. Prolonged UV exposure causes inflammation that can weaken the environment around new grafts, potentially reducing the overall survival rate. Surgeons universally recommend sun avoidance because the downside risk far outweighs the inconvenience.
Week-by-Week Sun Exposure Timeline
Days 1 to 7: Complete Sun Avoidance
During the first week after your ARTAS procedure, stay out of direct sunlight entirely. This means:
- Remain indoors during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM)
- If you must go outside, use an umbrella rather than a hat (hats can press against grafts during the first 5 to 7 days)
- Even overcast days deliver UV radiation; treat cloudy skies with the same caution
- Do not apply any sunscreen to the recipient area during this period; the scabs are still forming and products can cause irritation
Days 7 to 14: Limited Outdoor Time With Protection
By the end of the first week, grafts are anchored securely enough to tolerate a loose-fitting hat. During week 2:
| Activity | Allowed? | Protection Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Brief outdoor errands (under 15 min) | Yes | Loose hat |
| Walking outside for exercise | Yes, in shade | Loose hat + stay in shaded areas |
| Sitting on a patio or deck | Avoid | Too much sustained exposure |
| Driving (sun through windows) | Yes | Hat or window shade |
| Beach or pool | No | Full sun avoidance still required |
Once scabs have fully fallen off (typically days 10 to 14), you can begin applying a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen (SPF 30+) to the recipient area.
Weeks 2 to 4: Gradual Return With SPF Protection
This is the transition period. The scalp is healed on the surface, but the grafts are still establishing themselves beneath the skin.
- Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to the recipient and donor areas before any outdoor activity lasting more than 15 minutes
- Continue wearing a hat for any extended outdoor time
- Avoid tanning beds entirely during this period (and ideally permanently)
- Swimming in outdoor pools or the ocean is generally safe after week 3, but apply waterproof sunscreen and reapply after getting out of the water
After Week 4: Normal Precautions
From week 4 onward, you can resume normal sun exposure patterns. Continue applying sunscreen to the scalp if your hair coverage is still thin in the transplanted area. New hair growth typically begins around months 3 to 4, and full density takes 12 to 18 months. Until the transplanted hair grows in fully, your scalp has less natural sun protection than a full head of hair would provide.
For a complete recovery timeline beyond sun exposure, see our ARTAS recovery guide.
Sunscreen Recommendations for Post-Transplant Scalp
Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens
For the healing scalp, physical (mineral) sunscreens are the better choice:
| Type | Active Ingredients | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical/Mineral | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Sits on skin surface, less irritating, immediate protection | Can leave white cast, thicker texture |
| Chemical | Avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate | Lightweight, invisible | Absorbs into skin, can irritate healing tissue, takes 20 min to activate |
Choose a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Look for formulas labeled "sensitive skin" or "fragrance-free." Apply a nickel-sized amount to the recipient area and a similar amount to the donor area.
Application Tips
- Dab the sunscreen gently onto the scalp. Do not rub vigorously, especially during weeks 2 to 3.
- Reapply every 2 hours during continuous outdoor exposure.
- If you have stubble growth in the recipient area, use a spray sunscreen for easier application between hairs.
- Waterproof formulas last longer but require a gentle cleanser to remove at night.
Hat Recommendations During Recovery
What to Wear and When
The right hat provides the best sun protection without interfering with graft healing.
Week 1 (days 1-7): Avoid hats if possible. If you must cover your head, use a very loose, soft bucket hat that does not touch the recipient area. Some patients use a surgical cap or hairnet with an umbrella instead.
Weeks 2-4: A loose-fitting baseball cap is the most practical option. The brim should shade the forehead and top of the head. Adjust the strap so the hat sits lightly on your head without compressing the scalp.
Best hat options for recovery:
- Wide-brimmed sun hats (UPF 50+ rated)
- Loose baseball caps with adjustable back straps
- Bucket hats made from breathable fabric
- Fishing hats with neck flaps for full coverage
Hats to avoid during the first month:
- Tight beanies or skull caps
- Fitted caps with no size adjustment
- Hard hats or helmets (return to these only after week 4)
- Any hat that you notice touching or rubbing the transplanted area
Outdoor Activities: When Can You Resume?
| Activity | Safe to Resume | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Walking outdoors | Day 7 | Hat + shade preferred |
| Light jogging | Week 2 | Hat + early morning or evening |
| Golf or tennis | Week 3 | Hat + SPF 30 |
| Swimming (outdoor) | Week 3-4 | Waterproof SPF + rinse after |
| Beach day | Week 4+ | SPF 30+, hat, reapply every 2 hours |
| Contact sports | Week 4-6 | Depends on surgeon clearance |
Long-Term Scalp Sun Protection
Even after full recovery, protecting your scalp from UV damage is a smart long-term practice. Sun damage to the scalp can weaken existing hair, damage the skin, and increase the risk of skin cancer on the scalp. For patients whose transplanted hair has not yet reached full density, daily SPF use on exposed scalp is recommended for the first 12 to 18 months.
To track your ARTAS results timeline and see what growth to expect month by month, review our detailed results guide.
Get Your Personalized Recovery Plan
Every patient's sun sensitivity and recovery pace varies. Upload a photo of your current hair loss at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an AI-powered assessment of your hair loss stage, treatment recommendations, and personalized recovery guidance.
FAQ
How long should I avoid the sun after an ARTAS hair transplant?
You should avoid direct sun exposure for a minimum of 2 weeks after an ARTAS procedure, with most surgeons recommending 4 weeks of strict sun avoidance. UV radiation can damage newly transplanted grafts, increase inflammation in the scalp, and cause hyperpigmentation of healing scab sites. After the 4-week mark, gradual sun exposure with SPF 30 or higher is acceptable.
What SPF should I use on my scalp after a hair transplant?
Use SPF 30 or higher on your scalp once the scabs have fully healed, typically around 10 to 14 days post-procedure. Before that point, do not apply sunscreen directly to the recipient area as it can irritate open wound sites and dislodge healing grafts. A physical (mineral) sunscreen with zinc oxide is gentler on healing skin than chemical sunscreens.
Can I wear a hat after ARTAS robotic hair transplant?
You can wear a loose-fitting hat starting 7 to 10 days after an ARTAS procedure, once the grafts are firmly anchored. Avoid tight hats, beanies, or anything that presses against the recipient area during the first week. A loose baseball cap or wide-brimmed sun hat is the safest option for sun protection during weeks 2 through 4 of recovery.