Clinical literature shows that the first days after a hair transplant are particularly vulnerable to environmental stressors such as heat, sweating, moisture imbalance, and skin irritation. These factors do not change long-term graft survival, but they can aggravate postoperative itching, edema, crusting, and infection risk if not managed carefully.1,2,3,4 Choosing the right time of year can therefore improve comfort and reduce avoidable early healing complications.
Istanbul, located in northwestern Turkey, has a temperate climate with clear seasonal variation. Spring and autumn are generally mild, while summer brings higher heat and humidity and winter is cooler with lower sunlight levels. These climate patterns shape recovery comfort in Istanbul without affecting long-term hair transplant results.
The Best Seasons for a Hair Transplant in Istanbul
Quick Summary
Weather does not alter graft survival or long-term hair transplant results. However, it does influence comfort, swelling, itching, crust formation, infection risk, and scalp hygiene during the first one to two weeks, which is the most sensitive period according to clinical evidence.1,2,3,4,5
Spring (March-May): The Optimal Time
Spring hair transplants offers mild temperatures, moderate humidity, and softer sunlight. These conditions help reduce excessive sweating and scalp irritation, which is important because postoperative edema, itching, and discomfort are common during early healing.1,2
Clinical studies emphasize that hygiene, crust control, and hydration of grafts are critical in the first postoperative week. Cooler conditions make scalp washing and wound care easier to manage, reducing the likelihood of irritation and secondary complications related to moisture imbalance or crust accumulation.2,5
Autumn (September-November): Equally Ideal
Autumn mirrors spring in terms of climate and recovery comfort. Moderate temperatures and reduced environmental stress help minimize postoperative itching and dryness, which are frequently reported after hair transplantation.3,6
From a clinical perspective, autumn conditions support a stable healing environment without exposing the scalp to excessive heat or dryness. Patients can also move around the city more comfortably without increasing sweating or mechanical irritation of the recipient area.
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Winter (December-February): Good for UV-Sensitive Healing
Hair transplants in winter brings low ultraviolet exposure, which is beneficial since healing scalp skin is sensitive to irritation during early recovery.3,6 Reduced sweating also simplifies hygiene and crust management.
However, cold air and indoor heating can increase scalp dryness. Clinical complication reviews note that dryness can worsen postoperative itching, especially if washing and moisturization protocols are not followed correctly.3 As long as patients avoid tight headwear until medically approved and manage dryness appropriately, winter remains a safe and practical option.
Summer (June-August): Possible, but Requires Caution
Istanbul summers are hot and humid. During a summer hair transplant, excessive sweating can irritate both donor and recipient areas and indirectly increase infection risk during the first postoperative days.1,3,4 Heat is also listed in the literature as an environmental factor that can stress grafts if hydration and aftercare are inadequate.4
Strong sunlight can further irritate healing scalp skin, prolong redness, and increase discomfort. Summer procedures are fully workable from a medical standpoint, but patients typically need extra precautions, including limiting outdoor activity, avoiding heat exposure, and spending more time indoors during early recovery.
