We decided to write this buying guide about chemo hats with one goal in mind: making the buying decision easy for you.
We are very aware that Cancer patients and their families have an extremely busy schedule, and lot of emotional ups and down. Actually, they have a limited time to educate themselves about a chemo hat, as they have by far more important things to think about on a daily basis. Reading this blog about Cancer hats, would help reader to understand better: what’s a Cancer hat? And, why chemo patients should buy it?
What is Chemo hat?
Chemo hats are soft headwear that are especially designed for Cancer patients, to cover their head during and after chemo treatment. Chemotherapy has multiple side effects. Hair loss is the most visible and most common one. Other related side effect, is an irritated and a very sensitive skin. Therefore, head scalp becomes also hypersensitive (see more details about chemo side effects and hair loss in this article, by the Canadian Cancer Society).
Not all Cancer hats sold by Internet Online shops or physical stores for Cancer patients, are equal in term of conception quality, design and fabrics. A typically well designed chemo hat should have at least the following features:
- Soft and natural fabrics: Bamboo or Cotton are considered as best materials for Chemo hats. In particular, Bamboo is a natural fiber and very gentle on Cancer Patient’s skin.
- Seamless lining: unlike regular hats, Cancer hats are generally seamless from inside.
- Most hats for Cancer patients models are made one size fits all.
Why a Cancer patient should buy a chemo hat?
A Chemo hat is an affordable and must have accessory for Cancer patients. Many reasons justify why a chemo patient should buy a Cancer headwear:
Sensitive Scalp:
Cancer patient head scalp becomes extremely sensitive during Chemotherapy treatment. Soft chemo hats are used as a head cover to avoid contact and friction with pillow, while sleeping at night or day.
Protection against Sun and cold:
Cancer hats are also very useful to protect chemo patients head from cold, or from Sun’s UV radiation.
For aesthetic reasons:
Chemo hats for Women are a very important accessory for Cancer patient’s self-esteem and well-being. At home or to go out, chemo caps add colorful, classic or trendy look to Women with Cancer’s daily routine.
Types of hats for Cancer patients:
Hats for Cancer patients are available in many styles and types, with plain colors or with patterns. They are designed to accommodate every Women with Cancer’s style or mood; and every occasion. Chemo hats for home or to sleep, called also chemo caps or chemo beanies, are made with basic and simple designs. For work, medical appointments, or to go out with family or friends; you can find more sophisticated hats for Cancer patients. In this last category, the choice is wide going from chemo caps with shirring, to pre tied chemo scarves, or Cancer turbans. Below, is a brief description of each headwear type:
Chemo caps
Chemo caps category include a wide selection of cancer hats, ranging from basic to highly designed looks. In general, a chemo cap is easy to wear. It is made to fit very close to head scalp. Some models come with shirring to provide more volume; others have a stylish finishing touch, like a silk flower or headband with patterns. This type of chemo hats is by far the most popular among chemo patients.
Chemo Beanies
Chemo beanies are part of the same big family as chemo caps. A chemo beanie has an elastic shape to fit most head sizes.
Chemo Scarves
Chemo scarves are the most stylish type among Cancer headwear offering today. Women with Cancer should always pick a pre-tied chemo scarf. The reason is simple: it is much easier to wear! you don’t have to worry about doing any adjustment.
Cancer scarves are offered with long or short tail, with printed or solid colors. A very common error to avoid: don’t mix chemo head scarves with headbands. The latter are not made specifically for chemo patients, and they don’t cover necessarily your full head . However, some chemo headbands models are available for sale, and they are used as a hair accessory, to wear with wigs.
Cancer turbans
Cancer turbans are chemo hats with volume shirring. The name is inspired from regular turban. To avoid confusion, there’s no need to wrap chemo turbans around. They can be worn exactly like a cap.
To see a sample of some chemo hats styles, watch this short video: