Rooted in Strength

Ideas For Tying A Hat & Headscarf Combination

How to avoid getting in a knot! With a little bit of practise you will be able to master each style effortlessly.  Some chemo head scarves are secured to a 100% cotton jersey hat so that the scarves do not slip off your head when your arms get tired.  Simply pop on the hat and that's the first step covered! STYLE 1 - LEVEL: EASY After you put the hat on, drape the chemo scarf over the head, leaving the two ends hanging either side by your shoulders.  Pick the ends up and tie them in a simple knot at the back.  This look is great for people who are used to longer hair because it simulates a ponytail at the back of the head.  STYLE 2 - LEVEL: EASY Fold the chemo scarf so that it creates a “band across the front of the head, pull the two ends towards the back and tie in a simple knot.  The folds give additional padding to the hair line and is suitable for those who feel exposed without the weight of their hair around the face. STYLE 3 - LEVEL: EASY After tying the ends of either of the above styles in a simple knot, tuck the ends back over upon themselves – this creates a bow-like style and helps keeps the ends shorter. STYLE 4 - MODERATE Fold the head scarf in three so it forms a band across the forehead and the two ends hang either side of your face.  Bring the two ends around the back of the head and tie firmly in a simple knot.  This will hold the scarf in place whilst you start twisting!  Take one end in turn and twist it so that it forms a tight rope like cord.  Then bring this around to the front of the head and tuck the end securely into the band at the front of the chemo hat.  Next, do the same with the remaining end.  You can secure this with a pin if you feel you need a bit of added grip. STYLE 5 - MODERATE Fold the scarf in three so it forms a band across the forehead and the two ends hang either side of your face.  Bring the two ends around the back of the head and tie firmly in a simple knot.  This will hold the scarf in place whilst you start twisting!  Take both ends and twist them around each other.  Keep twisting until the rope like cord starts to curl up into itself.  Next, twist the cord round as if creating a “bun” or rosette.  With the remaining ends of the chemo scarf, push them part the way through the centre of the rosette to secure it in place. 

How To Tie A Square Chemo Head Scarves

There are many ways to tie a head scarf, here are some of our favourites.  If you want a simple way to tie it, get a hairband and drape the fabric over your head, gathering the ends into a ponytail.  On days when you want to be more creative, take a look at some ideas below Scarf Tying Tips Getting to grips with tying a chemo headscarf can be frustrating. You need to build muscle-memory with your fingers and this can take time, but here are a few tips that might help make the process easier: Start learning when you have some quiet time to yourself. Make yourself a cup of tea/coffee and give yourself 20mins to just have a play and give some of the styles a go. Dont try learning how to tie a chemo headscarf when you are under time pressure or have visitors popping in and out, you will only get frustrated.   Use the weight of your arms to keep the fabric tension. There is no need to grip your headscarf tightly, just hold onto the ends and after you have crossed them over behind your head or tied a single knot, let them relax and use the weight of your arms to keep the fabric taught. This not only gives your arms a break (especially if you have had breast surgery), but it also helps you pause a little before moving onto the next steps   If tying the knots is a pain, use an elastic band or hairband (we recommend a hairband because elastic bands can be difficult to use). Sweep the ends together and tie them like you would do a ponytail. The benefit of tying your headscarf this way is three-fold; it helps you tighten your headscarf whenever you need to, you can take your headscarf off your head and put it back on without having to re-tie it, and you can also use the hairband to create a bow by passing the ends of your headscarf partially through a section of the hairband.   Style 1The Free Spirit Using a square chemo head scarf, fold it from corner to corner so it makes a triangle, then fold the long edge over a few times. Place the chemotherapy scarf on your head, the long part needs to be across the forehead and the pointed part of the scarf must be at the back of the head. To tie the scarf, pull both ends behind your ears around the back of the head. Style 2. The Classic Wrap This style gives full coverage and stays comfortable all day and works if you have a rectangular or square scarf. If starting with a square scarf, either fold it in half to make a rectangle, or a triangle - it works both ways! Place the scarf over your head so it’s even on both sides, with the front edge sitting just above your eyebrows. Cross the ends at the nape of your neck and pull them snugly (but not too tight). Bring both ends up to the front of your head and tie a firm knot.  Tuck the loose ends under the scarf for a smooth, tidy finish. Style 3. The Side Knot If you want something with a softer, more relaxed feel, try the side knot.  Fold your scarf into a triangle and place it over your head so the long edge sits across your forehead.  Bring the ends around to one side of your head just below your earlobe.  Tie them once, then twist the ends together and loop them into a small knot just above your ear, securing the ends by tucking them part of the way through the middle of your twisted knot. 

Yoga During Chemotherapy: Gentle Movement, Real Benefits

Exercise is probably the last thing on your mind when you're going through chemotherapy. But gentle movement — and yoga in particular — can make a real difference to how you feel during treatment, both physically and emotionally. That's not just anecdotal. There's good research behind it. Studies have found that gentle yoga during cancer treatment can reduce fatigue, improve sleep and help with anxiety. And unlike many things during this period, it's something you can control. What gentle yoga can do for you during treatment It helps with fatigue Counterintuitive as it sounds, gentle movement can actually reduce the tiredness that chemotherapy causes. When you rest completely, fatigue tends to build. When you move gently, even for just 20 minutes, your body responds by circulating oxygen more efficiently, which can leave you feeling more energised rather than more depleted. It supports your emotional wellbeing Treatment is stressful. The uncertainty, the appointments, the side effects, the way your body changes — it adds up. Yoga works directly on the nervous system through breathwork and slow, deliberate movement, and this has a measurable effect on anxiety and low mood. A lot of people find that an hour in a yoga class is one of the few times in the week when their mind quietens down. It helps you sleep Sleep disruption is really common during chemotherapy. Pain, discomfort, anxiety and the drugs themselves can all interfere with it. Regular gentle yoga (particularly the breathing and relaxation components) can help regulate your sleep patterns over time. It keeps your body moving Muscle weakness and stiffness can develop during treatment, particularly if you're less active than usual. Gentle yoga helps maintain the range of movement in your joints and keeps muscles from weakening unnecessarily. The key word is gentle — yoga for cancer patients looks very different from a standard yoga class. It connects you with other people Going through chemo can be an isolating experience. A yoga class — even online — puts you in a room (virtual or physical) with other people who understand what you're going through. That connection matters more than it might sound. What to be careful of Yoga is generally very safe for cancer patients, but there are a few things worth knowing before you start. Talk to your oncology team first. They'll be able to tell you if there are any specific reasons why yoga might not be suitable for you right now. Your yoga teacher will ask about your blood counts. Your platelet count needs to be high enough to exercise safely, and any surgical incisions need to be properly healed before you start. Listen to your body, every single session. Treatment affects you differently day to day. On the hard days, simply showing up and focusing on your breathing is enough. Hygiene matters during treatment. If attending an in-person class, use your own mat and props. Online classes sidestep this entirely. Stay hydrated. Drink water before and after your session. Where to start: a free online class with Mo Mo is an experienced yoga teacher who has trained specifically in teaching yoga for cancer patients. She isn't teaching a watered-down version of a standard class — she's teaching something built from the ground up for people in your situation. Mo runs free online yoga classes for cancer patients every Tuesday from 11am to 12pm. They're gentle, welcoming and a wonderful hour in the week. To join or find out more, email Mo directly: mo@yogaforcancernewforest.co.uk You don't need any previous yoga experience. You just need to show up.

Lidia by Design: Bamboo Chemo Hats with a Difference

Not all chemo hats are created equal, and the Lidia by Design collection is a perfect example of what's possible when someone designs specifically for the needs of cancer patients rather than adapting general fashion headwear. We're proud to stock this range, and our customers love it. Here's what makes it special. The fabric Lidia by Design uses bamboo fabric throughout, and if you haven't experienced bamboo against your skin before, it's a revelation. It's extraordinarily soft, often compared to cashmere in texture, and it has natural antibacterial properties that make it particularly kind to sensitive scalps. It's also excellent at regulating temperature — cool when you're warm, warm when you're cool — which makes it comfortable year-round. The design The Lidia by Design range includes turbans, hats, scarves and headbands. The styling is elegant rather than obviously clinical — these are pieces you'd choose to wear, not just pieces you'd settle for. The constructions are thoughtful too: no seams where they'd create pressure on a bare scalp, soft edges throughout, and a fit that stays comfortable all day. They fit head circumferences of 53–58 cm, which suits most adults comfortably.   Who is this range for? The Lidia by Design collection is a brilliant choice if: You're particularly sensitive to fabric and need the softest option available. You tend to run warm and want something that won't make you hotter. You want something that looks and feels more like a fashion choice than a medical necessity. You're looking for a special occasion piece as well as an everyday option. Browse the full Lidia by Design bamboo chemo hat collection in our shop, or get in touch if you'd like help finding the right style for you.

Wunderbrow for Cancer Patients: What It Is and How to Use It

For many people, losing their eyebrows is one of the hardest parts of chemo hair loss. The face you see in the mirror suddenly looks less like you, and that can be more unsettling than losing the hair on your head. Wunderbrow is one of the products we recommend most often, and it's stocked in our accessories range for a reason. Here's what you need to know. What is Wunderbrow? Wunderbrow is a brow gel that uses tiny fibres to create the appearance of full, natural eyebrows. Unlike a standard eyebrow pencil, which draws lines on the skin, Wunderbrow builds up a texture that mimics the look of real hair. The result is a much more natural finish — which matters a great deal when there's no actual brow hair to work with. Why it works for chemo patients Standard make-up isn't always well suited to the specific challenges of chemo. Wunderbrow has a few features that make it particularly useful: It stays in place for up to three days without smudging, which means you don't have to redo it every morning on a tired day. It's waterproof, which matters if you're getting hot or your eyes water during treatment. It works on bare skin — no natural brow hair needed as a base. It comes in several shades to suit different complexions. How to apply it Wunderbrow comes with a small spoolie brush. The key is to use it lightly and build up gradually — a little goes a long way. Use short, feathery strokes in the direction that brows naturally grow. Start from the inner corner of the brow and work outward. If you've never used a brow product before and aren't sure where to place your brows, a simple rule of thumb: the inner edge of the brow should sit roughly above the inner corner of your eye, and the arch should sit above the outer edge of the iris. You'll find Wunderbrow in our accessories section, alongside our Eylure C-Lash eyelashes — another product designed specifically for people who've lost their lashes during treatment.

Life Kitchen: A Free Cookbook Designed for Cancer Patients

One of the side effects of chemotherapy that doesn't get talked about enough is the change in taste. For some people, food stops tasting the way it should — metallic, flat, or just different in ways that are hard to describe. Eating becomes less of a pleasure and more of a chore, which is the last thing you need when you're trying to keep your strength up. Life Kitchen is a not-for-profit cookery school founded by chefs Ryan Riley and Kimberley Duke, both of whom lost their mothers to cancer. Ryan has spoken about watching his mother lose her sense of taste during treatment and feeling powerless to help. Life Kitchen was their answer to that. What's in the cookbook? The free cookbook contains 15 recipes built around three ingredients that research suggests help stimulate flavour even when taste is dulled by chemotherapy: Miso paste — umami-rich and one of the most effective flavour enhancers when taste is compromised. Spring onions — bring freshness and a gentle sharpness to dishes. Garam masala — adds warmth and complexity that cuts through the flatness chemotherapy can cause. The recipes are simple, practical and designed to be cooked by someone who might not have a lot of energy. They're not about being impressive — they're about making eating enjoyable again. How to get a copy The cookbook is free. Visit the Life Kitchen website (lifekitchen.co.uk) to download your copy or find out about their cookery classes. We'll keep this post updated if Life Kitchen release new resources. If you know of other free resources for cancer patients that we should feature, please get in touch at hello@chemotherapyheadwear.com.

Why a Chemo Headscarf Might Be Exactly What You Need

When people start thinking about headwear for chemotherapy, they often look at wigs first. And wigs can be wonderful. But for a lot of the women I speak to, headscarves end up being the thing they actually reach for every day.Here's why.They're kind to a sensitive scalpA well-chosen headscarf in soft 100% cotton or bamboo sits gently against bare skin. No clips, no wefts, no adhesive — just soft fabric. For a scalp that's tender during treatment, that matters a great deal.They protect you from the elementsIn summer, a cotton headscarf provides a layer of sun protection for a scalp with no hair to shield it. In winter, it adds warmth. And on a windy day — the kind where a sensitive bare scalp feels every gust — a scarf wrapped around your head makes a noticeable difference.They're easy to wearOnce you know one or two basic tying styles, a headscarf takes two minutes to put on. Our pre-tied chemo scarves take even less than that. They're pre-shaped so you just put them on, wrap the ends over and tie. No complicated folds, no pins, no frustration on a tired day.They're genuinely stylishThis matters more than some people give it credit for. Looking in the mirror and seeing something you actually like — in a colour or pattern that's you — changes how you feel about stepping out of the door. We choose our fabrics carefully, from beautiful designer cotton prints to simple jersey in rich, warm tones, and customers often tell us that their scarf became something they actually looked forward to wearing.They're affordableA good chemo headscarf costs significantly less than a wig and can be worn again and again. Having a few in different colours means you can change your look without breaking the budget.Not sure where to start?Take a look at our guide to choosing chemo head scarves, or browse the full range in the shop. We also run free monthly scarf-tying sessions with Headwrappers if you'd like some help learning how to tie them.

How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun During Chemotherapy

Most of us know to wear sunscreen in summer. But during chemotherapy, sun protection becomes genuinely important rather than just sensible — because treatment makes your skin significantly more sensitive to UV light, and sunburn can happen much faster and feel much worse than it normally would. Here's what to do to stay protected. Sunscreen: go higher than you think Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at minimum SPF 30 — though SPF 50 is a better choice during treatment. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, including your face, ears, neck, hands and the back of your arms. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you've been sweating or in water. Look for a fragrance-free formula, as scented sunscreens can irritate chemotherapy-sensitive skin. Cover up Clothing is your first line of defence. Lightweight, loose-fitting layers in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen cover the skin without overheating you. Long sleeves and a collar help protect your arms and neck. For your scalp, a hat with a proper brim is essential. Your scalp has no hair to protect it, which means it can burn very quickly. Our wide-brimmed summer chemo hats are made from soft cotton with breathable construction. Some have a loose weave that allows air to circulate, which is particularly helpful if you're feeling the heat. Some styles are also packable, which makes them easy to carry with you. Avoid the midday sun UV rays are strongest between roughly 11am and 3pm. If you can, plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon. If you do need to be outside during peak hours, seek shade wherever possible — but remember that shade alone doesn't eliminate UV exposure, particularly on bright days. Don't forget your eyes Sunglasses with UV protection are worth wearing during treatment, both to protect your eyes from the sun and to give some shade to the delicate skin around them. This matters more during chemo because your immune system is working hard and the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and sensitive. A note on hot weather generally Heat and chemotherapy can be a difficult combination. If you're struggling with temperature regulation, read our post on looking after your skin during chemo for more general advice, and take a look at our range of lightweight summer headwear if you need something that keeps the sun off without making you warmer.

Tips for Looking After Your Skin During Chemotherapy

Your skin works hard at the best of times. During chemotherapy, it has even more to deal with. Treatment can make skin drier, more sensitive, more reactive to sunlight and more prone to irritation from things that would normally be completely fine. The good news is that a few simple adjustments to your routine make a big difference. Keep it gentle Swap out any products with strong fragrances, alcohol or harsh active ingredients. During treatment, your skin doesn't need exfoliating or brightening — it needs to be calm and supported. Look for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and wash with lukewarm water rather than hot. Brands that many of our customers rate highly include Aveeno, the Simple range (both widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies) and Faith in Nature, which is a UK-made vegan range available at Holland and Barrett and Boots. Moisturise regularly Apply a gentle moisturiser every day — ideally immediately after a bath or shower when your skin is still slightly damp, as this helps lock in moisture. Bosom Buddies Puriskin Resurfacing Formula was created specifically for people undergoing chemo and radiotherapy; it's fragrance-free and absorbs quickly. If you prefer something completely natural, a light layer of almond oil, apricot oil or coconut oil works beautifully as an everyday moisturiser. A few drops of rosemary essential oil added to a base oil can also help stimulate the scalp, but always dilute it and use sparingly. Protect yourself from the sun Chemotherapy makes your skin significantly more sensitive to UV light. Sunburn can happen much faster than you'd expect, and the effects can be more severe. Use SPF 30 at minimum whenever you're going outside — SPF 50 is better — and reapply every two hours. Cover your scalp too. A wide-brimmed hat is the kindest thing for exposed skin on your head. We have a range of summer chemo hats with wide brims and soft cotton construction that work well in warm weather. Wear soft, breathable fabrics The clothes and headwear you put on also affect your skin. Rough fabrics against a sensitive scalp or body can cause real irritation. Stick to natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo — both breathable and soft — and avoid anything with harsh seams, elastic or labels directly against the skin. All of our chemo hats and headscarves are made from 100% cotton or bamboo and are designed with exactly this in mind. Stay hydrated Your skin's health is connected to how well hydrated you are overall. Treatment can sometimes make this harder — nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite all affect how much you drink. Aim for eight glasses of water a day and keep a glass within reach at all times.

Supporting Someone Through Chemotherapy: What Actually Helps

When someone you love is going through chemotherapy, the instinct to help can be overwhelming — but knowing exactly what to do is another matter entirely. You want to say the right thing. You want to do the right thing. And you're frightened of getting it wrong.Here's what we've seen actually make a difference.Show up consistentlyThe first week after a diagnosis tends to bring a flood of support. What people really need is for that support to keep coming — three months in, six months in, on the quiet Tuesday when the treatment is particularly rough. Keep checking in. Keep asking what they need. Keep turning up.Listen without trying to fixResist the urge to fill the silence or to reassure. 'It'll all be fine' and 'you're so strong' are said with the best of intentions, but they can make someone feel they're not allowed to be scared. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is 'that sounds really hard. I'm here.'Take something practical off their plateChemotherapy is exhausting. Even a short hospital day can wipe someone out for the rest of the week. The things that used to be automatic — cooking, shopping, the school run, keeping the house running — can feel enormous. Offer something specific, not just 'let me know if you need anything'. People rarely ask. Show up with dinner. Offer to drive them to their next appointment. Pick something up from the shop.Help with transportHospital appointments happen regularly during treatment. Offering to drive, or helping arrange transport, removes a logistical worry that can quietly pile up on top of everything else.Think about what they might need to feel more comfortableSoft, comfortable things matter enormously during treatment. A gentle shampoo for a sensitive scalp. A beautiful, warm chemo hat in a colour that suits them. A cosy pair of socks. These aren't trivial — they're signals that you see them, you've thought about their specific situation and you've done something about it.If you're looking for a gift for someone going through chemo, our gift card lets them choose exactly what they need from our range of hats, headscarves and accessories. We're also happy to help you choose something specific if you'd like a recommendation.Keep including them in normal lifeDon't treat them as though they've become a different person. Invite them to things. Ask their opinions. Talk about ordinary things as well as the treatment. For many people, the most precious moments during chemotherapy are the ones where they feel completely normal for an hour.

How to Use a Mastectomy Pillow: A Practical Guide

After a mastectomy or breast surgery, one of the most common things people are given advice about — or search for themselves — is a mastectomy pillow. But it's not always obvious exactly how they're meant to be used or what makes a good one.Here's everything you need to know.What is a mastectomy pillow for?A mastectomy pillow sits under your arm on the side where you've had surgery. Its job is to protect your fresh scars from pressure, particularly from seat belts in the car, which can dig in and cause discomfort when you're healing. It also helps keep your arm slightly away from your body, which reduces strain on the surgical area.The heart shape isn't just decorative. The V-shaped dip at the top of the heart fits neatly under your arm, with the curve sitting high enough on your chest to cushion the seatbelt.How to use one at homeYou don't only need a mastectomy pillow in the car. Many people find it helps: In bed — tucked under your arm to keep it away from your body while you sleep. On the sofa — held against your side while watching TV or reading. In any chair — as a soft, supportive cushion between your arm and your body while you rest. Most of our customers tell us the pillow becomes a constant companion for the first few weeks after surgery.What makes a good mastectomy pillow?Our pillows have a few features that matter: Two 60cm ribbons that can be tied over your shoulder or across your body to keep the pillow in place while you rest, so you're not constantly repositioning it. Premium hollow fibre filling that keeps its shape and doesn't sink to one side (unlike bean-bag bead filling, which tends to cluster at the bottom). Beautiful cotton fabric from local independent designers — because something that helps you heal should also make you smile. If you'd like to know more about our mastectomy pillows or see the full range of fabrics, take a look in the shop.

Free Support and Resources for Cancer Patients: Our Recommendations

Over the years, I've come across some remarkable organisations doing quiet, brilliant work to support people through cancer treatment. These are the ones I recommend most often to customers — all of them completely free to access.Jen's Friends — Free Mastectomy PillowsJen's Friends send free heart-shaped mastectomy pillows to women recovering from breast surgery. The pillows are made by a network of volunteer crafters and filled with premium soft stuffing. All you pay is postage (£4 for one pillow, £6.50 for two).Find them on Facebook and message the team directly to place your request. Allow around three weeks for delivery. We've written a full post about Jen's Friends on this blog if you'd like to know more.Headwrappers — Free Scarf-Tying SessionsThere are monthly free scarf-tying sessions in partnership with Headwrappers every last Thursday of the month. Everyone who registers receives a free goody bag in the post containing a cotton headscarf, samples and discount vouchers.Headwrappers also run Tea, Topknots and Turbans — a twice-monthly informal chat session where patients can connect, share tips and hear from guest speakers. These sessions are particularly valuable for those who don't have easy access to in-person support.Register for the next session at www.headwrappers.org.Hair Reborn — Free Hair Styling ServiceHair Reborn is a charity that offers free hair styling appointments for people experiencing hair loss as a result of chemotherapy. If your hair is beginning to grow back and you're not sure what to do with it, or if you just want the confidence of a professional appointment, this is a wonderful service. Visit hairreborn.uk to find out more.Chemotherapy Headwear — Free Advice and ConsultationsWe're also here for you. Whether you have questions about what to wear, want to talk through the options or just need someone who understands — please get in touch. We offer free video consultations and have been helping patients and their families since 2008. Call us on 01590 381 395 or email hello@chemotherapyheadwear.com.