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. 

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.