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. 

Coping With Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

Hair loss is one of the most talked-about side effects of chemotherapy, and for good reason. It's visible, it's hard to hide, and it can knock your confidence at exactly the time when you need it most. If you're dreading losing your hair, or already in the middle of it, please know that you're not alone in finding it difficult.The good news is that hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary. Your hair will grow back once treatment is complete, and many people find that their regrowth is strong and healthy. In the meantime, here's what we've found most helpful.Get Ahead of It If You CanIf you've been told your treatment is likely to cause hair loss, you might want to see your hairdresser before it starts. Having your hair cut shorter before it begins to fall can make the whole process feel less shocking. Some people choose to have a really short crop; others go all the way and shave their head on their own terms. There's no right or wrong answer — it's whatever feels right for you.Look After Your ScalpOnce hair starts to fall, your scalp needs a little extra care. Use a gentle, pH-neutral or organic shampoo, nothing harsh or heavily fragranced. After washing, massage in a natural base oil (coconut, almond or olive oil all work well) to keep the skin soft and moisturised. A healthy scalp sets the foundation for good regrowth later on.Avoid heat styling tools entirely during this time, and protect your scalp from direct sun and cold air by covering up with a soft hat or scarf.Find Headwear That Actually Makes You Feel GoodThe right headwear really does make a difference. A hat or scarf that feels comfortable, looks good and fits well can transform how you feel about stepping out of the front door.Our hats and headscarves are made from 100% cotton or bamboo, both incredibly soft next to a sensitive scalp. Whether you're looking for something cosy for around the house, something stylish for going out, or something special for a good day, there's something in our range that will work for you. We also run free online scarf-tying sessions if you want a bit of help getting started.Think About Your Eyebrows and Eyelashes TooIt's not just the hair on your head that can be affected. Eyebrows and eyelashes sometimes go too, and that can feel just as unsettling. We stock Eylure C-Lash eyelashes, which are designed specifically for people going through chemo, and Wunderbrow eyebrow pencil, which gives a really natural-looking result even without a base of hair to work with.Be Kind to YourselfHair loss during chemotherapy is a big deal, and it's okay to feel however you feel about it. Some days will be harder than others. The most important thing is that you're comfortable and, as much as possible, able to feel like yourself.If you need any help choosing the right headwear, or just want to talk through your options, please do get in touch. We've been helping people through this since 2008 and we're always happy to chat.