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Hat and Head Scarf Combinations for Chemo: 5 Ideas
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! Prefer to wear your scarf on its own? Our step-by-step guide on how to tie chemo head scarves walks you through three simple styles. 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. About the author Hi, I’m Lindsey. I started Chemotherapy Headwear after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She really struggled to find anything comfortable to wear after she lost her hair so I designed my own range to ensure other women wouldn’t have to go through the same thing. Cancer has touched my whole family repeatedly, so I know how frightening this time can feel. I’m not a medical professional, and any guidance I provide has been based on my experience working with cancer patients over the years. Please check anything about your treatment with your care team.
How to Tie a Chemo Head Scarf: 3 Simple Step-by-Step Styles
Three simple step-by-step styles for tying a square chemo head scarf, plus our best tips for making it easier.
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. About the author Hi, I’m Lindsey. I started Chemotherapy Headwear after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She really struggled to find anything comfortable to wear after she lost her hair so I designed my own range to ensure other women wouldn’t have to go through the same thing. Cancer has touched my whole family repeatedly, so I know how frightening this time can feel. I’m not a medical professional, and any guidance I provide has been based on my experience working with cancer patients over the years. Please check anything about your treatment with your care team.
Introducing the Molly Beanie: A New Style for the Chemotherapy Headwear Range
Since I started Chemotherapy Headwear in 2008, I've learned that the products that really matter are the ones that come from listening. Not just reading about what people need, but actually talking to them — on the phone, via email, at events — and taking what they tell me seriously. The Molly beanie is a direct result of those conversations. We'd had the slouch beanie in the range for a while and it became an instant favourite — so it was clearly time to expand. Finding the right fabric took longer than I'd like to admit, but when it finally came in it was everything I'd hoped for, and the Mollys were worth the wait. What makes the Molly different? If you love the Lucy hat but want something with a slightly more contemporary shape, the Molly is for you. It's made in a soft, breathable bamboo rather than cotton, with the same careful construction, no rough seams inside and the same commitment to comfort on a sensitive scalp, but a softer, more relaxed silhouette. The range comes in denim blue, navy and olive. Something for every mood, every day, every outfit. The Lucy isn't going anywhere, of course. The Molly is simply another option. Take a look at the full range in the shop and see which one speaks to you. About the author Hi, I’m Lindsey. I started Chemotherapy Headwear after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She really struggled to find anything comfortable to wear after she lost her hair so I designed my own range to ensure other women wouldn’t have to go through the same thing. Cancer has touched my whole family repeatedly, so I know how frightening this time can feel. I’m not a medical professional, and any guidance I provide has been based on my experience working with cancer patients over the years. Please check anything about your treatment with your care team.
Introducing Our Lucy Hat and Headband Sets
Our Lucy hat has been the backbone of the Chemotherapy Headwear range since the very beginning. Soft, well-fitted, incredibly comfortable — it's the hat that customers come back to again and again, and the one I think of when I think about why I started this business. For a long time, it's been a brilliant standalone piece. But I always wanted to make it more flexible — to give people the option to change their look without having to change their hat. So I designed a range of printed headbands that work with it. How it works The idea is simple. You start with a Lucy hat as your base — a go-to that's comfortable enough to wear all day. Then you add a headband to change the look: Aqua Floral for a fresh, summery feel. Santorini, a classic print in blue and white. Watergarden Pink for a pop of colour. You can mix and match across the full range so the same hat can look completely different depending on what you pair it with. If you'd like a different texture, such as a faux fur band for winter or a silk scarf tie, you can buy one elsewhere and wear it over your Lucy hat in exactly the same way. Pricing Hat and headband set: £17 Headbands on their own: £7.00 They also make a lovely gift for someone going through treatment — a starter kit that gives them something comfortable to wear and a bit of joy in choosing how to wear it. Take a look at the full range in the shop. About the author Hi, I’m Lindsey. I started Chemotherapy Headwear after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She really struggled to find anything comfortable to wear after she lost her hair so I designed my own range to ensure other women wouldn’t have to go through the same thing. Cancer has touched my whole family repeatedly, so I know how frightening this time can feel. I’m not a medical professional, and any guidance I provide has been based on my experience working with cancer patients over the years. Please check anything about your treatment with your care team.
How to Choose the Right Chemo Headwear for You
When you're already dealing with the enormous task of going through cancer treatment, working out what to put on your head shouldn't feel like another mountain to climb. But when you've never had to think about it before, the options — chemo hats, headscarves, turbans, wigs — can feel genuinely overwhelming. I've been helping people through this since 2008, and these are the tips I find myself coming back to again and again. How many chemo hats do I need? If you want to be prepared before hair loss happens, buy one hat first. Just one. Something soft, something in a colour you feel comfortable in. Having it ready gives you peace of mind without committing to a whole wardrobe. Once your hair has gone, you'll have a much clearer sense of what you actually need — what feels secure, what suits your face, what you can put on easily when you're tired. Trying on hats with hair is a completely different experience to trying them without. The best fabric for a chemo headscarf Your scalp will likely be more sensitive during treatment than it's ever been. Bamboo, cotton jersey, cotton lawn — these are the fabrics that feel kindest. Avoid anything synthetic next to the skin, and steer clear of rough seams or thick elastic that might create pressure points on a bare scalp. Everything in our range that sits against your scalp is 100% cotton or bamboo for exactly this reason. Take a look at our hats and headscarves. Don't default to neutral It's natural to reach for black, grey or cream. But a few sessions into treatment, your skin tone can shift and those colours can wash you out and make you look and feel less well than you are. A warm colour like a soft blush, an earthy terracotta, or a gentle olive can give you a real lift. You don't have to go bold — just avoid cold or very dark neutrals if you can. Think about what you'll actually need it for A hat that works perfectly for a hospital appointment might not be right for sleeping in, and the one you love for going out might not be what you want at home on a tired day. Most people end up with two or three different styles for different moments. A simple, soft sleep hat is often the most used thing in the collection. Our headwear guides Hats: choosing the right chemo hat, how to measure your head for a hat, keeping your head warm at night Scarves: choosing a chemo head scarf, easy-tie vs square head scarves, how to tie a chemo head scarf, hat and head scarf combinations Our ranges: Lidia by Design bamboo hats, the Molly bamboo beanie, Lucy hat and headband sets Get some help You don't have to figure this out alone. We offer free video consultations where you can see the full range, ask questions and get honest advice. We also help you join a free online head scarf tying session with the brilliant team at Headwrappers or Look Good Feel Better, which are a wonderful way to learn new styles and connect with others going through the same thing. If you'd like to chat through the options, please do get in touch. We're always happy to help. About the author Hi, I’m Lindsey. I started Chemotherapy Headwear after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She really struggled to find anything comfortable to wear after she lost her hair so I designed my own range to ensure other women wouldn’t have to go through the same thing. Cancer has touched my whole family repeatedly, so I know how frightening this time can feel. I’m not a medical professional, and any guidance I provide has been based on my experience working with cancer patients over the years. Please check anything about your treatment with your care team.
Chemo Head Scarves: How to Choose, Tie and Wear Them
A head scarf can be one of the most versatile and beautiful things you wear during chemotherapy. But if you've never tied one before, it can also feel a little intimidating. Where do you start? Which fabric is kindest to a sensitive scalp? And how do you stop it from looking like you've just wrapped a bandage around your head? I've been helping people choose the right headwear since 2008, and head scarves are one of the things I get asked about most. Here's everything you need to know. What is the best fabric for a chemo scarf? Fabric is the most important decision you'll make. During chemo your scalp is more sensitive than usual, so anything rough, synthetic or too warm will feel uncomfortable. Our head scarves are made from 100% cotton — either cotton jersey (stretchy and forgiving), cotton lawn (lightweight and beautifully soft) or cotton poplin (slightly more structured but still very gentle). All three are breathable, hypoallergenic and kind to sensitive skin. We also have bamboo easy-tie scarves and turbans for the same reasons. Bamboo is extraordinarily soft and helps regulate temperature, which can be a real bonus if you're experiencing hot flushes alongside treatment. In general, avoid wool and synthetic fabrics directly against the scalp. Choosing the Right Size and Style Our cotton head scarves fit head circumferences of approximately 54–60 cm. The two main styles to choose between are: Square scarves: the most versatile option. You can tie them in dozens of different ways, which means you can change your look as often as you like. We have a free scarf-tying guide on the site, and Headwrappers run free online scarf-tying sessions. Easy-tie scarves: designed for people who want the look of a beautifully tied scarf without the fuss. These are pre-shaped to fit your head, so you simply put them on, wrap the ends over and tie them at the back. There's more on the difference in our guide to easy-tie vs square head scarves. Learning to tie a scarf If you'd like to tie a square scarf yourself, our step-by-step guide to how to tie a chemo head scarf walks you through three simple styles with photos. If your arms tire easily, wearing a scarf over a soft chemo hat keeps it secure and needs far less tying. Why so many people choose a scarf Lots of people look at wigs first, and wigs can be wonderful. But for many of the women I speak to, a scarf ends up being what they reach for every day. It's kind to a tender scalp, with no clips, wefts or adhesive, just soft fabric. It gives a layer of sun protection in summer and warmth in winter, and on a windy day a bare scalp feels every gust. And it costs far less than a wig, so you can own a few in different colours and change your look whenever you like. If you're still deciding, our guide to wig or headscarf weighs the two up honestly. Caring for Your Chemo Head Scarves Our cotton scarves are easy to look after. Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, or put them on a cold gentle machine cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Lay them flat to dry rather than tumble drying, and they'll keep their shape and softness wash after wash. A head scarf isn't just a practical solution. It's a way of choosing how you present yourself to the world during one of the hardest things you might ever go through. If you'd like help finding the right scarf for you, please do get in touch — we're always happy to help. About the author Hi, I’m Lindsey. I started Chemotherapy Headwear after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She really struggled to find anything comfortable to wear after she lost her hair so I designed my own range to ensure other women wouldn’t have to go through the same thing. Cancer has touched my whole family repeatedly, so I know how frightening this time can feel. I’m not a medical professional, and any guidance I provide has been based on my experience working with cancer patients over the years. Please check anything about your treatment with your care team.
Choosing the Right Chemo Hat: What You Actually Need to Know
Shopping for a chemo hat when you're in the middle of treatment is not something most people have ever done before. You want something soft. Something that fits. Something that doesn't look like you're trying too hard or not trying at all. And if you're reading this while already dealing with hair loss from chemotherapy, you probably want to find the right thing quickly, without wading through a hundred options. What is the best fabric for a chemo hat? The fabric of a chemo hat matters more than anything else. During treatment, your scalp becomes much more sensitive than usual. Anything scratchy, synthetic or too warm will feel uncomfortable, sometimes unbearably so. Our hats are made from either 100% cotton or bamboo fabric, and there's a reason for that: Cotton is soft, breathable and naturally hypoallergenic. It's gentle next to sensitive skin and easy to wash. Bamboo is extraordinarily soft, often compared to cashmere in feel, and it has natural antibacterial properties. It's also excellent at regulating temperature, which is helpful if you're dealing with hot flushes alongside treatment. Avoid wool and most synthetic fabrics directly against the scalp. Even fabrics that feel fine normally can feel scratchy against bare skin. Think About When You'll Wear It Different situations call for different hats. It's worth thinking about: Everyday wear at home: a lightweight cotton beanie or a simple sleep hat — something soft that you barely notice you're wearing. Going out: a more structured beanie, turban style, or a hat with a headband set that gives a more polished look. Winter: our wool-outer, bamboo-lined winter hats are specifically designed for cold days. No seams or raw edges inside, and the bamboo lining stays soft against the scalp. Summer: a wide-brimmed hat or a lightweight cotton scarf-style hat. Protecting your exposed scalp from the sun is really important. Fitting a chemo hat A hat that's too tight is uncomfortable and can leave marks on the scalp. One that's too loose slips around and needs constant adjusting. The best way to get a good fit is to measure your head before you buy. Wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part — about an inch above your eyebrows, over your ears and around the back. Most heads fall in the range of 54–59 cm. If you're between sizes, go bigger. Style: It Matters More Than You Think It might feel a bit frivolous to think about style when you're going through cancer treatment, but it isn't. Looking in the mirror and seeing something that feels like you — and not like a patient — genuinely matters for how you feel. We have a wide range of colours, prints and styles, and we're happy to jump on a video call with you to show you the full range in person if that would help. Caring for Your Hats Cotton and bamboo hats are straightforward to wash. Use a mild detergent, cold water, and either hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle. Always air dry rather than tumble dry. A well-cared-for hat will last throughout treatment and beyond. About the author Hi, I’m Lindsey. I started Chemotherapy Headwear after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She really struggled to find anything comfortable to wear after she lost her hair so I designed my own range to ensure other women wouldn’t have to go through the same thing. Cancer has touched my whole family repeatedly, so I know how frightening this time can feel. I’m not a medical professional, and any guidance I provide has been based on my experience working with cancer patients over the years. Please check anything about your treatment with your care team.
How to Measure Your Head for a Chemo Hat
A well-fitting chemo hat makes a real difference. When you're going through treatment, the last thing you want is a hat that keeps slipping, feels tight, or leaves a mark on your scalp. Getting your measurement right takes two minutes and saves a lot of hassle. What You'll Need A soft fabric measuring tape (the kind used for sewing) works best. If you don't have one, a piece of string and a ruler will do the job just as well. How to Measure Your Head for a Chemo Hat Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your head. This is roughly one inch above your eyebrows, over the tops of your ears, and around the back of your head. Keep the tape level all the way round. It should feel snug but not tight — you should be able to fit one finger underneath comfortably. Take note of your measurement in centimetres or inches. If you're measuring after some hair loss, do the measurement without a wig or hairpiece in place. Your head shape can change once hair is gone, and a hat should fit your head, not your hair. Our Chemo Hat Size Guide Lidia by Design bamboo hats: 53–58 cm (approx. 20.9–22.8 in) Lucy chemo hats: 54–59 cm (approx. 21.3–23.2 in) — these have an elasticated panel at the back for a flexible fit Cotton head scarves: 54–60 cm (approx. 21.3–23.6 in) — non-stretch fabric for a more structured feel Most other chemo hats in our range: 54–59 cm (approx. 21.3–23.2 in) If you fall between two sizes, go for the larger one. Comfort always wins. Tips for Getting the Best Fit Look for hats with adjustable features like elastic panels or drawstrings, as these give you a little more flexibility. Soft, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton and bamboo are the kindest to a sensitive scalp — they're both what we use across our range. If you're not sure which hat is right for you, please get in touch. We can arrange a video call so you can see the full range, get a feel for the different styles, and ask any questions. We've been doing this for a long time, and we love helping people find something they feel good in. About the author Hi, I’m Lindsey. I started Chemotherapy Headwear after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She really struggled to find anything comfortable to wear after she lost her hair so I designed my own range to ensure other women wouldn’t have to go through the same thing. Cancer has touched my whole family repeatedly, so I know how frightening this time can feel. I’m not a medical professional, and any guidance I provide has been based on my experience working with cancer patients over the years. Please check anything about your treatment with your care team.
Easy-Tie Head Scarves vs Square Head Scarves: Which Is Right for You?
If you're searching for headwear to help you through hair loss, the sheer variety of options can feel a bit much. Easy-tie scarves, square scarves, tubes of stretchy fabric, chemo hats, turbans — where do you even start? I started Chemotherapy Headwear because I wanted to make this easier. You're already dealing with enough, and working out how to tie a head scarf on top of everything else shouldn't be another source of stress. Over the years, the range has evolved, shaped by the incredible people I've spoken to and the very real challenges they've described. One of the most popular things I've designed as a result is our easy-tie chemo scarf. What Is an Easy-Tie Head Scarf? An easy-tie scarf is pre-shaped. Rather than starting with a large square of fabric and trying to fold, tuck and knot it into something that stays put, this scarf is already shaped to fit your head. The fiddly bit has been done for you. When it's not on your head, it looks a bit like a strange bonnet. But once it's on, with the long ends wrapped over the front and tied at the back, it looks really lovely and it suits all head sizes. If you have a smaller head you can fold the front section back a little. There's also elastic at the back for a better fit. The ends are long on purpose — long enough to cross over at the nape of your neck, come round over the front of your head, and still have plenty of length to tie at the back. We have a short video on the product page that shows you exactly how it works. Why Choose an Easy-Tie Scarf? For a lot of people, a large square scarf is intimidating. Getting it to sit right, stay in place and look intentional rather than chaotic takes practice — and when you're tired from treatment, that's practice you might not feel like putting in. Our easy-tie scarf solves that. You get the elegance and coverage of a beautifully tied scarf without the faffing. And because the inside is fully self-lined, there are no rough seams or edges against your scalp. What About Square Head Scarves? Square scarves are brilliant for those who enjoy styling and tying their own headwear. A good-quality 100% cotton square scarf gives you so much versatility — you can tie it differently every day if you want to. We can point you to free scarf-tying sessions with our Headwrappers and Look Good Feel Better friends if you'd like help getting started with different styles, and our guide on how to tie a chemo head scarf walks you through three simple styles. The honest answer is that many people end up with both. An easy-tie scarf for the days when you just need to get dressed quickly, and a square scarf for when you're feeling a bit more creative. Our Fabrics Our original easy-tie scarves are made in 100% cotton — high-quality cotton lawn, cotton poplin and cotton jersey. Nothing scratchy, nothing synthetic, nothing that will irritate a sensitive scalp. We've partnered with Lady McElroy for many of the prints, whose fabrics are both beautiful and incredibly soft. Our Estelle and Adriana easy-tie styles are made in soft bamboo instead. Our cotton easy-tie head wraps are priced at £27. They're at the top end of our range, but every detail — the lining, the elastic, the length of the ends — has been considered with your comfort in mind. About the author Hi, I’m Lindsey. I started Chemotherapy Headwear after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She really struggled to find anything comfortable to wear after she lost her hair so I designed my own range to ensure other women wouldn’t have to go through the same thing. Cancer has touched my whole family repeatedly, so I know how frightening this time can feel. I’m not a medical professional, and any guidance I provide has been based on my experience working with cancer patients over the years. Please check anything about your treatment with your care team.