Rooted in Strength

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.

Introducing the Molly Beanie: A New Style for the Chemotherapy Headwear Range

Over 13 years of running Chemotherapy Headwear, 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 fabrics took longer than I'd like to admit (I'm quite uncompromising about quality), and then COVID arrived and put everything on hold for the better part of eight months. But when the fabrics finally came in, they were 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. Same 100% cotton fabric, same careful construction with no rough seams inside, same commitment to comfort on a sensitive scalp — but a softer, more relaxed silhouette.The range comes in vibrant prints, soft pastels and muted earthy tones. 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.

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 headbands and ties 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 or scarf to change the look: A faux fur headband for warmth and texture in winter. A silk scarf for something lighter and more elegant. A printed cotton headband for everyday 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. Pricing Hat and headband set: £16.50 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.

Free Online Scarf-Tying Sessions with Headwrappers: What to Expect

One of the things I'm most proud of at Chemotherapy Headwear is the free scarf-tying sessions we offer and the monthly sessions we help people join that are run by the wonderful team at Headwrappers, who have now joined forces with Look Good Feel Better.They started during lockdown when we were both looking for ways to support cancer patients who couldn't get to in-person events. They've kept going ever since — and have grown into something really special.What happens in a session?The sessions run on the last Thursday of every month, 11am–12pm. They're friendly, relaxed and genuinely useful. Here's what you can expect: Headwrappers send a free square cotton headscarf to everyone who registers, so you can follow along on the day and try each style as it's demonstrated. The Headwrappers team show you several different scarf-tying techniques, from classic wraps to turbans and more creative styles. There's time for questions, troubleshooting and a lot of warmth and mutual support between the women attending. Numbers are kept small on purpose, so everyone gets proper attention. You can join in and practise along, or just watch — there's no pressure either way.Tea, Topknots and TurbansHeadwrappers also run a separate, more informal session called Tea, Topknots and Turbans — held twice a month for anyone who wants to chat, share tips and hear from guest speakers on topics ranging from headwear and make-up to wigs and other charities. It's a lovely way to connect with other people who really understand what you're going through.How to sign upHead to www.headwrappers.org to register for the next session. Once registered, your free goody bag — including the cotton headscarf — will be posted out to you.Every session is fun, supportive and completely free. If you would like one-to-one support, please get in touch with me and I will book an individual appointment in with you.

Free Mastectomy Pillows from Jen's Friends: How to Get One

Working in cancer support for as long as I have, you come across some truly wonderful organisations doing quiet, brilliant work. Jen's Friends is one of them.They send heart-shaped pillows to women who have had a mastectomy or breast surgery. The pillows are shaped to provide comfort and protection as you heal — the kind of thing that makes the weeks after surgery a little more bearable. And they're free.How to get a Mastectomy PillowThe process is straightforward: Go to the Jen's Friends Facebook page and send the team a message via Messenger, letting them know how many pillows you need (one for a single mastectomy, two for a double). Send your delivery address. They'll come back to you with instructions on how to pay the postage — £4 for one pillow or £6.50 for two. Allow up to three weeks for delivery. The team are volunteers with full-time jobs, so a little patience goes a long way. Who makes the pillows?The covers are made by an army of volunteer crafters who donate their time and skills. The Jen's Friends team then stuff them with soft filling and get them out to the women who need them. It's a genuinely community-driven operation, and the warmth behind it shows in every pillow they send.Want to get involved?If you're crafty and want to contribute, head to the Jen's Friends Facebook page for the pattern and instructions. Donating a pillow cover is a lovely way to support other women going through breast cancer treatment.We also stock our own range of mastectomy pillows here at Chemotherapy Headwear — if you'd like something a little quicker or want to choose your own fabric, take a look at our range.

Keeping Your Head Warm at Night During Chemotherapy

One of the things people don't always warn you about before treatment starts is just how cold your head gets at night once your hair has gone. Hair does a surprisingly good job of keeping the heat in while you sleep, and when it's gone, you can feel the difference very quickly — particularly in the small hours when the temperature drops.Here are some of the simplest and most effective ways to stay warm and comfortable overnight during treatment.Invest in a good sleep hatA dedicated sleep hat is the single most useful thing you can own during treatment. You'll wear it more than anything else in your collection.What to look for: 100% cotton jersey that's soft, breathable and kind to a sensitive scalp. A relaxed fit — nothing that pulls tight at 3am, when the last thing you want is to wake up and pull something off your head. A decent depth so it doesn't slip up and leave the back of your neck exposed. Our Lucy or Molly cancer hats are made specifically with overnight comfort in mind. They're single-layer cotton jersey, with no rough seams or scratchy labels inside.Other things that helpSleep hats work best alongside a few other small measures: An electric blanket on a low setting is great for maintaining all-over warmth overnight (check manufacturer's instructions). A good hot water bottle with a soft cover tucked near your feet or against your lower back for targeted warmth. Layering a sleep hat under a soft headscarf if you're particularly cold, or as a base layer before adding a beanie during the day. A word on coloursSleep hats tend to get a lot of use, so it's worth having two or three in rotation — one in the wash, one ready to wear. Choose colours that make you smile and that work with your daywear, since sleep hats are just as comfortable around the house during the day as they are at night.If you're looking for a gift for someone going through treatment, a sleep hat is always gratefully received and genuinely useful. Take a look at our range.