Rooted in Strength
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.
It's Good to Talk: One Woman's Thoughts on Cancer and the People Around It
Sometimes the most comforting thing isn't advice — it's knowing that someone else feels exactly as you do.One of our customers asked a friend to write down how she feels when someone she loves is diagnosed with cancer. We think a lot of you reading this will recognise yourselves in her words. Even though the statistics tell us that 1 in 3 people will get cancer at some point, it still feels like a taboo subject to a lot of us — something we only really talk about behind closed doors. I've had friends who were diagnosed and survived. I've known family friends who didn't make it. And the incredible thing is that every single person I've known who faced it has been positive and inspiring, ready for the fight, even when the odds were against them. Whenever someone I know is ill, I try to put myself in their shoes. But with cancer, I find I genuinely can't. I've always had this quiet belief that I'm somehow immune to serious illness — I know it's irrational, but it's there. I can't imagine what it feels like to hear those words. The one thing I hope, if I'm ever in that position, is that I face it with even a fraction of the bravery I've seen in the people around me. — BexIf you have a story you'd like to share here, whether you're a patient, a carer, a friend or a family member — we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at hello@chemotherapyheadwear.com.
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. Start with just one 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. Choose natural fabrics 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. All of our hats and headscarves are made from 100% cotton or bamboo for exactly this reason. 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. 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.
How to Help a Loved One Cope with Hair Loss from Chemo
Hair loss is one of the things cancer patients worry about most. For many people, it can feel even more distressing than the treatment itself because it's the thing other people can see. It makes the diagnosis visible, and that can be a deeply unsettling loss of control.If someone you care about is facing hair loss from chemotherapy, you might be struggling to find the right words or know how to help. Here are some things that really make a difference.1. Do a bit of research firstThere are a lot of myths about chemo hair loss — when it happens, how much falls out, whether it always grows back. Your loved one has enough on their mind without having to correct misconceptions. Find out the facts so you can talk about it calmly and confidently. It also shows them that you care enough to do the homework.2. Help them feel in controlOne of the hardest things about hair loss is feeling like it's happening to you, not something you have any say in. Helping your loved one make a plan — whether that's researching wig options, looking at chemo hats and headscarves together, or booking a haircut before treatment starts — can help restore a sense of agency.Many people choose to have their head shaved before their hair starts to fall. If your loved one wants to do this, go with them. Don't let them sit in that chair alone.3. Listen more than you speakIt's tempting to say things like 'it's just hair' or 'it'll grow back'. Even if those things are true, they can make someone feel that their very real grief isn't valid. What helps far more is simply listening to what they say, and to what they don't say.Let them be upset about it. You don't need to fix it.4. Give practical, thoughtful giftsA few well-chosen things can mean a lot. A soft, gentle shampoo for a sensitive scalp. A fragrance-free moisturiser. A beautiful, comfortable chemo hat in a colour they'd actually choose. These things say: I thought about you, I did something about it, I'm here.If you're not sure where to start with chemo headwear, we've been helping cancer patients find the right chemo hats and headscarves since 2008 and we're always happy to help you choose something. A gift card is also a lovely option if you'd rather let them choose for themselves.5. Keep showing upHair loss doesn't happen on a single day. It unfolds over weeks, and the emotional impact tends to come in waves. Keep checking in. Keep asking how they are. The people who show up consistently — not just at the start when everything feels dramatic — are the ones who make the biggest difference.
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. Choosing the Right Fabric 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. Some people also like bamboo 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 run free online scarf-tying sessions through our Headwrappers/Look Good Feel Better partnership. Pre-tied/pre-shaped 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. Our butterfly print pre-tied scarf is one of the most popular things we sell. Three Simple Ways to Tie a Square Scarf The Classic Wrap: Fold the scarf into a triangle. Place the flat edge along your forehead, bring the two pointed ends behind your head, cross them over the back point and tie them securely at the back. The Turban: Place the middle of a rectangular scarf at the nape of your neck, bring the ends forward, cross them over each other, twist them together and wrap them around your head. Tuck the ends under at the back or side. The Side Knot: Fold the scarf into a wide band. Wrap it around your head and tie a knot or bow at the side. This works really well with cotton jersey scarves as they have a bit of stretch to them. Caring for Your 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.
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.Start With the FabricThe 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 ItDifferent 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. Getting the Right FitA 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 ThinkIt 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 HatsCotton 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.
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 NeedA 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 MeasureWrap 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 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 FitLook 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.
Pre-Tied 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. Pre-tied 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 pre-tied chemo scarf.What Is a Pre-Tied Head Scarf?Technically it's not pre-tied, it's 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 a Pre-Tied 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 pre-tied 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 help you find free scarf tying sessions with our Headwrappers and Look Good Feel Better friends if you'd like help getting started with different styles.The honest answer is that many people end up with both. A pre-tied 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 FabricsWe only use 100% cotton in our pre-tied scarf collection — 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.The pre-tied head wraps are priced at £25. 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.