8 Tips about Chemo Head Scarves

While some women wear beautifully expensive scarves with incredible flair – Head scarves are also frequently used by women with hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment.

Chemo scarves and head covers can be a reasonably priced alternative or compliment to a wig, so you can buy several in various styles, fabrics and colors to match your mood, lifestyle and wardrobe.

#1: Understand Different Chemo Scarf Materials and Textures

Chemo scarves are made in a wide range of different materials and patterns. Some are higher quality than others. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to different fabrics:

Silk: Silk can be worn in all seasons, contingent on the weight of the fabric. Sheer silks are great for warmer weather and charmeuse silks are a bit heavier for cooler temperatures. Silk is a great option for work or other occasions where there is an expectation of a more polished, dressed up look. It can be more sensitive than other fabrics so it requires more delicate care. Look for a scarf made of 100% real silk as silky and other silk type fabrics are typically made of polyester which doesn’t breathe well.

Rayon and Batiks: Easy to wash and wear, typically batiks come in a vibrant rainbow of colors to effortlessly match any outfit.  Rayon provides a dressier look than Jersey or polyester fabrics. It is lightweight, ultra soft, very durable and dries quickly. Perfect for everyday wear!

Jersey Knits: Warm, yet lightweight, soft, breathable, and easy to care for as they are typically machine washable. Perfect for cooler climates, especially when lined in flannel or cotton. Jersey head warmer scarves a perfect for a casual, comfy look and give a bit more coverage and warmth than a beanie.

Spandex: Activewear fabrics are extremely popular right now and are typically made of  a combination of rayon, cotton and spandex to give them durability while maintaining an ultra soft feel. This is the perfect fabric for sweaty pursuits as it is machine washable and dries quickly.

#2: Select the best Prints for Your Personality

Pre-tied scarves come in endless color and style options. You can find scarves in solids, paisleys, stripes, nature scenes, creature prints and pretty much anything else you can envision. Some have long tails for versatility in styling, many have short tails or no tails at all. Many women look best in a print rather than a solid, and a good choice of color is one that you would wear in makeup or nail polish as you already know this compliments your skin tones. With so many options it’s easy to choose a style, design and color that will compliment your wardrobe, suit your personality and lifestyle, but most of all help you feel confident when wearing it. In the end you can always choose several.

 

#3: Measure Your Head for the Perfect Size and Fit

To figure out your size you have to measure your head. The easiest way to measure your head is by using a cloth measuring tape. Extend it around your natural hairline, starting at the center of your forehead go around your head just above your ears and down to the nape of your neck then back. If you don’t have a cloth measure you can use a piece of yarn or ribbon and them measure the cloth after.

The measure tape should fall just about the same place you would wear an elastic headband. If you still have your hair subtract ½ inch.

A typical size Petite/ Small measures 20” or less, Small/ Medium measures 20-211/2”,  Medium/ Large the most common size measures 211/2”-22”, and a Large measures 22” or more.

It is best to find a fitted pre-tied scarf as “one size fits most options” rarely fit well and will cause you frustration by fitting either too loose or too tight.

 

#4: Learn Different Styling Techniques

Learning how to tie a chemo scarf is a must, unless you have chosen pre-tied scarves or bandanas.

If you choose a pre-tied scarf and it has long tails the tying possibilities and style options are not only endless, but mostly effortless. It can look difficult at first glance, but with the smallest amount of practice it becomes easy. Scarves that come with a matching scrunchie are a bonus as they offer more versatility and a cohesive polished look.  

Some different styling options and videos can be found here. 

#5: The Crown Of Chemo Scarves

Most ladies look better with a little lift at the crown of their head. Some find it frustrating that with no hair, their head looks flat under a scarf.

Look for a scarf that has ruching or bunches at the crown of the head while laying flat against the forehead. This will help give the illusion of fullness and eliminate the “flat head” look.

#6: Style Your Head With Hairpieces and Accessories alongside Chemo Scarves

A fun way to complete your look, is to pick a hairpiece to go under your chemo headwear. A ponytail or bun peeking out the bottom of your scarf can be a fun look. Headbands or ponytail holders with a bit of glitz can worn with your scarf to add personality and personalize your style.

#7: You can Keep Wearing Chemo Scarves During and After Treatment

While scarves and beanies can keep you warm and comfortable during chemo treatment, you can keep wearing them even after your hair grows back. They are perfect for a bad hair day, windy or sweaty weather, or as a trendy compliment to a bohemian chic outfit.

#8: There is No Need to Feel Uncomfortable About Wearing Chemo Scarves

When you are going thru chemotherapy there are plenty of concerns and your chemo scarves shouldn’t be one of them. Pre tied scarves can be a chic fashion accessory that you wear again and again, they are not necessarily something that yells “i’m sick”.

Our advice is – “Just because you’ve lost your hair, does not mean you have lost your sense of style.”