Chemotherapy Hat Fashion - How to Look Fabulous While Coping With Hair Loss If you are being treated for cancer, and have experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment, you may consider buying a hat to protect yourself and to look good. While some people like wigs, others feel they are uncomfortable and hot. The advantage of wearing a hat is that it is cooler, lighter, and can make you feel great. As a custom milliner with my own New York City hat shop and 20 years of experience I would like to offer my help in choosing a hat that solves specific problems.
The biggest issues of hair loss are coverage, and finding a shape that can work in many situations, without being too showy. Most of my chemo customers prefer the beret and cap silhouettes in soft, natural fibers. They also enjoy fedoras and cloches. It is best to stay with shapes that fit close to the face, with a small brim of 1/2" - 1". The crown of the hat should be long enough to cover the ears and the nape of the neck. You may be wearing the hat all day and it needs to be comfortable and practical.
If possible, stay away from dark colors such as black and gray. You may believe that these colors will allow you to blend in, but they are often the least flattering. It is better to choose soft colors; such as pale gray, pale blue and beige, or warm colors; such as pinks, purples, and reds. These colors will serve to bring out your natural coloring. There are many healing traditions that feel wearing red, pink and green provide the wearer with healing energy.
Having a hat that fits properly is best. Generally, hair loss will reduce your head-size by 1/2"-3/4". If you are wearing a wig under your hat, your head-size should be increased by 1". You may want your hats to fit loosely, especially in summer.
To determine your head size, take a measuring tape and run it above your eyebrows, over the tops of your ears, and around the widest part of the back of your head. Pull the tape taut, so there is no ease. The resulting measurement is your head size in inches.
Custom ordering your hat from a milliner is a nice way to treat yourself, and to get exactly the hat that you want. Ask the milliner to fit the hat with a natural fiber liner that can be easily removed for hand washing.
It is important to treat this sensitive issue in a positive and playful way. Find a shape and color that you really love. Be daring and take risks. Most of all have fun.
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