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If you’re going through chemotherapy, then you’re going to want to have a few head coverings at the ready whether or not you wear a wig. A few people told me to get a sleep cap, because I’d be cold at night and boy were they right!
I found that having a variety of head coverings was helpful for changes of seasons and activities. A bandana was better for working out, but I preferred the warmth of the infinity hat in chilly MRI scan rooms.
Even though my head coverings were washer and dryer friendly, I placed them in a delicates bag so that I could easily find retrieve them from the dryer. Here are the different types of head coverings I found useful when I wasn’t wearing my wig:
Crochet or knit hats
A soft knit hat that is commercially or hand made is great for colder months. My husband purchased one made out of yak fur/fiber/fluff on a business trip that I affectionately called my “yak hat.” It was thinner than a traditional winter knit hat, and I was able to pull it down over my neck at night.
The nurses’ station and the infusion area at my breast cancer center both had baskets of knit caps donated by volunteers. Check to see if your doctor’s office or hospital has such a resource.
Infinity hats
A friend gifted an infinity hat which I love because it is soft and because I can pull it down to cover my neck. During the winter months, this was my go to sleep cap.
Baseball caps
Baseball caps were great for bad hair days in college, and they’re great for no hair days during cancer. If you have a fave cap, then it may seem too big now that you have less hair. You can even purchase baseball caps with built-in hair.
Fabric squares
When I go to the Y to exercise, Cousin Itt usually stays home or hangs out in the car. Since I have a large head, a regular bandana doesn’t cover my noggin, so I use a large bandana when working out.
As the winter turned into spring, I found myself wanting to wear something on my head that wasn’t a knit cap, warmer than a baseball cap, but dressier than the bandana on days when I had hospital tests or occupational therapy and would not want to mess with Cousin Itt. I purchased 2/3 yard of 100% cotton from the fabric store to make simple squares for head coverings. After cutting into a square, you can serge, zig zag, or roll hem the edges. If you don’t sew, then you can use Fray Check so the edes don’t unravel.
Beanies
I purchased two Jon Renau beanies for sleeping. They are made of super soft bamboo viscose material (think soft, thin t-shirt) and can go into the washer and dryer.
If your hospital or cancer center has a boutique, then talk to them about their offerings and recommendations.
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