If you are being treated for cancer, and have experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments, you may want to consider purchasing a cap to protect yourself and look good. While some people love wigs, others find them uncomfortable and hot. The advantage of wearing a hat is that it is cool, light and can make you feel good. As a custom milliner with my own New York City hat shop and over 20 years of experience, I want to offer my help in selecting a hat that solves specific problems.
The biggest issues with hair loss are coverage, and finding a size that can work in a range of situations without being too ostentatious. Most of my chemo clients prefer beret and cap silhouettes in soft, natural fibers. They also enjoy fedoras and cloches. It’s best to stick with shapes that fit close to the face with a short edge of 1/2″ – 1″. The crown of the cap should be long enough to cover the ear and nape of the neck. You can be wearing the hat all day long and it should be comfortable and practical.
If possible, stay away from dark colors like black and grey. 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 light gray, light blue and beige, or warm colors; Like pink, purple and red. These colors will work to enhance your natural color. There are many healing traditions that feel that wearing red, pink and green clothing brings healing energy to the wearer.
It is best to have a hat that fits properly. Generally, hair loss will reduce the size of your head by 1/2″-3/4″. If you’re wearing a wig under your hat, your head size should rise 1″. You want your hat to be a loose fit, especially in the summer.
To determine your head size, take a measuring tape and run it around the widest part of your head, above your eyebrows, above your ears and at 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 great way to treat yourself, and get exactly the hat 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 approach this sensitive issue in a positive and playful manner. Find a size and color you really love. Be daring and take risks. Most of all Have Fun.
Source by Lisa Shaub
