The Beauty in Scarves: Getting Your Hair Loss Under Wraps

By Britta Aragon on May 18, 2009 | 8 Comments

Losing your hair to cancer can be a devastating process, but learning to wear (and love) fashionable scarves and head covers can be a positive experience. Scarves are generally ideal for patients who are uncomfortable in wigs, who can’t afford expensive head covers, or who want their scalp to remain cool and free from irritation. But let’s face it… scarves can also be incredibly chic! As Susan Beausang, a cancer pre-vivor from Blog Her explains, “It’s no wonder that celebrities and fashion icons continue to promote head scarves as a timeless, must-have accessory. While head scarves are not just for women with medical hair loss, it’s nice to know that there are stylish and comfortable head wear options for those of us who refuse to surrender our style and dignity along with our hair.”

Women all over the country are striving to find proactive ways to embrace cancer-related hair loss. Even 53-year-old Judy Joppie (from small town Grand Rapids) found the importance of positive thinking by teaching workshops for patients who want to embrace fashionable scarves. “Even through chemo, it was important to me to not look sick,” she explains. “It’s no fun losing your hair, and it’s really hard on your self-esteem.”

So how can you master the art of wearing a fashion-forward scarf? Many fighters prefer cancer-created brands because they carry features like “padding” (to mimic the fullness that hair creates) and are made from more material, so it’s easier to cover the entire scalp. Luckily, there are a wide variety of cancer-supporting companies creating fashionable scarves for patients, including I Wear It Well, who designs childrens’ head wraps with matching earrings for some of the many thousands of young patients diagnosed with cancer every year. Try checking out websites like Turban Plus, Chemo Savvy, 4women.com and Adaptations, Inc., which offer a variety of padded scarves, turbans, or intricate wraps, depending upon your personal style and preference.

When it comes time to wear your wrap, take the advice of “How To Wrap a Scarf” and fold your scarf in a triangle shape, place at the top of your head, and tie at the nape of your neck (to sufficiently cover the head). It’s important to try on a wide variety of scarf shapes and styles before choosing what looks best on you…or wear something new every day! Whether hood-like square wraps or “rosette” turban scarves, there are many ways to wear a scarf and make it match your personality or outfit perfectly. (Click here for more information.) Make sure to pick soft fabrics that will not irritate your sensitive skin, and wash scarves frequently using toxin-free detergents (like Seventh Generation laundry detergent).

In the end, learning to embrace the feminine fashion behind scarves and head covers can help build a newfound confidence, even when dealing with cancer. Cancer fighter YuYu (shown at top) shares a meaningful encounter with a fellow friend: “I went to a support group, and one girl told me that she likes going out with just a scarf on her head because it made her feel like it is a badge of honor as a cancer fighter. She said she does not feel the need to cover up the fact that she is in treatment, but rather proud of it.” Whether you are proud of the courageous battle you’re fighting or simply want to find a comfortable way to cover your head, try out a scarf. You just might love it!

For more information on picking a cancer-related scarf, click here, or learn more about hair loss during treatment with, “Not My Hair! I Love My Long, Shiny Locks“.

* What do you wear: a scarf, wig, or hat? Please share your opinions or advice on wearing scarves!

Photo courtesy of Yu Yu’s Blog For a Cure weblog.

Posted in: Hair Care, Side Effects, Wigs and Scarves

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