For women coping with treatment-related hair loss, hats are a good addition or alternative to wigs and scarves.
Unfortunately, some women still avoid wearing hats; they think that hats are unbecoming to them, and that belief becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Like anything else, hats deserve a fair chance. “TLC” believes that with a large enough selection to choose from, and a little guidance, anyone can become a “hat person”.
Here are some basic things to consider when purchasing a hat:
Comfort is the first thing to consider. If a hat feels scratchy it will not work for someone with hair loss. Look for soft cotton and satin linings and consider investing in a Cap Liner
that can be worn with straw hats, for example, that have no lining. The Liner should be worn with the seams facing out, so that only the smooth seamless side touches the scalp. If slippage is a concern, the Liner can also be tacked into unlined hats and turbans or sleep caps in just a few minutes.
Correct size is another consideration. Hair accounts for a full hat size, and even more if your hair is very curly or thick. For a secure fit, look for hats with an adjustable size feature or consider wearing a Padded Liner under your hats. This Liner should make hats fit about the same as they did before your hair loss. It will also serve as a seamless lining, while providing fullness so that hats look better. Another option is a peel-and-stick adhesive Hat Sizer. This terry band has an adhesive backing that peels off so that it adheres to the inside of the hat to make the hat smaller. Two Sizers can be added to fit all the way around the inside circumference of the hat for maximum size reduction.
It is also important to look for hats that are deep enough to give adequate coverage. A deeper cut and a snug fit will prevent gaping at the sides of the hat. Another suggestion for coping with gaping is a Three inch wide stretchy Headband that can be matched to the hat or worn in a contrasting color. Scarves can also be worn under hats for a different look. In cooler weather the scarf provides an extra layer of warmth that can be removed when indoors.
When choosing a hat, look for colors that are flattering. Be careful of colors like orange, green and mustard which can look harsh when you are undergoing chemo. Remember that a pretty scarf worn under a hat with a brim can make the hat look entirely different. Scarves look particularly nice under sun hats and cloches.
Pick shapes that work with your face and body type. In general, we have found that fedoras are the hardest shapes to wear. The crown of a hat should never be narrower than your cheek bones. Tall, narrow crowns are like pants that narrow too much towards the ankle; they may look good on some, but they should be avoided by most.
Newsboys and medium brim hats look good on most people. But women with round faces should avoid rounded crowns. If you wear a scarf under your hat, you can angle the hat which will add length to your face. Longer earrings also help. If your face is longer, on the other hand, wider brims will be more flattering. If your jaw line is stronger than you would like, emphasize your eyes to draw attention away from your jaw line. Look for a hat with a short uneven brim, such as a rolled brim.
Larger women should avoid small hats that look out of proportion to the shape of their bodies. Your hat should provide balance to your shoulders and the rest of your body. Conversely, small women should avoid very large hats that overpower them.
Regardless of what shape face or body you have, there are two universal truths:
1. Do not wear your hat perched on the top of your head as though you are having second thoughts about wearing it at all. Pull it down low on your forehead and wear it with conviction.
2. Wear something terrific on your hat. Scrounge around in your jewelry box for a fabulous brooch you haven't worn for years or treat yourself to an inexpensive but adorable new pin. This season brooches are the hot new fashion accessory and great inexpensive costume jewelry can be found everywhere.
Give hats a chance. As one of our customers said, she had nothing to lose and it turned out she looked better in hats than she ever dreamed she could.
She wore one every day to work and everyone looked forward to seeing what she would come up with that day. Many female co-workers asked her where she found such cute hats. (TLC, of course!)
Losing your hair and undergoing chemo is not easy, but hats can add an element of fun and glamour and you may find yourself reaching for a hat long after your hair has grown back!
For additional help in wearing hats and make up call
Look Good… Feel Better at 1-800-395-5665.
Para solicitar información en español, llame al 1-800-ACS-2345. Un especialista en información sobre el cáncer le asistirá en español. |
