Having your hair taken from you through chemotherapy can be difficult. For many people, hair represents identity, health, and strength, and losing that representation of those qualities can take a significant toll on patients. Head coverings after chemo aren’t just a fashion statement either; they can be necessary to protect your sensitive scalp from the sun when venturing outside.
However, there are a number of different methods through which people can protect their heads, look fashionable, and regain their confidence. Some people use wigs, some use chemo beanies, and many others use headscarves.
Headscarves are a wonderful option for many chemo patients because there are so many versatile and fun ways to wear them! There are a variety of colors, from solids for days you want a more professional appearance, to fun patterns for spending time with family and friends. There are also different shapes of scarf (rectangular and square) which can be tied in several different ways. Here are just a few:
1. The Classic
This timeless look gives off Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn vibes, so if you’re wearing vintage-inspired clothing, this is the look for you! It’s also very simple and time-efficient, so this is great to throw on if you’re just headed outside for a bit but want something a step up from a hat.
Type of scarf: square
Step 1: Fold the scarf in half to make a triangle.
Step 2: Drape the triangle over your head. Make sure the widest part is facing forward and framing your upper forehead.
Step 3: Cross the two ends together behind the head and place ends on the back or side of the neck.
Step 4: Tie ends into a square knot. If you need a brief refresher on your knot tying skills, here’s a helpful site!
2. The Twist & Shout
This scarf tying technique is incredibly flattering and is a good way to jazz up a nice outfit with a flowy skirt or shrug.
Type of scarf: rectangular
Step 1: Place the scarf with the front in the center of your forehead.
Step 2: Pull the sides over your ears to meet at the back of your neck (imagine you’re tying your scarf where you’d make a low ponytail) and tie them into a knot.
Step 3: Bring the two sides back to the front to meet again in front of you and twist them together until you reach the ends of the sides.
Step 4: Pull the twist around your forehead, where a headband would go, and tuck in the ends wherever is most convenient or stylish for you!
3. The Rosette
This style doesn’t provide as much head coverage, but it’s still a great way to show some floral style and make an outfit a bit more fun!
Type of scarf: rectangular
Step 1: Place the middle of the scarf on the center of your forehead.
Step 2: Bring the ends to meet at the back and tie them in a double knot.
Step 3: Pull the knot to whichever side of the head you prefer.
Step 4: Twist both ends to the end of the scarf.
Step 5: Wrap the twisted ends around the double knot from earlier.
Step 6: Tuck in the ends wherever is most convenient!
4. Oversized Chignon
This scarf is classy and is a great option for when you don’t want the ends of a scarf dangling around your shoulders, whether that’s for during cooking, while cleaning, or going outside in windy weather.
Type of scarf: rectangular
Step 1: Hold the scarf horizontally.
Step 2: Make sure the scarf is centered on your forehead, with most of it behind your head.
Step 3: Bring the scarf back around behind your ears and collect the ends at the nape of your neck, like you’re making a low ponytail.
Step 4: Twist about a quarter of the scarf together, then coil it at the nape of the neck to make a bun.
Step 5: Repeat Step 4 until the whole scarf is twisted up into a bun.
Step 5: Tuck the ends of the scarf into the bun.
