If you are undergoing cancer treatment and have experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment, you may want to consider buying a hat to protect yourself and look good. While some people like wigs, others find them uncomfortable and hot. The advantage of wearing a hat is that it is cooler, lighter, and can make you feel great. As a custom hatmaker with my own hat shop in New York City and 20 years of experience, I’d like to offer my help in choosing a hat that solves specific problems.

The biggest issues with hair loss are coverage and finding a shape that can work in many situations, without being too flashy. Most of my chemo clients prefer beret and cap silhouettes in soft, natural fibers. They also enjoy fedoras and bells. It is best to stick with shapes that fit close to the face, with a small 1/2″ – 1″ brim. The crown of the hat should be long enough to cover the ears and the nape of the neck. You may wear the hat all day and it should be comfortable and practical.

If possible, stay away from dark colors like black and gray. You may think these colors will allow you to blend in, but they are often the least flattering. It is better to choose soft colors; such as pale grey, pale blue and beige, or warm colors; like pinks, purples and reds. These colors will serve to highlight your natural coloration. There are many healing traditions that feel that wearing red, pink, and green provides healing energy to the wearer.

It is best to have a hat that fits you well. In general, hair loss will reduce the size of the head by 1/2″ to 3/4″. If you wear a wig under your hat, your head size should increase by 1″. You may want your hats to fit loosely, especially in the summer.

To determine your head size, take a tape measure and run it over your eyebrows, over the top of your ears, and around the widest part of the back of your head. Pull the tape taut so there is no ease. The resulting measurement is the size of your head 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 hatmaker to fit the hat with a natural fiber lining that can be easily removed for hand washing.

It is important to treat this sensitive topic in a positive and playful way. Find a shape and color that you really love. Be daring and take risks. Above all have fun.