When temperatures drop, many people ask us whether winter hats with a fleece lining are a good option to keep their bald scalp warm during chemotherapy. It is completely understandable: you naturally want to protect your bare scalp during treatment. But we are not big fans of ready-made winter hats. Why not? And what is the alternative that actually works better?

A warm winter hat during chemo: why it is not the best choice for keeping your bald head warm

I lost my hair to chemotherapy right in the middle of autumn and winter. I know from personal experience that winter hats are not a good option at all. There are several reasons for this.

1. Ordinary winter hats bought in regular shops are not designed to be worn directly on a bald scalp, especially not on a hypersensitive scalp that becomes easily irritated by chemotherapy or other medication. Scratchy wool, rough textures and hard inner seams can cause immediate discomfort and itching.
   
   
2. Some specialised chemo-hat brands offer winter models lined with fleece, but fleece is synthetic, usually 100% polyester, and can quickly feel sweaty against the skin. It is not breathable, and even in winter, it is essential that your skin can breathe to avoid irritation. These hats also tend not to stretch, which is not ideal if you have a larger head circumference.
   
   
3. But the most important reason why we are not fans of these all-in-one winter hats is this: what do you do when you suddenly get too warm? With a hot flush, for example? Or when you walk into a warm shop or café after being outside in the cold? Taking your hat off leaves your bald head completely exposed to the cold. Pulling out another hat from your bag and switching quickly without being noticed is far from practical. Trust me, it really can be done in a much better way.

This is the best “winter hat” for chemo… and it is actually two hats

Scientists have long agreed that in winter, wearing several thin layers is far more effective than relying on one thick layer. The thin layer of air between them provides insulation and helps retain warmth. I tested this thoroughly and I can say with my hand on my heart: do it. It works so much better.

You'll need:

• a comfortable chemo hat in breathable, stretchy fabric, such as our Marlene hat with elegant gathers, ideally in a solid colour because it combines easily in countless ways
• an ultra-soft sleep cap in breathable stretch fabric, like our Pippa sleep cap, without irritating inner seams, in a colour that flatters your face.

Why the Marlene hat + Pippa sleep cap is the best option

1. Your head is always covered. When you are cold, wear the sleep cap under your Marlene hat in a matching colour. When you get too warm, simply remove the Marlene hat and your head remains covered by the sleep cap.
   
   
2. You can create endless colour combinations and are no longer limited to wearing the same winter hat every day. In this article we show several combinations, from tone-on-tone to surprising pops of colour. Experiment, because you may discover combinations you never tried before but that make your face glow beautifully.
   
   
3. You also do not need to buy anything extra, because if you have been undergoing chemotherapy for a little while, you probably already own a Marlene hat and a Pippa sleep cap. They are, after all, our best-selling models.

A helpful tip is to let a small edge of your sleep cap peek out on your forehead from under your Marlene hat. It adds a lovely accent colour and instantly gives your look a more fashionable feel.

Other practical and stylish alternatives to a chemo winter hat

• If you have a woollen winter hat you love but that now feels too itchy on your bald scalp, you can simply wear a Pippa sleep cap underneath. And if that still does not feel warm enough, you can instead opt for a Marlene hat as un underlayer, which is slightly more voluminous thanks to the gathers, and therefore warmer. This is exactly what I often did when it was freezing outside and I wanted to clear my head with a quick walk.
  
  
• If you prefer a classic hat, such as one in wool or felt, you can easily wear a sleep cap underneath as well. This also applies in summer if your straw hat feels too itchy on your bald scalp.

Looking for more tips on how to stay warm during chemotherapy?

• 3 Cozy Tips to Face the Winter Chill With Extra Warmth and Care >>
• Your Winter Survival Kit: Hands, Lips & Nails Edition >>
• Turn Dark Chemo Days Into Cozy Moments With These 5 Hygge Tips >>