Hair loss can destroy even the most confident women. For many women, hair is more than just a nice aspect of appearance. It can feel like a protective shield from the world.

Being stripped of your hair, breasts, and brows during cancer can make you feel like you’re walking around with a giant open wound exposed. Finding stylish headwear during these difficult times can be a frustrating experience.

Hair Loss during Chemotherapy

I wore wigs nonstop for the first three months of chemotherapy treatment. My biggest complaint was how hot and itchy they were. I couldn’t make it through a workday without multiple trips to the bathroom to cool my head!

As soon as I got to the car each day, my wig took its place on the passenger seat as I cruised home bald and free. While I enjoyed wearing different wig styles, none truly felt like me.

Finding a ‘grab and go’ style that felt comfortable and looked stylish was hard. I just wanted to look and feel like a “normal” woman running errands. I missed the anonymity of having a head full of hair.

How long does it take for hair to start growing back after chemo?

Hair loss after chemotherapy treatment is almost always temporary. Your hair will likely regrow in three to six months.

What should I wear on my head after hair loss?

Scarves and hats make it easy for cancer patients to hide their hair loss comfortably.

Dear Martha: Modern Headwear for Women with Hair Loss

At the YSC Summit last week in Orlando, I had the honor of meeting Dear Martha founder Maria. Her chic booth filled with stylish Panama hats, beanies, and ball caps with hair immediately drew me in -not to mention that Maria is gorgeous and stylish herself.

Finding the confidence to stand tall and feel proud and beautiful during hair loss and regrowth periods can be hard. Dear Martha is helping change all that with their hat+hair options for cancer and alopecia thrivers looking for a stylish solution to temporary or permanent hair loss.

Head Covering Options for Hair Loss

The Dear Martha hats with hair offer women a welcome respite from treatment and a moment to forget about hair loss and treatment and feel beautiful.

The Dear Martha hats are not ordinary, stylish, and functional – they are made specifically for the young, fashionable cancer thriver. Each piece of headwear by Dear Martha has a layer of synthetic hair attached to the inner rim. Attaching the hair to the rim instead of the full hat, it allows for air circulation, cooling, and sun protection. These are all important factors when going through treatment and help combat the awful hot flashes brought on by medical menopause. The pieces are easy to throw on to run errands,  spice up a date night, or enjoy a day on the beach.

There were so many times during treatment and as my hair grew back that I would have enjoyed something like this to help escape the everyday challenges of hair loss. Even now, two years after chemo, there are days when I miss my long hair and would love to throw on a fun hat with longer hair. Trying on the Dear Martha hats at YSC reminded me of the old me and gave me a glimpse into my future hair growth. The image staring back at me was beautiful, confident, and empowered. I used that moment to carry me through the days of disappointment I faced as I waited for my hair to reach the length it once was pre-cancer.

1) Baseball Caps

If you want a casual look, then a baseball cap is perfect! Lightweight cotton with a six-panel construction in a distressed navy. Adjustable back strap and gold buckle closure.

2) Bucket Hats

The bucket hats are made from lightweight cotton canvas and a thin cotton lining. They have a wide brim you can leave down or turn up.

This cashmere is soft and cozy, perfect for keeping your head warm and protecting it from sun exposure. The light gray color easily matches other clothing, making this a great accessory for any outfit. The hat has an inner elastic band for a snug fit and two removable satin ribbons, allowing you to switch up your look.

3) Cashmere Beanies

This cream-colored, classic style is thinly lined for comfort and added sun protection. It can be worn with a swimsuit on the beach or jeans and a cardigan on cooler fall days. The lightweight material makes it perfect for year-round wear.

4) Classic Panama

This is a slightly more relaxed fit than the Classic Panama. The Knit Fedora is lightweight and simple, perfect for a low-maintenance style. The soft knit fabric makes it easy to store in a purse or bag and pull out for an impromptu head covering.

5) Floppy Knit Fedora

This hat is perfect for a more formal occasion and can be dressed up or down. It has a thin lining for added sun protection and looks great with both casual and dressy outfits. The neutral color makes it easy to match with other clothing items.

Final Thoughts

I feel so lucky to be able to share this resource with you all today and gift two lucky readers a Dear Martha headpiece. Be sure to follow Dear Martha on social media!

Also, if finances are an issue, Dear Martha has partnered with United Breast Cancer Foundation to offer financial assistance for cancer patients. This post is brought to you in collaboration with DearMartha.