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| Some of my mother’s many red hats |
Losing your hair can be devastating to your self-esteem and confidence. Many cancer patients, in their rush to cover their balding heads, throw hats on without much thought. It’s a way to hide what is no longer there.
I remember when my mother realized her hair was falling out. She mourned that loss deeply. It was more than just hair falling out. It was what it all meant. She had cancer. The cancer was serious enough that its treatment caused her hair to fall out. Was she dying?
That may be the biggest unspoken question in the hearts and minds of cancer patients when hair falls out. Is this the proof that cancer is life-threatening? Is this a sign of more to come, of a greater loss down the road? That can be really scary.
The hat, at that point in time, becomes a refuge. It’s there to hide what is gone. In that sense, people are hiding behind their hats. The hat becomes associated with the fear, sadness, and negativity of cancer treatment.
I say embrace the hat thing. Don’t wait until you need one to hide a bald head. Start wearing them now, when it’s by choice, not by desperation. Pick hats that express your personality, your sense of style, and even your sense of humor. Start a collection. What kind of hats do you like to wear? Get yourself used to wearing one. Look for choices that reflect your image.
If you need some inspiration, take a page from the Red Hat Society. This group of older women takes great pride in their group attire. Step into a meeting and you will find a sea of red hats of all shapes and sizes. There are feathers, rhinestones, ribbons, and other embellishments. There are derby, straw, and pill box hats. There are elaborate turbans and berets. These women delight in embracing the hat concept.
If your family and friends want to support you through your cancer treatment, why not share the hat experience? Very often, cancer patients find family and friends are willing to shave their heads in support. Why not start a hat club, just to be different?
You may not be able to wear all of your favorite hat style when your hair comes out during chemotherapy, and you may have to adjust things to be comfortable. Wig liners make the hat-wearing more comfortable against bare skin. But when you get into the habit of wearing a hat before you need one, it makes it less devastating when you do.
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| Some of the “chemo caps” I made my mom |
Many cancer patients can wind up feeling unattractive when cancer treatment gets into full swing. In the end, my mom was saved by her love of hats. I made her “chemo caps” out of colorful fabrics she liked, and I even made matching pull-on pants. It was a big boost to her self-image to have people admire her ensembles. It made her feel more like a “normal” human being. That’s an important thing for cancer patients. No one wants to stand out in a crowd for all the wrong reasons. We all want to be admired for our inner and outer beauty. Find the hats that make you happy and make them a part of your wardrobe and style. Give yourself the power of the hat. It’s more than just a cover for a bald head.