How to Care for Your Deresina Headwear So It Lasts

You've found the pieces you love. Here's how to make them last.

Bamboo and jersey headwear are soft, breathable, and wonderfully gentle — but they do need a little care to stay that way. The good news is that looking after them is simple once you know what to do (and what to avoid).

Washing: The Most Important Step

Always wash on a gentle or delicate cycle. Bamboo fibre is naturally strong, but aggressive machine cycles — especially at high spin speeds — can cause it to lose its shape over time. A gentle cycle at 30°C is ideal for most Deresina pieces.

Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent. During chemotherapy, the skin can become more reactive to chemicals and fragrances. Since your headwear sits directly against your scalp, it's worth washing it with the same care you'd apply to anything else touching sensitive skin. Look for a gentle, non-biological detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can coat bamboo fibres and reduce their natural breathability.

Wash in a laundry bag. Placing your headwear in a mesh laundry bag before putting it in the machine protects delicate details — embellishments, decorative folds, attached scarves — from snagging or distorting during the wash cycle.

Cold or warm water only — never hot. Hot water can cause bamboo and jersey fabric to shrink and can break down the elasticity in the band. 30°C is the sweet spot for cleanliness without damage.

Drying: Patience Pays Off

Air dry wherever possible. Lay your headwear flat on a clean towel to dry, or hang it gently over a drying rack. Avoid pegging it by the brim or band, as this can stretch the fabric out of shape.

Never tumble dry on high heat. If you do use a tumble dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the pieces while they're still slightly damp to finish air drying. High heat is the single fastest way to shorten the life of bamboo headwear.

Keep away from direct sunlight when drying indoors. Extended exposure to direct sunlight can fade colours over time, particularly in darker or richer tones. A bright, airy room is ideal.

Storing Your Headwear

Fold, don't stuff. Cramming headwear into a drawer can permanently distort the shape, particularly for pre-tied turbans and structured caps. Fold them loosely and store flat, or lay them in a dedicated drawer or box where they're not being compressed.

Keep embellished pieces separate. If you have jewelled caps or headwear with decorative details, store these away from other items to prevent snagging. A small cotton pouch or a dedicated shelf works well.

Let headwear air out between wears. Even if you haven't worn a piece long enough to warrant a full wash, airing it out after each use keeps it fresh and prevents any build-up of moisture.

How Often Should You Wash Chemo Headwear?

Sleep caps: after every one to two nights of wear — they absorb more moisture than daytime pieces and benefit from frequent washing.

Everyday daytime caps: every two to three wears, or sooner if you've been active or the weather is warm.

Going-out turbans and special pieces: after each wear, or as needed. These tend to be worn less frequently and benefit from being stored carefully between uses.

Quick Reference Guide

Signs It's Time to Replace

Even with excellent care, headwear does eventually wear out. Signs that a piece needs replacing include: the band has lost its elasticity and no longer stays in place, the fabric has pilled significantly, or the colour has faded unevenly. At that point, it's done its job well — and it's time for something new.

Shop replacement caps, turbans, and sleep headwear at deresinaheadwear.com — all made from certified, skin-safe bamboo and jersey fabrics.