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FAQ Hair Loss

General information about hair loss and headwear. If you are experiencing unexplained hair loss, it is always worth speaking to your GP or a dermatologist, who can identify the cause and discuss treatment options with you.

If your hair loss is related to chemotherapy, our chemo hair FAQ covers treatment-specific questions in more detail.


1. What are the common causes of hair loss?

Hair loss has many causes, and chemotherapy is only one of them. Among the most common:

  • Alopecia areata — an autoimmune condition that causes patchy or, less often, complete hair loss.
  • Hormonal changes — pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid conditions can all trigger thinning.
  • Stress — significant physical or emotional stress can cause a temporary shedding known as telogen effluvium.
  • Genetics — hereditary pattern hair loss is the single most common cause of thinning and balding, in women as well as men.
  • Medical conditions and medications — a range of health conditions and prescribed drugs list hair loss among their effects.
2. How much hair loss is normal?

Shedding between 50 and 100 hairs a day is part of the normal hair growth cycle and usually goes unnoticed. Consistently losing noticeably more than that — or seeing patches, a widening parting, or a receding hairline — is worth raising with a healthcare professional, who can look for an underlying cause.

3. Will wearing a hat or headwear make my hair loss worse?

No. This is one of the most persistent myths about hair loss. A properly fitting head covering will not cause hair to fall out or stop it growing back. What matters is the fit and the fabric: choose something soft and breathable that sits securely without pulling on your hair or gripping your scalp. Our headwear is cut to be lightweight and gentle, snug enough to stay put without pressure.

4. Why does my scalp feel so sensitive?

Your hair provides both cushioning and insulation. Without it, your scalp is exposed to sun, wind, and cold for the first time, and can feel tender, sore, or unusually reactive to temperature. Rough seams and synthetic fabrics that felt like nothing before can suddenly feel abrasive. This is why we work with bamboo and cotton — they sit softly against skin that has become far more sensitive than it used to be.

For advice on cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection, see the scalp care section of our chemo hair FAQ, which applies equally to hair loss from any cause.

5. What headwear should I start with?

Most people find one or two of these covers almost everything:

  • An everyday cap or beanie — our caps and bandanas are the simplest place to start. Soft, secure, and unfussy enough for anything from the school run to a work call.
  • A sleep cap — your head loses heat quickly at night without hair. A sleep cap in breathable bamboo or cotton keeps you warm and stops you waking to loose hair on the pillow.
  • A turban, wrap, or pre-tied bandana — for days you want to feel more put together. A pre-tied bandana gives you the shape of a tied scarf without the tying.
  • A head scarf — the most versatile option if you enjoy styling. Our scarves come in a range of sizes and patterns.

We also make headwear designed for men and for children. If you are unsure about fit, our size guide explains how to measure.

 

6. Can headwear protect my scalp?

Yes, and it matters more than people expect. A scalp that has not seen direct sun before burns quickly and burns badly. Good coverage reduces UV exposure, blocks wind, and keeps heat in when it is cold — all things your hair used to do without you noticing. In strong sun, a cap with full coverage does more reliable work than sunscreen you have to remember to reapply.

7. Will headwear make my scalp sweaty or itchy?

It can, if the fabric is wrong. Synthetics trap heat and moisture against the skin, which is what causes the itching and irritation people complain about. Breathable, moisture-wicking natural fibres like bamboo and cotton let your scalp regulate its own temperature. Washing your headwear regularly also matters — sweat and skin oils build up faster than you would think. Our materials and care guide covers washing for each fabric.

8. How do I keep headwear from slipping?

Choose headwear made specifically for hair loss rather than an ordinary hat. Standard hats are designed to grip hair; without it, they slide. Ours are cut with that in mind, using elasticated bands, adjustable sizing, and deeper crowns to hold securely on a bare scalp. If you wear scarves, a thin cotton or bamboo cap underneath gives the fabric something to grip and stops the whole thing shifting through the day.

9. Do I need special headwear for sleeping?

Not strictly, but most people find it makes a difference. Sleep caps are cut looser and lighter than daytime headwear, in soft bamboo or cotton. They keep your head warm through the night, reduce the dryness and irritation that come from rubbing against a pillowcase, and save you finding hair on the bedding in the morning.

10. Can I wear a wig or hairpiece under headwear?

Yes. Many people layer wigs, toppers, or fringe pieces under hats and scarves for extra volume or a more natural look at the edges. The only thing to watch is bulk — make sure the headwear still sits comfortably and is not pressing down on your scalp once there is something underneath it.

11. Can headbands help with partial hair loss?

They can be an excellent option if your hair loss is patchy or concentrated in one area — thinning at the front, a bare patch at the crown, or a receding hairline. Extra wide headbands cover considerably more of the scalp than an ordinary band, which lets you conceal a specific area while leaving the rest of your hair visible. For many people that feels like a much easier step than a full head covering.  
Discover extra wide headbands collection here 

12. How can I feel more confident about my appearance?

There is no single answer to this, and it changes day to day. What helps many people is a shift in how they think about headwear: not as something to hide under, but as a part of how they dress. Colour, pattern, and shape are all yours to play with, and the right piece can feel like a choice rather than a concession.

You can read what our customers say about that in their own words.


Still have a question?

We have been making headwear for people experiencing hair loss since 2014, and we are glad to help with fit, fabric, or anything else you are unsure about.

Browse our headwear · See the size guide · Read our chemo hair FAQ · Contact us