Medical wigs (care wigs) are hats designed with special consideration for materials, shapes, and size adjustment functions to protect sensitive scalps during hair loss.
Many people want to choose a wig that they won't regret wearing daily, both in terms of comfort and appearance.
This article will organize the four key aspects that can be confusing when choosing a medical wig—size, material, function/purpose, and design—and provide an easy-to-understand guide on how to choose the right one for you.
What criteria should I use to choose a medical wig?
It's easier to choose if you consider the four key aspects directly related to comfort: "size, material, function/purpose, and design."
At first glance, all medical wigs may look similar, but their comfort varies greatly depending on their design and material. Since they come into direct contact with the sensitive scalp during hair loss, it's important to choose an item that combines both functionality and design.
There are four main aspects to consider when choosing a medical wig:
- Does the size fit (can it accommodate changes in head size due to hair loss progression)?
- Is the material comfortable against the skin and breathable?
- Do the function and purpose suit my lifestyle?
- Do the color, pattern, shape, and other design elements uplift my mood?
Of these, size and material are directly related to how long you can comfortably wear it, so these are the first points to check. Design is included as an equally important element as function, with the idea of "if I'm going to wear it anyway, I want one that makes me feel good."
How do I choose the size?
It's less likely to go wrong if you measure your head circumference and choose one with adjustable sizing.
One of the first challenges in choosing a medical wig is the size. As hair loss progresses, your head may feel smaller than usual, but during the hair regrowth phase, it can become constricting, making it difficult to maintain a consistent fit, which is one of the concerns during treatment.
There are three main points to check when choosing a size:
- Accurately measure your head circumference (the position passing over the ears and the most protruding part of the back of the head).
- Does it have enough room to fit comfortably both during advanced hair loss and during the hair regrowth phase?
- Does it have size adjustment features such as ribbons or adjusters?
For detailed information on hat size guidelines and how to measure, please refer to "How to Measure Head Circumference and Hat Size Guidelines."
For example, BAREN's scarf hats are available in multiple sizes and are designed with ribbon-based size adjustment. This makes it easier to maintain comfort throughout the period from before hair loss to after hair regrowth, and allows you to use one hat for a long time without needing to buy a new one for each stage.
How does the material make a difference?
It directly affects skin feel, breathability, and ease of washing.
Since medical wigs come into direct contact with the sensitive scalp during hair loss, the choice of material significantly impacts comfort. A rough feel can cause itching or redness, and low breathability can lead to persistent discomfort from stuffiness.
There are three main points to consider when choosing a material:
- Is it skin-friendly (natural materials like cotton and silk tend to be soft to the touch)?
- Is it breathable and quick-drying (can suppress stuffiness and stickiness from sweat)?
- Can it be washed repeatedly and used hygienically?
Models made from natural materials tend to be gentle on sensitive scalps. If you are concerned about skin feel, check the material description before purchasing. In winter, warm knit materials or wool blends are reassuring, while in summer, quick-drying cotton or thin, breathable materials are more comfortable. Using multiple materials depending on the season and your physical condition is also an option.
Just like underwear, the more attention you pay to the material of items that touch your skin directly, the less likely you are to make a mistake.
How do I choose based on function and purpose?
Choosing the type of hat according to the scene you use it in will help it blend naturally into your daily life.
The most suitable type of medical wig varies depending on "what you use it for and in what situation." Some people choose them for medical purposes, while others incorporate them into their daily fashion.
There are four main guidelines for choosing based on the situation:
- For sleeping/indoors: Thin, soft knit hats or bonnets that are not constricting.
- For hospital visits/short outings: Scarf hats or caps where the hat part looks natural.
- For work/meeting people: Types with wigs that can be combined with a fringe wig.
- For fashion/daily wear: Berets, hats, caps, and other styles that allow you to enjoy wearing a hat.
Medical wigs and medical wigs with attached hair are chosen not only by those undergoing treatment but also by those who want to easily change their hair volume or style for enjoyment. When choosing a hat, first decide "which situation you will use it in the most," which will make the selection process easier.
For differences between medical wigs and how to choose, please also refer to "Which is better, a medical wig or a regular wig? The third option: a medical wig with hair."
How do design and style factor into the choice?
Choosing a design that uplifts your mood leads to a more fulfilling daily life and outings.
While some may perceive medical wigs as "function-oriented and plain," there has been an increasing number of models with enhanced design recently. Because you wear it every day, choosing a design that lifts your spirits is as important as its function.
There are three main points to consider for design:
- Do the colors and patterns match your clothing and preferences?
- Does the hat shape (scarf hat, beret, cap, etc.) suit your lifestyle?
- Can the impression be changed by how the same hat is tied or worn?
For example, BAREN is a brand of medical wigs with attached hair that focuses on design, offering a wide range of hats centered on scarf hats, including knit caps, berets, hats, and caps, which can be chosen according to mood and occasion. The hats alone can be used as medical wigs, and by combining them with detachable fringe and nape wigs, they can also be used as medical wigs with hair, making it easy to change your look depending on your mood and the situation of the day.
For thoughts on fashion during treatment, "It's OK to enjoy fashion even during treatment. Reasons why going out changes with medical wigs with hair" (coming soon) is also helpful.
FAQ
What should I check first when buying a medical wig?
Size. After measuring your head circumference, choosing an adjustable wig makes it easier to use the same one for a longer period, even if your head size changes due to hair loss progression or hair regrowth. How to measure your head circumference is explained in detail in "How to Measure Head Circumference and Hat Size Guidelines".
Do I need to replace my hat depending on the stage of hair loss?
You don't necessarily have to buy a new one. If you choose a hat with adjustable sizing, you can continue to use the same hat throughout the hair loss progression and regrowth phases. However, many people own multiple hats, such as summer and winter versions, if they want to use different materials for each season.
Are materials other than organic cotton acceptable?
Yes, they are. The feel against the skin, breathability, and heat retention differ by material, and you can choose cotton, silk, knit, or wool blends according to the season and your physical condition. If you have sensitive skin, choosing a model with natural materials on the surface that touches your skin directly can provide peace of mind.
Can I use it even if I'm not sick? Is it okay to use it as a fashion item?
Yes, you can. Medical wigs and medical wigs with hair are designed for medical use, but they can also be used as everyday fashion items. They are also chosen by those who want to easily change their hair volume or style, and those who want to enjoy hat styles fashionably.
How many medical wigs should I have to feel secure?
It depends on the occasion and season, but most people use 2 to 3 wigs for different purposes, such as one for indoors (thin, knit material) and one for outdoors (scarf hat or cap). If you want to reduce the hassle of washing, rotating hats of different colors and patterns for the same situation is also an option.
Summary
When choosing a medical wig, organizing your thoughts around the four axes of "size, material, function/purpose, and design" will make it easier to find the right one for you. A hat that combines both the functionality to care for a sensitive scalp during hair loss and a design that uplifts your mood can contribute to your daily sense of security.
BAREN's medical wigs with attached hair offer a wide range of hats centered on scarf hats, along with size adjustment features and skin-friendly materials, providing an option that balances comfort and design during treatment. Small-group, free試着会 (fitting sessions) are also held at the Sangenjaya office and can be booked via their official LINE. Please find your favorite hat that uplifts your mood.
▶Trial session information is here *Currently suspended; resumption will be announced on BAREN's official Instagram
Related articles
- How to measure your head circumference and hat size guide
- Which is better: a medical wig or a regular wig? The third option: a medical wig with hair
- What is a medical wig with hair? An easy-to-understand explanation of the difference between medical wigs and regular wigs.
- It's okay to enjoy fashion even during treatment. Reasons why going out changes with medical wigs with hair (Coming soon)
- More freedom in styling, with a nape wig.
