This time, we spoke with Mr. M (late 40s) who participated in the fitting event for BAREN. After being diagnosed with breast cancer last November, and currently undergoing chemotherapy, Mr. M shared their experience of finding a stylish medical hat instead of a 'sick person hat' when they encountered BAREN's scarf hat, allowing them to maintain their personal style even during treatment.
Profile
- Name: Mr. M
- Age: Late 40s
- Head size: 55cm
- Wearing size: Size M
- Treatment status: Discovered breast cancer in November last year, surgery in February, currently undergoing chemotherapy (5 out of 8 courses completed)
How I came to know about BAREN
――Please tell me how you came to know about BAREN.
I haven't searched on Instagram, but recently, Instagram shows up when you search elsewhere, right? So it probably came up, and when I was looking elsewhere, I found only hats that looked sickly, and I thought that might be unavoidable, but I was hoping to find something that felt a bit better to wear, something that didn't make me feel like 'I'm sick.'
Comparison with other products
――I heard you also purchased products from other companies; what was your impression?
I bought a hat that is easy to wear, really just something to put on quickly, but it is comfortable. I also purchased a care hat, something like a knit beanie. However, as for being stylish, it still had a sickly feel to it.
I also bought a wig made of 100% human hair for about 130,000 yen. I was helped by a subsidy of 100,000 yen, but it would have been a bit tough without it.
Experience of purchasing BAREN products
――How was it trying it on in the store?
I went to the FOR AC Sendagi store and bought the 'Classy Beige' scarf hat. I'm glad there was stock. There were other products I was interested in, but I thought I would start with just one piece.
――Did you decide to purchase it right away?
I was a bit worried. But since it was a place where I could try it on, I felt reassured. When I actually tried it on, the 'Classy Beige' was really good. It's easy to wear, and since I tend to get hot, I thought I would definitely need it in summer, so I bought it on the spot.
Usage and daily application
――How do you feel about using it in practice?
It's very easy to wear. When I try to wrap a scarf around my head myself, I can't do it well because I'm clumsy, but it feels stylish even for someone clumsy like me, just like wearing a hat.
Actually, I originally had headaches and couldn't wear hats. If something tightens around my head, my headaches get worse. But BAREN's scarf hat feels like it doesn't tighten at all; it has a light wearing sensation as if the fabric is just gently placed on my head. Even I, who can't wear hats, was fine with it.
――How do you use it in your daily life?
Recently, I've been wearing a scarf hat all the time, even at home. When I go to the hospital, I switch between beige and black variations.
About treatment
――Please tell us about the course of your treatment.
Last November, I had a free MRI examination at a self-gym affiliated with RIZAP. I went there casually, but I was immediately given a referral, and from there, things progressed rapidly. The results of the examination confirmed breast cancer.
The surgery was done in February, and I am currently undergoing chemotherapy. I just finished the fifth session of an eight-session course, so there are three more to go.
――How was your experience with hair loss?
For about two weeks after starting chemotherapy, my hair didn't fall out, and I thought, 'Maybe it won't fall out,' but after about two weeks, it came out in clumps. When I washed my hair for the first time, hair got tangled between my fingers, and I was so shocked I couldn't put it into words.
When I first looked in the mirror, I was not used to seeing no hair, and I felt down every time I looked. Honestly, I was more shocked when I lost my hair than when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It changes your appearance.
Approach to scalp cooling treatment
――I understand you are also receiving scalp cooling treatment.
Yes, I am receiving scalp cooling treatment at my own expense. I don't know if it is effective, but I think it's better to feel 'I'm glad I did it' rather than 'I wish I had done it back then,' based on my personality.
The device I wear first costs 100,000 yen, and each treatment costs 15,000 yen. In total, there are 8 sessions, and each time requires an overnight stay. Even the cheapest private room costs about 70,000 yen for a two-day stay, so it is very expensive.
However, by the time the fourth treatment was over, short hair had started to grow. Since it grew while undergoing treatment, I think it wasn't meaningless.
Expectations for BAREN in the future
――Please let us know if you have any expectations or points for improvement for BAREN.
I hope to be able to take measures against sweat as we head into the hot season. Without hair, sweat drips directly, so it would be nice to have something that absorbs sweat inside.
Something like a sweat-absorbing pad that attaches to the inside of a wig would absorb sweat during hot seasons if it were inside the scarf hat.
Summary
From Ms. M's story, the importance of maintaining one's own style even during treatment was conveyed. While facing the illness discovered during her first breast cancer screening, Ms. M was seeking a stylish medical hat that doesn't look 'sickly,' and many people may empathize with her feelings.
BAREN's scarf hat is attractive for its excellent design that allows even those who suffer from headaches and are not good with hats to wear it comfortably and easily create a stylish impression.
For those who want to enjoy fashion even during treatment and are looking for medical hats, please check out BAREN's products. You are sure to meet a new version of yourself.
