Is it okay to give a hat to a loved one who is battling an illness? How to choose a hat that won't be considered rude and will be appreciated.

When considering giving a hat to a family member or friend undergoing medical treatment, many people hesitate, thinking, "Would it be inappropriate?" or "I feel uncomfortable because it might bring up the topic of hair loss." The conclusion is that a hat is often a well-received gift for someone undergoing medical treatment. This article explains key points for choosing a hat as a gift and how to present it in a way that conveys your feelings.

Is it inappropriate to give a hat as a gift?

In most cases, it is appreciated as a practical gift.

Hats are something that people actually use daily during hair loss caused by chemotherapy or other treatments. For those undergoing treatment, hats and wigs are almost essential items for daily life, and because they are practical, they are one of the gifts most likely to evoke a feeling of "you saved me."

Compared to common get-well gifts like flowers or sweets, some might feel that a hat "might bring up the topic of hair loss." However, the person receiving treatment is already facing hair loss. A gift that shows you care can sometimes be more welcome to the recipient.

Of course, the relationship with the person and how open they are about hair loss varies from person to person. Checking the following points can make it easier to judge when and how to give the gift.

• Whether the person has talked about their hair loss to others.
• Whether they are already using hats or wigs.
• If they have mentioned a hat when asked, "Is there anything you need?"

If you're unsure, checking whether the person is already using a hat or wig can help you decide.

Why are hats a welcome gift?

They are valuable as a gift precisely because they are "something difficult for people to choose for themselves" during treatment.

There are four main reasons why hats are often appreciated.

• They are practical items used daily during treatment.
• People often have fluctuating health during treatment and lack the energy to go shopping for themselves.
• They convey the message, "It's okay to enjoy fashion."
• Unlike flowers or sweets, they can be used for a long time.

The message, "It's okay to enjoy fashion," in particular, can hold greater significance than the practicality of the item itself for someone feeling anxious about changes in their appearance.

Hats and wigs come in many varieties, making it difficult for first-time choosers to know "what criteria to use." Some recipients of hats chosen by family or friends have said, "I couldn't find one myself, so it was a great help."

What are the key points for choosing a hat?

Check if it meets the three points: gentleness on the skin, ample size, and natural appearance.

When gifting a hat to someone undergoing medical treatment, keeping the following three points in mind will make it more likely to be used.

1. Gentleness on the skin

The scalp becomes very sensitive during hair loss. It's reassuring to choose hats designed so that seams don't directly touch the scalp, or made from soft materials. There are also models made from natural materials like organic cotton. If skin sensitivity is a concern, check the material label for peace of mind.

2. Ample size

It is said that the head circumference can shrink by about 2-4 cm after hair loss. Choosing items with adjustable sizing or made from stretchable materials will make them easier to continue using regardless of the progression or recovery of hair loss. If you don't know the recipient's head circumference, choosing a hat available in multiple sizes or with an adjustable feature provides reassurance.

3. Natural appearance

If you want the hat to be used not only indoors but also outdoors, choosing a design that makes it hard to tell there's "no hair under the hat" is often appreciated. Hats that make the bangs and nape look natural can reduce anxiety about "being found out" when going out.

Detailed guidance on choosing size and material will be covered in "How to Choose a Medical Hat: A Clear Explanation of Points to Consider for Size, Material, and Design" (coming soon).

What type of hat is suitable as a gift?

"Medical hats with wigs" tend to meet the three points mentioned in the previous section.

Medical hats with wigs are hats that combine a care hat with a detachable wig. They can be used as a hat alone, and with the wig attached, they allow for a stylish and natural look even when going out.

Here are the reasons why they are suitable as gifts:

• The hat alone can be used indoors or during sleep, and with the wig attached, it can be worn out.
• The wig is detachable, allowing for changes in mood or style.
• The hat and wig can be washed separately, making them easy to keep hygienic for continued use.
• If you choose one with adjustable sizing, it's easy to give as a gift even if you don't know the recipient's size.

For example, BAREN's medical hats with wigs come in S/M/L sizes and feature an adjustable inner cap, making them easy to choose even if you don't know the recipient's size.

Additionally, gift items (such as book-style boxes and paper bags with ribbons) are also available, allowing you to give them as a gift directly.

For a detailed explanation of medical hats with wigs, please see "What are Medical Hats with Wigs? A Clear Explanation of the Differences from Medical Hats and Wigs."

If you're unsure whether a medical hat or a wig is more suitable, "Medical Hat or Wig: Which is Better? A Third Option: Medical Hats with Wigs" (coming soon) may also be helpful.

What words should I include when gifting it?

It is said that the most welcome sentiment is a phrase that conveys "use it or don't, it's entirely up to you."

When gifting a hat, it's important not to put pressure on the recipient. If they feel obligated to use it, a well-intentioned gift can become a burden.

Here are some examples of words to include when gifting:

• "If you think you might use it, try it on. If not, don't worry about it."
• "I thought this would suit you. Feel free to use it if you like."
• "Try it on when you're feeling up to it."

On the other hand, it's best to avoid phrases that might make the recipient feel their anxiety is being downplayed, such as "This will solve everything!" or "Hang in there," which can be burdensome for someone undergoing treatment.

There's no need for a lengthy explanation of the hat or how to use it. Simply conveying the feeling of "I care about you" is enough.

FAQ

Is it inappropriate to give a hat to someone undergoing medical treatment?

In most cases, it is appreciated as a practical gift. Hats are worn daily during treatment, and many people say they find it "difficult to choose one themselves," so they often appreciate someone choosing one for them. However, it's reassuring to check beforehand whether the person is open about their hair loss.

When is the best time to give it?

The most welcome times are usually before treatment begins or immediately after hair loss starts. Before treatment, it can be seen as part of preparation, and immediately after hair loss, many people are "just looking for one." For preparation before treatment, please also refer to "When Does Hair Loss from Chemotherapy Begin? Explaining the Timing for Preparing Hats and Wigs."

Is it okay to give a hat if I don't know the size?

If you choose an adjustable hat or one available in multiple sizes (S/M/L), it will be easier to gift even if you don't know the recipient's size. Head circumference can change before and after hair loss, so an adjustable fit will be more suitable for long-term use than an exact size.

Can I give it to someone concerned about their hair for reasons other than illness?

Yes, you can. Although medical hats with wigs are designed for medical use, they can also be used by people not undergoing treatment. They are also chosen as gifts for those concerned about hair volume or who want to enjoy both hats and hairstyles simultaneously. However, hair concerns can be a sensitive topic, so it's reassuring to ensure the recipient is usually open about this topic before giving the gift.

Summary

Gifting a hat to a family member or friend undergoing medical treatment is often appreciated as a "practical and heartfelt gift." Choosing a hat that is gentle on the skin, offers ample sizing, and has a natural appearance will make it more likely to be used.

BAREN's medical hats with wigs are designed so that the hat and wig can be used separately, allowing for flexibility in how and when the recipient uses them. Please consider them for your loved one.

Related articles

• What are Medical Hats with Wigs? A Clear Explanation of the Differences from Medical Hats and Wigs
• When Does Hair Loss from Chemotherapy Begin? Explaining the Timing for Preparing Hats and Wigs
• Medical Hat or Wig: Which is Better? A Third Option: Medical Hats with Wigs (coming soon)
• How to Choose a Medical Hat: Key Points for Size, Material, and Design (coming soon)
• Things to Prepare Before Starting Chemotherapy