When hair loss progresses due to chemotherapy, many people feel anxious about going out or think that fashion is out of the question.
However, there is also the option of not having to give up going out and still enjoying fashion. This article explains how to make going out easier during treatment, focusing on medical wigs with attached wigs, and styling tips.
What concerns do you have about going out during treatment?
Many people have two main concerns: "Will my appearance be noticed?" and "What about my physical condition?"
There are two main reasons why people hesitate to go out during treatment.
- Anxiety about appearance, such as whether hair loss or changes in complexion will be noticed by others.
- Physical anxiety, such as the possibility of feeling unwell due to fluctuations in physical condition or side effects.
Appearance anxiety manifests as "worrying about being stared at and looking down" or "not wanting to meet acquaintances." Physical anxiety manifests as "what if I want to go home in the middle of my plans?" or "can I withstand the heat and stuffiness?"
Appearance anxiety can be greatly alleviated by adjusting one's attire and tools.
As for physical anxiety, aspects related to the comfort of wearing a hat, such as stuffiness and tightness, can be reduced by choosing the right materials and design. In particular, if you can satisfy the two points of "the hat looking natural" and "not feeling constricted while wearing it," it will be easier to take that first step outside.
Can I still enjoy fashion during treatment?
Of course! "Outfits that lift your spirits" are an important aid in lowering the barrier to going out.
Some people may feel that it is inappropriate to enjoy fashion during treatment. However, fashion is not just about appearance; it is also a switch to give yourself permission to "go out today."
In customer interviews at BAREN, we have heard comments such as, "I wanted to enjoy fashion if I could," and "I felt uncomfortable with the plainness of medical wigs." For those undergoing treatment, being able to choose outfits that lift their spirits is an important factor that affects their approach to treatment itself.
There are three main points to keep in mind when enjoying fashion.
- Natural-looking bangs and nape hair can reduce the anxiety of "being noticed" when going out.
- Choosing hats with various colors and patterns allows you to change your outfit according to your mood of the day.
- Choosing skin-friendly materials ensures comfort even during long outings.
If you choose based on "how it lifts your spirits" rather than "how others see you," fashion becomes an enjoyment rather than a pressure.
What kind of styling is possible with a medical wig with an attached wig?
By combining a hat and a wig, you can create a wide range of styles, from casual to elegant.
A medical wig with an attached wig is a care hat combined with a detachable wig (such as bangs or nape hair). It can be used as a hat alone, and with the wig attached, it maintains a natural appearance when going out.
There are four main reasons why the range of styling expands.
- You can switch between using the hat alone and with the wig, allowing for different uses indoors and outdoors.
- Changing the type of wig (bangs, nape hair, extensions, etc.) changes the impression around your face.
- Changing the color, pattern, and way the hat is tied can change the atmosphere even with the same hat.
- It is easy to match a wide range of styles, from casual to elegant, depending on your makeup and clothing.
For example, BAREN's scarf hat has a freely tieable design, allowing you to change the impression just by changing the way it's tied. Wigs can be chosen from four types—bangs, nape hair, extensions, and inner caps—according to your needs, making it easy to switch wigs depending on the day, whether you want to "show off a lot today" or "go for a casual look today."
For a detailed explanation of medical wigs with attached wigs, please refer to "What is a medical wig with an attached wig? A clear explanation of the difference between medical wigs, hats, and wigs."
How do you use them differently for each outing scene?
You can spend your time more comfortably by changing how you use your hat in four scenarios: neighborhood, hospital visits, outings, and invitations.
Although "going out" is a general term, the degree of "naturalness" and "comfort" required varies depending on the situation. By switching how you use your hat for each scene, you can enjoy fashion without stress.
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Neighborhood/Convenience Store
A hat alone for a casual look. Even without a wig, there will be less discomfort if the hat is worn securely. Prioritize ease of wear, and soft materials like knit hats or beanies are comfortable. -
Hospital Visits/Shopping
Wearing only a bang wig can make your face look more natural and give you a greater sense of security. A hat that covers the nape is also acceptable. When concerned about stuffiness during travel, choosing breathable materials will ensure comfort.
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Outings/Lunch
Wear a bang + nape wig to create an impression similar to having hair. By matching the hat's color and pattern to your clothing, you can enjoy it as a hat coordinate.
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Invitations/Events
Opt for a more elegant look with an extension wig or a scarf hat with a creative tie. Choosing a hat pattern that matches the tone of your makeup and outfit will create a special look.
The same idea can be applied to outings on days when you are concerned about hair volume. On days when your hair looks thin, wearing just a bang wig under your hat can naturally blend into your everyday outfit.
How to use them at work is explained separately in "Is it okay to wear a hat at work during chemotherapy? Tips for choosing one that won't be noticed" (coming soon).
FAQ
Can I go out during chemotherapy?
In most cases, going out is possible during times when your condition is stable. However, during periods of decreased immunity, it is important to avoid crowds, wear a mask, and follow your doctor's instructions. If you are concerned about your physical condition, there are ways to gradually get used to going out, starting with short trips near home, without overexerting yourself.
Is it inappropriate to enjoy fashion during treatment?
Not at all. Many people say that enjoying fashion lifts their spirits and lowers the barrier to going out. The idea of "choosing an outfit that lifts your spirits precisely because you're undergoing treatment" is actually supported by many people experiencing it.
Can a hat alone look stylish?
Yes, it can. By incorporating different colors, patterns, materials, and tying methods, a hat alone can significantly change your impression. Scarf-type hats, in particular, can change their ambiance depending on how they are tied, allowing you to enjoy multiple outfits with the same hat. If you choose a hat that makes your bangs and nape hair look natural, it will further minimize the impression of "not having hair."
Can it be used even if I'm not sick? Can it be used as a fashion item?
Yes, it can. While medical wigs with attached wigs are designed for medical use, they can also be used as everyday fashion items. They are suitable for days when you're concerned about hair volume or when you want to enjoy both a hat style and a hairstyle at the same time. For more detailed ways to incorporate them into fashion, please refer to "Can medical wigs with attached wigs be used even if you're not undergoing treatment? How to enjoy them as fashion items" (coming soon).
Summary
Going out during treatment can often feel burdensome due to two concerns: "Will my appearance be noticed?" and "Will I be able to cope physically?" However, with a natural-looking hat and an outfit that lifts your spirits, that step becomes much lighter.
BAREN's medical wigs with attached wigs, with their freely tieable scarf hats and four types of wig parts, offer an option to transform going out during treatment from "difficult" to "enjoyable."
If you would like to try on and see how they look, please feel free to join our small-group, free trial session. (Currently suspended: resumption will be announced on BAREN's official Instagram)
Related Articles
- What is a medical wig with an attached wig? A clear explanation of the difference between medical wigs, hats, and wigs.
- Which is better, a medical hat or a wig? The third option: a medical hat with an attached wig (coming soon)
- Is it okay to wear a hat at work during chemotherapy? Tips for choosing one that won't be noticed (coming soon)
- More freedom in styling, with a nape wig
- Customer Interview: A fashionable medical hat that doesn't look like it's for sick people