Scarves and bandanas for cancer treatment

For a basic style, you will need a scarf at least 75 by 75cm (29.5 by 29.5in) in size. For more elaborate styles, it needs to be 100 by 100cm (39 by 39in).

 

Follow the steps below to tie a basic headwrap.

1. Lay a square scarf flat, with the reverse side facing upwards. Fold the scarf diagonally into a triangle.

 

2. Put the scarf on your head with the folded edge about 2.5cm (1in) below your natural hairline, with the triangle point at the back.

 

3. Tie the ends into a double knot behind your head and over the triangle point. The flap should be underneath the knot.

If you are doing more than the basic headwrap, you may only need a single knot.

4. Gently pull the triangle point downwards, so the scarf fits closely to your head.

For different styles, you can try the following:

• Leave the ends of the scarf hanging loose, particularly if it is sunny or you are going to wear a hat on top.
• Tie the ends of the scarf in a bow instead of a knot. Or pull all 3 ends into an elasticated ponytail band to make a bow. This can also look nice under a hat.
• Twist the 3 ends together to look like a rope and wrap them tightly around the knot like a bun. Secure the loose ends by tucking them through the centre of the bun.
• For a different twist, pull all 3 ends together and tuck them securely over and under the knot.
• Twist each of the long ends separately. Bring them forward and tie them at the front of your head. Continue twisting and tucking the ends in around your head. At the back, twist the triangle end and tuck it in. You can vary this by twisting in coloured cord, beads or a contrasting scarf to match what you are wearing. You may find it helps to twist 1 end at a time. Secure each end with a hair grip, paperclip or elastic band while you twist the other one.

In the video below, Nicky from Suburban Turban gives Amanda a tutorial on the different headwear options and styles available.

You can also find lots of different ways of tying a headscarf online.

We want everyone affected by cancer to feel our information is written for them.

We want our information to be as clear as possible. To do this, we try to:

• use plain English
• explain medical words
• use short sentences
• use illustrations to explain text
• structure the information clearly
• make sure important points are clear.

We use gender-inclusive language and talk to our readers as ‘you’ so that everyone feels included. Where clinically necessary we use the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ or ‘male’ and ‘female’. For example, we do so when talking about parts of the body or mentioning statistics or research about who is affected.

You can read more about how we produce our information here.