You might not consider yourself a “hat person,” but you may have no choice depending on your role as a medical professional. Many nurses and doctors, especially those who work in surgical or other sterile settings, have to wear scrub caps.
Not surprisingly, nurse caps weren’t designed with fashion in mind. Their purpose is to protect you and those around you by mitigating the spread of germs and help keep your hair from getting contaminated or damaged at work.
While you can be thankful to scrub caps for keeping you and others safe while on the job, you might not be so grateful for how they leave your hair after a long shift. But fear not. In this article, we’ll show you some easy nurse hairstyles that work well under scrub caps so that you can transition from the operating room to date night without having to redo your do completely.
Why are scrub caps important for nurses and doctors?
If you receive hospital-issued scrubs from your employer, they may come with a scrub cap. If you ask yourself whether you have to wear that headwear, we understand. It isn’t exactly what you’d call the highlight of your look, but healthcare professionals wear scrub caps for a good reason.
- Patient protection: Your hair and scalp can contain germs (like everyone else), so wearing a scrub cap helps prevent spreading them to your patients. Surgery settings require these caps to maintain a sterile environment.
- Your protection: It’s a two-way street. Scrub caps help protect you from harmful germs, too.
- Visibility: Scrub caps keep long hair or bangs out of your face, helping you see better at work and stay comfortable throughout the day.
Tips for keeping your hair looking good under a scrub cap
Good news: Hat hair isn’t inevitable. Here are some tips on how to wear a scrub cap and a few hat-friendly hairstyles that will leave your hair looking almost as great at the end of the day as it did at the start:
- Start with dry hair: Let your hair air dry or take the time to blow-dry it before heading out to work. If you put on your scrub hat while your hair is wet, you’re likely to have indents wherever the cap fits snugly.
- Refresh your hair: We know your breaks are precious but while taking a second in the bathroom, give your hair a tousle and reapply any styling products you may have used in the morning to keep that root volume up. Depending on your hair type, you may also be able to “iron” out indents by running a damp comb over those areas. If your hair gets greasy under your scrub cap, consider bringing some dry shampoo to work with you that you can use to refresh your roots.
- Choose a hat-friendly haircut: Short hair fares better under caps because you can easily revamp it with styling products throughout the day or after work. If you’re down to wear a pixie cut or a hip buzzed look, we say go for it! After all, there’s no more manageable hairstyle than one that involves little to no hair at all.
- Wear a scrub cap hairstyle: If you’re not ready to cut off your long locks but still need a solution for how to wear your hair for surgery, consider wearing a hairstyle that will protect your tresses. Tying your hair up in braids is a good option. Braids keep your hair tidy and can also create a waving, curling, or even straightening effect for some hair textures when you shake your tresses out at the end of the day. Who would have thought you could be passively working on a salon look while assisting a doctor in surgery?
- Get the best scrub cap for your head: Wondering how to fit hair under a scrub cap? Choose a scrub cap that fits you well. You’ll avoid crinkling your hair with a hat that’s too tight. There are also different styles of scrub hats, and some varieties may put less pressure on your locks. Bouffant-style hats may be the best surgical cap for long hair.
- Consider the materials of your cap: Remember, too, that fit isn’t everything. Opt for soft fabrics that aren’t harsh on your hair or offer an added benefit like sweat-wicking action.
- Learn from the best: Everyone starts somewhere. If you’re having trouble maneuvering your hair into your cap, don’t forget about your experienced peers who would love to share some step-by-step tips. And if no one else at work shares your hair type, be it thick hair or curly hair, you can always turn to the community of online nurses. You may even find a full video tutorial on how to put on a scrub cap properly so that it fits snugly yet comfortably.
- Use a protective layer: Depending on the type of scrub cap you use, you may be able to fit a silk scarf under it. This layer can protect the surface of your hair. These days, you can even find some scrub caps made of silk or satin, and if your workplace allows them, they protect your hair and are also a fashion statement in and of themselves.
We never underestimate how important it is for you to feel good while at work. It’s why we craft quality scrubs. So keep checking back for more information on how to look and feel your best while working. Need a breathable, high-quality antimicrobial scrub cap? We’ve got you covered.