Why are Surgical Hats Necessary for Healthcare Professionals and How to Choose the Right Surgical Hat?

Fatal diseases like chronic disorders, blood-related issues, etc. have been prevailing over for years and healthcare professionals have been treating patients unceasingly. The healthcare staff wears a specific uniform that includes hand gloves, lab coats, scrub suits, and surgical hats or surgical caps. Surgical hats, also called scrub caps or scrub hats, are worn to hold back and cover the hair during operations and medical procedures. Just like hand gloves, surgical hats help to keep the operation room disinfected and sterilized and are also worn by patients. Considering this wide usage of surgical hats in the medical sector, market analysts predict that the global surgical hat market will garner a revenue of $7,32,560.3 thousand and grow at a 3.9% CAGR during the 2020-2027 forecast period.

Now that we know why surgical hats are important, let’s explore their types and some factors to expect while buying surgical hats.

Some Types of Surgical Hats

Before selecting any surgical cap, one should first know its different types which are as follows:

1. Disposable Surgical Hats

Unlike washable and reusable surgical hats, disposable ones are mostly worn by healthcare professionals who work in highly contagious areas. Reusing a scrub cap in infectious environments is unfit and mostly avoided by doctors and surgeons.

2. Pixie Surgical Hats

Since the name itself suggests and refers to the pixie cut hairstyle, this type of surgical cap is usually worn by healthcare workers who have shorter hair. These close-fitting hats don’t have much room for long hair and so, if you also have long hair, then consider other options.

3. Bouffant Surgical Hats

Unlike pixie scrub hats, bouffant surgical caps are more like oversized shower hats that are highly preferable for holding back long hair. Bouffant scrub caps offer much space and secure all the strands easily.

4. Ponytail Surgical Hats

As the name suggests, these caps have an opening at the back to accommodate a ponytail. Moreover, they also come with a pouch to tuck the ponytail for more protection and a tidy look.

3 Aspects to Consider While Buying a Surgical Hat

Now that we know which types of surgical hats are available in the market, let’s explore some essential factors one should consider before buying a surgical hat.

1. The Fabric of the Surgical Hat

Fabric is one of the most important aspects one must consider for buying a scrub cap. Although 100% cotton is a breathable and light fabric, it is prone to shrinkage and might be frustrating for healthcare professionals to wear in the long run. However, cotton-polyester blends are highly preferred due to the durability polyester provides.

2. Hairstyle and Comfort

Besides the surgical hat’s fabric, one should also consider his/her hairstyle for a neat look and comfort for longer durations. If you have shorter hair, a pixie surgical cap is an ideal fit. However, if you have long hair that can be easily pulled into a ponytail or a bun, then opt for ponytail scrub hats. In the case of thicker hair, selecting a bouffant surgical cap seems like a better choice. And if you just want to use it once, then disposable surgical caps are a great choice.

3. Softness and Breathability

If you’re supposed to wear your surgical hat all day long, then select the one that has high-quality cloth material and is soft on your hair. Cotton scrub caps are soft but are more irritating and scratchier, whereas, polyester is not soft but is lighter and warmer than cotton ones. So, opt for polycotton blends that best suit you.

Final Word

Surgical hats are an essential part of the healthcare workers’ uniform and prevent the hair strands from falling into sterile areas. Before selecting a suitable scrub cap or surgical hat, consider the above-mentioned factors for a wiser purchase. Moreover, it is an even better decision to buy multiple surgical hats to have one on hand in case the others are dirty or in the wash.

About the Author(s)

 

Niti Pawar

Niti Pawar is a creative writer with almost 2 years of experience in the industry and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Pune University. She is extremely passionate about writing and is keen to gain significant experience and expertise in the same field. Niti aspires to become an accomplished editor and a linguist in her upcoming years. Besides work, she actively participates in recreational activities like trekking, badminton, singing, and travelling.