How to Choose the Best Scrub Cap for You

Sometimes called a scrub hat, scrub caps are used to cover and hold back the hair. Like scrubs and gloves, scrub hats help keep the operating room sterilized and the surgery sites free from contamination. Doctors, surgeons and nurses will wear them and, depending on the procedure, the patient may wear a scrub cap as well.

The scrub cap may seem like a simple medical accessory, but there are more options than you realize. In fact, AllHeart offers more than 50 scrub caps and hats at any given time. Choosing the right scrub cap is more than a matter of personal style—it's about ensuring hygiene and comfort while on duty. To help you make the best decision for your needs, we’ve put together a guide to introduce you to the main types of scrub caps and walk you through making your purchasing decision. This guide will explore the various scrub cap styles available and their importance in different medical settings.

Why are Scrub Caps Important?

Scrub caps play a crucial role in maintaining sterile environments in healthcare settings. In surgical settings, a surgical scrub cap can be essential for safety and compliance with health regulations. They prevent hair from contaminating sterile fields and express personal style, offering healthcare professionals a way to personalize their standard uniforms.

The 6 Main Types of Scrub Caps

Before you can choose the right scrub cap for you, you have to know what your options are. The four main types of scrub caps are:

• Ponytail Scrub Cap: These scrub hats have an opening in the back to accommodate longer hair. They may also come with a pouch that the hair can be tucked into for extra protection.
• Pixie Scrub Cap: These close-fitting scrub hats are made for medical professionals with shorter hair (the name is a reference to the pixie cut hairstyle). The scrub caps don’t have a lot of extra room, so if you have a lot of hair, you should consider another option.
• Bouffant Scrub Cap: Bouffant scrub hats look a bit like a deflated chef’s hat or an over-large shower cap. The bouffant scrub hat is ideal for those with long hair, providing plenty of extra room to securely tuck hair away. .
• Disposable Scrub Hat: Most scrub caps are made of fabric and therefore washable and reusable. However, there are some disposable scrub caps available for those working in highly contagious or messy environments where it might not be possible (or desirable) to reuse a scrub cap.
• Surgical Scrub Caps: A surgical scrub cap is designed for maximum sterility and is often used in operating rooms. These caps provide a perfect fit to ensure that no hair escapes during procedures.
• Unisex Scrub Caps: Unisex scrub caps cater to all, providing a versatile and perfect fit for any medical professional. They come in various different styles to suit personal preferences.

Choosing a Scrub Cap

So how do you know which scrub cap is right for you? Most scrub caps are one size fits all, so it’s important to choose the right style for your hair; otherwise, it won’t fit. Selecting the right cap depends significantly on your hair length and type. For example, if you have really long, thick hair, a close-fitting scrub cap will be too tight to accommodate it.

Short Hair

If you have hair that’s cut short or hair that’s a few inches longer but on the thin side, a pixie scrub cap will probably work for you. Short hair options like the low bun cap provide a snug fit without excess material, which is ideal for those with shorter hair.

Long Hair

For those with long hair, a ponytail scrub cap offers space and support, keeping hair neatly contained and providing maximum comfort. If you have longer hair or shorter hair that’s thick and has a lot of volume, a bouffant scrub cap is an excellent choice. And if you’re only looking to wear the scrub hat once, then disposable is the way to go.

Additional Scrub Cap Considerations

The right scrub cap is crucial for comfort and self-expression during hectic hospital shifts. Beyond style, consider these important factors to find a cap that meets your demanding needs.

Fabric Options

Don’t forget to check the fabric blend on the scrub cap designs you’re looking at. One hundred percent cotton will be breathable and light, but prone to shrinkage. Various combinations of cotton-polyester blends are also a common choice. The polyester adds durability to the cotton and can help stop shrinkage.

Solid Colors

These aren’t the only choices you have to make, as scrubs hats come in many different color options. For those who prefer a more understated look, solid colors offer a professional appearance that can easily coordinate with various scrub uniforms. Solid colors like navy blue, black, and hunter green convey a sense of professionalism and are suitable for most healthcare settings.

Fun Prints

You have a wide array of solid colors to choose from, but there are also many prints available, including flowers, polka dots, cartoon characters, abstracts and other designs. Some scrub caps also feature fun additions such as cat ears or a shark fin, perfect for anyone who works in a pediatric ward. For healthcare professionals who simply enjoy expressing more flair, fun prints such as florals, animal themes, or cartoon characters can make a day at work a bit brighter. These designs often help in pediatric settings, making the environment seem more welcoming and less intimidating to young patients.

Custom Embroidery

If you’d like, you can also choose to personalize your solid-colored scrub cap with embroidery. Adding custom embroidery to a solid-colored scrub cap can personalize your gear. Whether it's your name, a special symbol, or a logo, embroidered details can distinguish your cap from others and serve as a conversation starter with patients and colleagues. You can add up to three lines of text and/or a graphic or logo so you’ll always know which scrub caps are yours. Do note that embroidery doesn’t show up well on printed fabric, so it’s usually only offered for solid-colored items.

Matching with Uniforms

When selecting a scrub cap, considering how it complements your current uniform or scrub style is crucial. Matching or contrasting colors can be used strategically to create a cohesive look that is visually appealing and professional. By considering these factors, medical professionals can choose scrub caps that not only meet the demands of their roles but also express their unique style and personality.

Find the Perfect Scrub Cap Style For You

Choosing the right scrub cap involves considering your work environment, hair length, and personal style preferences. We encourage you to explore the variety of options available to find the best scrub cap for your needs. It’s a good idea to buy several scrub caps so you always have one on hand if the other is in the wash. While we hope this guide will help you make the best decision upfront, at AllHeart, we offer a generous, hassle-free returns policy to make sure you’re happy with your scrub hat purchase.

Scrub Cap FAQs

How do I choose the right size for a scrub cap?

Choosing the right size involves understanding the perfect fit for your head and hair volume. Most scrub caps are designed as one size fits all, but adjustable features like ribbon ties or elastic backs can help achieve a more custom fit.

Are there hypoallergenic scrub caps available?

Yes, hypoallergenic scrub caps are available, especially designed for healthcare professionals with sensitive skin. These are typically made from natural fibers like cotton that are gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation.

What materials are best for scrub caps?

The best materials for scrub caps are those that combine comfort, breathability, and ease of maintenance. Blends of polyester and cotton are popular for their durability and ease of care, while 100% cotton is favored for its softness and natural breathability, suitable for long hours of wear.