Hair care under scrub caps

For nurses in theatre, ICU and many procedure areas, a scrub cap is part of every shift. It keeps hair contained and away from the patient, but hours under a cap in Kerala’s humidity can leave hair flat, sweaty and tangled. Many nurses here also have long, thick or oiled hair, which brings its own challenges.

A few habits keep your hair healthy and your cap comfortable. Your hospital’s infection-control policy decides when caps are needed and what type, so follow it first.

Start with the right hairstyle

How you put your hair up matters more than the cap itself.

• A low bun at the nape sits comfortably under a tie-back cap and does not push it up.
• A single plait pinned up works well for very long hair and avoids tangles.
• Avoid high, tight buns that pull at the scalp for hours and can cause headaches.
• Use soft hair ties without metal parts, which can snap or damage hair.

Leave a little slack; very tight styles combined with a snug cap can cause breakage along the hairline over time.

Oiled hair and caps

Oiling is a common routine in Kerala, and many nurses oil their hair before washing. If you oil on work days:

• Oil the night before and wash in the morning, rather than wearing oil under the cap.
• If you do wear a little oil, expect the cap to absorb some; wash the cap after every shift.
• A cotton-rich cap or a thin cotton band under the cap edge can keep oil off your forehead.

Dealing with sweat

Humidity and long cases mean sweat under the cap.

• Make sure your hair is completely dry before putting the cap on; damp hair trapped for hours can smell and irritate the scalp.
• Carry a spare cap and change it if it becomes damp.
• On breaks, take the cap off where allowed and let your scalp breathe.

Caring for your scalp

• Wash your hair regularly, especially after long theatre days.
• Use a gentle shampoo; harsh products plus cap friction can dry the scalp.
• If you notice persistent itching, flaking or hair loss, see a doctor rather than guessing.

Choosing a cap that suits your hair

A tie-back cap is adjustable, so it works for different hair lengths and volumes. Tie it snugly at the back without pulling, and tuck in any loose strands at the sides. Some nurses with lots of hair prefer to wear the bun slightly higher so the cap’s back panel covers it fully. Our post on scrub cap styles explains the options.

Looking after the cap

• Wash it with your scrubs after every shift, warm up to 60 °C as the label allows, with similar colours.
• No bleach on coloured caps.
• Dry fully before the next use.
• Keep at least two caps so you always have a dry one.

Our tie-back cap

Our tie-back scrub cap is free size and comes in navy, teal, wine, ceil blue and OT green, so you can match it to your scrubs or to your unit’s colour.

Wrapping up

Dry hair, a low and gentle hairstyle, a clean cap every shift and a spare in your locker go a long way. If you need a second or third cap, choose your colour on the scrub cap page and add it to your next order.