Scrub caps are headwear designed for medical personnel, including surgeons. These caps are worn by surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia to protect their patients from germs. Scrub caps can be vital for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), as they protect the surgical site against contamination.
A nurse invented the first surgical caps in 1960. Initially, they were made from cotton and polyester. Nylon later replaced cotton to improve comfort for the wearer. These caps are now sewn with elastic bands, so you don’t have to worry about size. The colors of surgical hats are used to indicate the role the wearer plays. Nurses usually wear green, surgeons wear blue, and anesthesia wear white.
What is a scrub hat?
It is worn to protect the hair, skin, and other debris during surgery. The scrub hat is used to protect serums and blood products from hair. These caps are made from medical-grade silicone and can last up to 24 hours. When these caps are no longer needed for surgery, they must be discarded to prevent contamination.
Scrub hats or scrubs caps for men or women protect the head against scars, hair loss, etc. The unique design provides comfort and protection. Skull caps are mainly used by healthcare professionals like dentists, veterinarians, dental assistants, etc. Disposable hair caps can be used in many places, including factories, hair salons, and house cleaning.
Why do you wear a hat?
In the operating room, it is essential to wear a scrub hat because the patient’s immune system is weakest, and the area must be kept sterile. Maintaining a clean and hygienic atmosphere in the operating theater is important.
Wearing a scrub cap can have a positive impact on the patients. The scrub cap prevents hair from falling onto patients during surgery. It also protects the surgeons and patients from getting cut by the scissors. It also prevents sweat from dripping in the eyes, which could cause irritation or blindness.
It is worn in bakeries or food production areas to prevent hairs and other microorganisms from falling into the food. Bouffant caps are considered an essential hygienic tool. When cleaning the house, they also keep dust and dirt out of hairs and ears. Hair styling is also made easy with this cap.
Different types of surgical hats available
Scrub caps or hats come in different types depending on their use, hair length, and occupation. They are worn by medical staff and places requiring a high hygiene level. These include bakeries, food production, hair salons, and house cleaning. Here are a few types of surgical caps.
Disposable Bouffant Hat
In areas that require sterility, such as laboratories, clean rooms, and medical facilities, bouffant caps can be used. The breathable design and puffy shape ensure maximum comfort. The caps are stretchable and can even be stretched up to the ears. These disposable bouffant hats are made from non-woven polypropylene and are gentle on the hair. The closed design prevents sweat from dripping onto the face, which is irritating.
Disposable cap
These caps are used where there is an increased risk of infection and contamination. These caps are thrown away after each use. Disposable caps can be made from paper or cloth. They protect the hair of the surgeon from dirt and bleeding.
Pixie Surgical Cap
They are perfect for people with short hair, as they fit snugly and have no extra space. These caps are made from cotton and latex and can be reused.
Ponytail scrub cap
They are best for those with long hair, as the opening at the back allows you to attach your hair. These caps also come with a pouch to tuck your hair. They come in different colors and materials.
How do you put on a surgical cap?
A skullcap can only be effective if you don’t wear them correctly. Follow these steps to wear a surgical cap correctly:
- Your hair should be tied in a bun or ponytail.
- Place the cap on your head and cover all hairs.
- Tighten the ribbon if you use a pony scrub cap to create a pouch. Place the cap with the pouch on the back of your forehead. Put the elastic cap on your head if it has one.
- Push your ponytail in the elastic or pouch at the back. Tie the ribbons if you are using a pony scrub cap. Cross them under your bun, and then tie them again.
- Your hair is stuffed inside a snug fit at the back.
- To give your cap a more neat look, tuck in any hairs that are sticking out.
How to wear a scrub hat with long hair
You may have limited options regarding caps if you have long hair. You don’t have to squeeze your hair into the cap if you have long hair. Choose a larger elastic cap that has more space at the back. The best choice is a ponytail cap or a bouffant cap, which are larger at the back and allow you to tuck in your hair easily. A ponytail surgical cap is another option. It has an opening in the back for you to tie your hair.
Why is wearing a skullcap important when having surgery?
Wearing a skullcap is advised during surgery. It prevents infection from debris and helps maintain the sterility of the operating room. It also protects your scalp from being injured or burnt by any hot or sharp metal medical equipment.
How to sew scrub caps?
Your cap can be made from any fabric you choose. You only need cotton fabric and elastic bands. YouTube has tutorials to sew hats that match your outfit. There are also many PDFs online with cutouts. Print them out and use them to cut fabric. You can use an elastic band at the back or a tie to tighten the cap. You can sew them together to create a cap with your design. To prevent contamination, wash the cap every time you use it.
