Wigs are not the only way of covering up hair loss.

Hats are a popular option and come in hundreds of different shapes, styles and colours. They are common fashion accessories and are both practical – keeping your head warm – and attractive. Department stores usually have a good selection and there are also specialist hat shops. Try on a range of different styles, and you will probably find one that suits you and feels comfortable.

Scarves are another option. They are available in a wide variety of colours and materials, and are light and easy to wear. Cotton, lightweight wool or blends are the best fabrics to use. Satin-type materials tend to slide off the head too easily.

Scarves from the listed suppliers usually have instructions and suggestions on how to tie them. You may like to try the basic style below.

How to tie a scarf

• Lay a square scarf flat; wrong side facing you. Fold the scarf diagonally into a triangle. For a basic headwrap you will need a scarf at least 75cm x 75cm (29.5inches x 29.5 inches); for more elaborate styles it needs to be 100cm x 100cm (39inches x 39inches).
• Place the scarf on your head with the folded edge about 2.5cm (1inch) below your natural hairline and the points at the back.
• Tie the ends into a double knot behind your head and over the triangle point (if you are doing more than the basic headwrap you may only need a single knot). The flap should be underneath the knot. Pull any excess scarf out from under the knot.

For variation you can try the following:

• Wear the ends of the scarf loose – particularly if it is sunny or you are going to wear a hat on top.
• Tie the ends of the scarf in a bow or gather all the ends in an elasticated ponytail band to help make loops and tails to form a bow. The bow also looks nice under a hat.
• Twist the three ends together to look like a twisted rope and wrap them tightly around the knot like a bun or rosette. Secure the loose ends by tucking them through the centre of the bun.
• For a different twist, pull all three ends together and tuck them securely over and under the knot to look like a French hair roll.
• Twist the long ends separately, bring them forward and tie them at the front of your head. Continue twisting and tucking the ends in around your head. At the back, twist the short end and tuck it in.
• You can vary this by twisting in coloured cord, beads or a contrasting scarf to match what you are wearing.

Tip: You may find that it helps to twist one end at a time and secure it with a hairgrip, paperclip or elastic band while you twist the other one.

Turbans are available in a range of materials such as velvet, silk, cotton and towelling. They are popular and comfortable to wear, especially in hot weather. They are available at some chemists, department stores or specialist wig shops and some of the listed organisations.

If you normally have a fringe, you can get one on a Velcro band from some wig suppliers. Some suppliers also make turbans and scarves with optional fringes or headbands with hair attached.

Hats, headbands or bandanas with attached hair can be ordered from some of the listed websites.

Hair extensions can be attached to very short hair, but the hair needs to be in good condition, as if the hair is brittle the extensions may make the hair break.

Although we have discussed various types of headwear, you may prefer not to wear anything on your head.