"Scrub hat," "scrub cap," "surgical cap": they're all names for the same thing. Whatever you call it, a good one should stay put for 12 hours, not give you a headache, and ideally make you smile when you catch yourself in the mirror. Here's how to find a cute scrub hat for women that actually fits.
Step 1: Pick your style by hair length
- Short to medium hair: Euro. A close, comfortable fit with an elastic back.
- Long, thick or curly hair: Euro Ponytail. A roomy pouch at the back holds a bun or ponytail without squeezing. (Also called a bouffant cap.)
- Want an adjustable fit: Tie Back. Classic surgical style with ties you can tighten or loosen.
Still not sure? Read Euro, Euro Ponytail or Tie Back: which style fits you?
Step 2: Choose a print that's very you
This is the fun part. Your scrub hat is one of the few parts of your uniform where your personality can show. A few favourites:
Coquette and pretty prints
Pink iced coffee coquette scrub cap. Shop this one
Daisy gingham floral scrub cap. Shop this one
See all our coquette scrub caps and floral scrub caps.
Funny prints
Back and Body Hurts, for every nurse on hour eleven. Shop this one
More in funny scrub caps.
Bookish and hobby prints
Pink bookworm coquette scrub cap. Shop this one
Pickleball floral scrub cap. Shop this one
Seasonal prints
Many nurses keep a cap for every holiday. Shop Christmas scrub caps now. Order by December 10 for Christmas delivery.
Pink coquette bow Christmas scrub cap. Shop this one
Step 3: Decide on a satin lining
If your hair is long, curly, textured or prone to frizz, an optional satin lining makes your cap smoother against your hair and gentler over long shifts. It's available on any style. Learn more about satin lined scrub caps.
Step 4: Build a small rotation
Most nurses find three to five caps is the sweet spot: enough to always have a clean one, with a print for every mood. Here's our guide to how many scrub caps you really need.
Fit tips for women's scrub hats
- Wear your hair low (a low bun or braid) for a flatter, more comfortable fit in Euro and Tie Back styles.
- If your cap slides back, add a couple of bobby pins at the front or wear a thin headband underneath.
- Getting headaches? Loosen the ties and move your bun lower, or switch to the Euro Ponytail style.
More fit help: how to tie a scrub cap so it stays put. Ready to shop? Browse our handmade scrub caps.
FAQ
What is the best scrub hat for women with long hair?
A Euro Ponytail (bouffant) style. Its roomy back holds a bun or ponytail without squeezing, which helps prevent headaches.
Is a scrub hat the same as a scrub cap?
Yes. Scrub hat, scrub cap and surgical cap are all names for the same head covering worn by healthcare workers.
How many scrub caps should I own?
Most nurses do well with three to five, so there's always a clean cap ready and a print for every mood.
Are your scrub caps one size?
Our caps are designed to fit most adults. See the size guide photo on each product page for measurements, and contact us if you're unsure.