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A nurse’s work is never easy, but little things — like a well-fitting scrub cap and a comfortable uniform — makes one’s shift just a little bit more bearable. Thanks to scrub caps, one’s hair is protected and out of the way. And if you have long, curly, or unruly hair, it’s really a God-send.
There are different kinds of scrub caps that you can choose from. For women and men with short hair, we’ve included close-fitting caps. For women with big hair or ponytails, we have a lot of ponytail scrub caps for you.
It was also a lot of fun looking through all the patterns and designs available online. You can choose from solid colors to fun and loud designs. Scroll through our list and have fun choosing your favorites.
Laundry Tip: If you want your scrub cap to last longer, opt to wash your cap in cold water and (mild) detergent.
Best Overall: ABAMERICA Working Cap with Button
A ponytail often doesn’t fit under your nurse cap well. If a ponytail is your go-to hairstyle, then you really need to check out ABAMERICA’s working caps. They are designed especially for nurses with ponytails, long straight hair, long curly hair, or even big frizzy hair.
Here are some excellent design features on the cap:
- A pouch at the back for your ponytail
- A ribbon that gathers the back pouch to keep it secure
- An elastic closure at the back so you can wear and remove it easily
- Toggle strings that let you adjust the cap
- A sweatband across the front end to absorb sweat
- Two buttons on each side for the straps of your masks to keep your ears from hurting
- 100% polyester so it’s lightweight, breathable, and durable
You can wear this all day without feeling uncomfortable. They fit beautifully and look great on different head sizes. Excellent material and very well sewn. The ribbon doesn’t unravel. They don’t fade and they’re cool when worn. You can even place your surgical hair net over it if you are in the OR.
Best Basic Bouffant: QBA Adjustable Working Cap with Button
If you’ve looking for a quality basic nurse cap that looks good on you, then Naivlizer is it. Their bouffant cap is very stylish and aside from being roomy, it looks exceptionally well on one’s head. Their solid colors and simple patterns are great to wear with patterned scrub tops, too.
Made of 100% high-grade cotton, these are light and breathable making them perfect for long shifts. Just like ABAMERICA, they come with an elastic closure to keep the cap in place and a moisture absorbent strip on the front to absorb sweat. Each cap also has one button on each side for your mask. Overall, they are sewn very well.
When you buy a Naivlizer cap, you support a small business.
Best Large Cap: Hotme Working Hat with Button
If you work in the pediatric ward or just love cutesy designs like unicorns and llamas, then you have to check out these adorable working caps by HotMe. They have a wide array of designs that often change. As of writing, they’ve got cute designs like the aforementioned unicorns and llamas, space designs like stars and rockets, and more serious patterns like paisley and solid colors. Those in dentistry have special designs set aside for them in the form of cute tooth drawings.
They come with a button on each side for your masks, an adjustable elastic band that you can tie into a pretty bow at the back of your head, and a sweatband across the front to help absorb sweat.
The manufacturer encourages buyers to wash these caps in cold water and mild detergent to prevent fading and bleeding. It makes your caps last longer!
Best Patterned: Kousenpu Adjustable Working Cap with Sweatband
If you have long hair but don’t want to get a bouffant style, you might want to try these Kousenpu caps. Thanks to the construction, they are roomy enough to snugly fit long air in the back while keeping baby hairs and bangs tucked well in front.
If you especially like flower patterns, Kousenpu has some very nice floral designs in pretty pastel colors. They also have bright flower designs in happy reds and sunshine yellows.
On the downside, their caps don’t have solid designs and they don’t have buttons for masks. The latter is surely a con while the pandemic is still ongoing.
Best For Men: Cherokee Scrubs Hat
Cherokee is a long-time popular medical apparel brand. If you order your scrubs from the brand, you can throw in a couple of their nursing caps.
At first glance, these look surprisingly small compared to the previously listed caps but that’s their actual strength. These caps are highly recommended for men with short hair since they don’t need the room. They are also purchased by petite women with smaller head sizes.
There are only four basic colors available as of writing but Cherokee caps have great quality and there is no fading.
Not recommended for people with long or bushy hair, or those with big heads.
Heartbeat Design: Big Hair Women’s Surgical Caps
Women with big, big hair, check out Sparkling EARTH’s Big Hair Women’s Scrub Caps. Designed for the nurse with long or poofy hair, the back is constructed to fit in all that hair while keeping your hair snug inside. This is very convenient if you regularly do delicate procedures or just want to keep your hair unexposed during these pandemic days.
The Big Hair caps can be worn two ways. You can either tie it in the back or wear as a ponytail. It is lightweight and constructed very well so that it is very comfortable to wear your entire shift.
Proudly made in the USA and made from 100% cotton, it also comes with the built-in sweatband. There is only one design for sale so you can’t choose but the heartbeat design is just perfect for any nurse.
Sadly, there are no buttons for your mask. It also comes at a higher price point.
Cutest Designs with Button: CHUANGLI Printed Working Cap with Sweatband
These CHUANGLI nurse caps check all the boxes. They are made of 100% cotton, have the button for your mask, a sweatband across the front, an elastic band and lace-up on the backside, an opening for your ponytail, adjustable straps, and enough room for your hair.
They also have a multitude of fun designs to choose from. They’ve got fun prints like unicorns and flamingos. They have beautiful prints like paisley and floral. For dentistry professionals, there’s a bunch of cute tooth designs, too.
Ponytail Cap: ABAMERICA Scrub Caps for Women
Here’s another option for nurses looking for nurses who want their hair and ponytails covered. Available in both 1-pack and 2-pack options, ABAMERICA cap is perfect for those with medium to long hair, offering a sleek, functional design with an adjustable elastic band for the perfect fit. The added sweatband and two buttons to secure your mask make it even more practical for long shifts.
Plus, the option to add a luxurious satin lining is a game-changer for extra comfort.
Best Set: First Lifesaver Working Cap with Buttons and Ribbon Tie
First Lifesaver Working Cap with Buttons and Ribbon Tie is a perfect blend of style and functionality. The ribbon ties and buttons on both sides add a charming touch, while the ponytail pouch accommodates long hair with ease, keeping everything securely in place throughout the day. The adjustable ribbon ensures a comfortable fit for most head sizes without feeling tight, making it ideal for thick hair and ponytails.
The hat helps maintain a neat and tidy appearance while keeping hair out of the way. It’s easy to care for as well—simply hand wash in cool water and air dry. Wrinkles can be easily removed with an iron or steamer. Overall, this working hat is both practical and stylish, making it a must-have for nurses!
Best Floral Print: GUOER Scrub Hat Bouffant Scrub Cap
GUOER Scrub Hat is made from 100% cotton, offering top-quality fabric that’s both comfortable and durable. The delicate double-stitched seams give it a beautiful, refined look. The adjustable elastic band ensures a perfect fit for all head types and hairstyles. Its unique triangle cut in the back keeps the cap snug, preventing hair from loosening during shifts.
A built-in sweatband adds extra comfort, while advanced hemming technology prevent cloth cuttings from falling. Easy to care for—just wash in cold water to keep it looking fresh.
Ideal for nurses who want a practical, stylish, and comfortable cap to focus on their work!
Best Cute Animal Designs: Geyoga 6 Pieces Working Hat with Buttons
These adjustable working hats are not only practical but also super cute! Featuring adorable animal designs, these hats will bring a fun touch to your workday while keeping you comfortable. You’ll receive 6 different patterns, each with a button design that helps relieve ear pressure by securing the straps to the buttons instead of your ears. The built-in sweatband absorbs moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable, even during long shifts.
Made from soft, breathable, and durable polyester cotton, these hats fit most head sizes thanks to their adjustable elastic band and back strap.
With the cute animal designs and thoughtful features, these hats are a must-have for anyone working long hours in healthcare or other busy environments!
Best Snug Fit: FIGS Modern Classic Scrub Cap
If you are looking for a snug-fitting nurse cap in basic colors, then this FIGS cap is it. Honestly, it looks very stylish especially when you’re wearing solid colored scrubs.
The cap makes use of the FIGS signature FIONtechnology fabric. It is odor-resistant, anti-wrinkle, and anti-static. The core-spun material is very, very soft, has a four-way stretch, and is moisture wicking. The material and technology might account for the high price point.
Please note that this fits small and says “you’ve got this” across the side.
Did any of the ones featured above catch your eye? You know you’ve found the right scrub for you when it combines comfort and functionality in one pretty-looking design. Happy shopping!
