Reclaiming Our Lives: A Style Series by Tina Martel

An Introduction to Tina Martel

We’re honored to welcome author, artist, and four-time cancer survivor Tina Martel to the LuxCare blog. Through her platform Not in the Pink, Tina has carved out space for truth-telling, wit, and unapologetic visibility in the face of cancer.

In this exclusive series, she shares personal reflections on fashion, identity, and reclaiming beauty post-treatment—including her decision to go flat. Her intention?

“To share my ideas about fashion, normalizing a post-cancer body, and whatever little wisdom I have gained as I maneuver through life as a cancer survivor/patient.”

This first piece revisits an iconic yet often misunderstood accessory: The Headscarf.

The Headscarf: More Than a Symbol

“Is there an item of clothing that is a more loaded visual for cancer patients?”

Why I Ditched the Wig

I never wore a wig. I simply couldn’t move past the discomfort and the alien look. I took a long time picking one out at the Cancer clinic I visited. I cycled through looking like my sister, my niece, and oddly what I thought my dad might look like in drag. Nothing felt right. I suspect I only bought the one I did because I felt sorry for the frustrated woman who was trying to help me. It never left the house and spent a year on a hook. But scarves, those I could and did use. All kinds and patterns. My claim to fame was that I could tie one onto my head without a mirror. While walking down a street. In spite of being told cancer was some kind of life lesson, I’m fairly certain that was the only useful thing I did learn. 

Reclaiming Glamour

  But, I refused to buy into the scarf being simply utilitarian and its only use is to hide hair loss. I think that we need to re-introduce it as the fashion forward piece it should be. In true Audrey Hepburn fashion we need to throw on the prerequisite massive sun glasses and head out the door for an adventure on the French Riveria or a possibly trip to the local grocery store. Own it! Give it back its former glamour. If you are hiding a bald head underneath: let that not be the first thing anyone sees. Let it be your grace. Your glory. If you are feeling particularly adventurous throw on some red lipstick.

Fashion as Armor

We have so many things taken away from us during and after cancer. After fourteen years of cancer diagnoses I frequently use fashion to help me deal with it all. I know it is not the most important thing but when I can waltz into an appointment and the receptionist tells the nurse that the fabulous woman in the corner is the oncologist’s next appointment? It’s the closest I can get to a win. 

Closing Thoughts….

Tina reminds us that fashion isn't just about appearance—it's a form of resistance, joy, and self-definition. Whether you’re in active treatment or many years out, her voice is a fierce invitation to own your story, your body, and your beauty.

Stay tuned for more posts in this thoughtful, stylish series—coming soon.