Abstract: A protective face and head apparel especially suited to the occupational needs of welders, the invention particularly comprises a hard hat with a scalloped lower edge and a head band assembly which includes an elastically deformable band for adjusting the fit of the head band assembly to the head of a user. A welder's hood or face shield is pivotally and resiliently supported from the hard hat with the pivot axis being related to the hard hat and hood so that the hood will be more evenly balanced above the head when pivoted upwardly to a generally horizontal position.