Patient Guide for Using the Cooling Cap
We understand that chemotherapy can be a challenging and stressful experience for you. That’s why we’ve tried to make this phase easier by reducing its side effects.
Hair loss caused by most chemotherapy drugs starts about three weeks after the first treatment session and usually leads to complete baldness quickly. However, if cooling results in mild to moderate hair loss (up to 50%) and the patient feels no need to use a wig, it is considered a successful treatment, which has been observed in half of the patients using the cooling cap.
You probably have some questions about using the cooling cap. Here, we have tried to answer some common questions from cooling cap users. We hope you find the answers to your questions.
Does using the cooling cap interfere with the chemotherapy treatment process?
No, the patient’s medication is administered through an IV, entering the bloodstream, while the cap only cools the external part of the head, including the scalp and hair, without interfering with the treatment process. The only effective method worldwide for preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss, which has shown promising results, is scalp cooling. In the past, this was done with ice packs, but in recent years, devices have been developed that can control scalp temperature much more effectively and accurately. This method has been researched by reputable medical centers worldwide for years and is now included in major scientific references. In 2016, this method also received FDA approval for its effectiveness and safety.
Will a chemotherapy patient’s hair definitely fall out without using the device?
Chemotherapy drugs affect the scalp and hair follicles. The chemotherapy regimen (type and dose of the drug) prescribed by your doctor causes hair loss on the scalp (and possibly other parts of the body). This hair loss starts about two to four weeks after the first treatment session and usually leads to complete baldness within a week. Almost always, this baldness is reversible, meaning hair growth resumes after treatment ends and within a few months, the hair returns to its previous volume.
Will this method definitely preserve the patient’s hair?
In the treatment standards of this method, (1) no hair loss, (2) mild to moderate hair loss (up to 50%), or (3) the patient’s feeling of not needing a wig, are considered successful outcomes. Hair loss caused by most chemotherapy drugs starts about three weeks after the first treatment session and usually leads to complete baldness quickly. However, if cooling results in mild to moderate hair loss (up to 50%) and the patient feels no need to use a wig, it is considered a successful treatment, observed in half of the patients across different countries and with various hair types.
So, remember:
Unfortunately, there is no test or evaluation that can show before starting the use of the device whether it will be effective for you or anyone else. Therefore, you should use the device for one or two sessions, and if successful, continue using it throughout the treatment period.
** Only 10% of people who use the device experience no hair loss at all. Therefore, there is a possibility of mild to moderate hair loss. The following guidelines will help you minimize this hair loss.
The image below shows an example of a successful treatment with the cooling cap.
Can the cold from the device be tolerated?
Yes! While patients may feel intense cold during the first few minutes, this sensation quickly subsides, and most people can easily tolerate the temperature. For the best results, it’s important to be patient.
The scalp temperature, normally around 34°C, is reduced to about 5°C with the device and remains constant during the few hours of use. The intense cold felt initially by some individuals usually subsides within 10 to 30 minutes. Additionally, once the cap is removed at the end of the session, the scalp temperature returns to normal within seconds. Fortunately, most people tolerate this temperature well, and some even find it enjoyable! So, there’s no need to worry.
Which patients should not use the cooling cap?
The cooling cap is not recommended for patients with hematologic malignancies, melanoma, liver or kidney dysfunction, a history of severe migraines, cryoglobulinemia, or lupus.
Important recommendations before the first session:
The nurses will review your medical records to ensure there are no issues with using the device. Please assist them with accurate responses. Also, carefully read the provided brochures.
Before the first session, it is advisable to cut your hair as short as possible. During the weeks and months of using the device, it is strongly recommended to avoid going to the hairdresser.
Important recommendations for using the cooling cap:
Key points at the start of each treatment session:
Do not take your anti-nausea medication at home. Bring it with you and take it when the cap is placed on your head.
Remove jewelry, including earrings and necklaces. Your hair will be moistened with water spray for better cooling, so be sure to bring a wide-tooth comb to gently smooth your hair before and during the wetting process.
If your hair is braided or you have extensions, make sure to undo them.
Remove jewelry, including earrings and necklaces, to ensure the cap fits snugly on your head.
Important Points During Treatment:
Each session with the cooling cap will last between 3 to 6 hours. Try to arrive early at the center to make the best use of your time. Given the long duration of the treatment, we recommend bringing a book, magazine, or music player if you wish. You can rest in a sitting or lying position, whichever is more comfortable for you during these hours. For bathroom breaks, the cap will be disconnected from the device but should remain on your head, and you should return to your bed quickly to reconnect the cap to the device.
It’s advisable to bring warm clothing, such as a shawl. The clinic provides pillows and blankets, and you can even have a warm drink with the nurses’ approval to avoid feeling uncomfortably cold.
An elastic cap is placed over the cooling cap to retain the cold and ensure the cap fits snugly to cool the entire scalp evenly. If the cap feels too big or small, or if the chin strap is uncomfortable, inform the nurses.
You can bring a personal elastic headband to secure the cap firmly on your forehead and ensure even cooling of all scalp areas. Be sure to have a wide-tooth comb to gently smooth your hair before and during the wetting process.
If at any time you feel you cannot continue using the cap, inform the nurses.
Important Points Between Treatments:
Immediately after removing the cap, you may feel dizzy or light-headed, which should subside within a few minutes. You might also experience a mild headache for a few hours or days, which can be relieved with simple painkillers like acetaminophen with codeine. Using the cooling cap does not cause serious side effects, so any severe issues are likely related to your illness and should be discussed with your doctor.
Since your hair will naturally be more fragile during this period, avoid any mechanical or chemical factors that could pull or affect your hair. Follow these tips to minimize hair loss and avoid the need for a wig:
Washing Frequency: The less frequently you wash your hair (once a week) and the further from your chemotherapy sessions, the better.
Hot Water Baths: Try to use lukewarm water for bathing and avoid scrubbing or combing your hair in the shower. Gently apply shampoo foam to your scalp and avoid vigorous rubbing.
Shampoo Use: Only use very mild, sulfate-free, and paraben-free shampoos.
Combing Hair: Always use a wide-tooth comb.
Hair Coloring: Avoid any hair dyes, including henna, as they can reduce the success of hair preservation.
Hair Cutting: Avoid haircuts and any styling that involves pulling your hair, as it can increase hair loss. Remember, your hair will naturally be more fragile.
Rough Pillowcases: Rough pillowcases can pull on your hair and increase hair loss.
Drying and Styling Hair: Avoid using hot blow dryers or hair straighteners, as they can seriously damage your sensitive hair.
