Cooling Cap during chemo

[gbaby321]

Good morning, has anyone had success using cooling caps during chemo to minimize hair loss? If so where did you purchase? Thank you.

[Hidden]

I used it and it works! But be aware it’s not just “cooling” and is very very cold. You need to change the cap every 30 minutes or so just as the cold is getting bearable. You have to continue for about two hours past the end of chemo. I found that tough as I just wanted to lie down and sleep. I brought an electric blanket with me to help with the chill. My chemo was a few hours every four weeks. If I had to have chemo more regularly I think I’d find this process exhausting.

You will still need to be careful with your hair — no swimming, don’t regularly wash with shampoo etc. I found a cleansing conditioner which I used instead of shampoo. My hair thinned at the temples and it wasn’t as vibrant but it beat being bald.

I didn’t use it in 2004 but did with my recurrence in 2014. I found a company online called cold caps. I now understand your hospital will work with you unlike back in 2014. Insurance covered some of it. We had to submit receipts as insurance did not cover the up front cost

Hope this helps.

[Kiera49]

I decided not to use it as cant stand the cold and treatment would have taken longer, but loads of people have and say it works, good luck on whatever you decide, all the best