Scalp cooling to prevent or reduce hair loss

Some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can cause you to lose your hair. Scalp cooling – wearing a cold cap during each treatment session – is a way to prevent or reduce hair loss.

Scalp cooling machines are not available at all treatment centres and are not suitable for everyone. Some people find them too cold and uncomfortable.

Speak to your medical oncologist or oncology nurse if you are interested in scalp cooling.

How scalp cooling works

Scalp cooling works by chilling the scalp to around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, which reduces blood flow to the scalp. This helps prevent the chemotherapy drug from getting into the hair follicles, so hair is less likely to be damaged and fall out.

While some people manage to keep a full head of hair throughout treatment, it’s important to know that, even with scalp cooling, your hair may thin or fall out completely. Studies have shown though that your hair grows back thicker and faster if you use scalp cooling through all of your chemo.

You wear a silicone cold cap each time you have chemotherapy treatment. This cap is attached to the scalp cooling machine. It fits tightly to your head and you feel it gradually becoming cooler as the machine fills it with water or a gel coolant.

For the cooling to be effective, you will need to:

• put the cap on about 30 minutes before you start treatment
• wear the cap throughout your chemotherapy infusion
• keep the cap on for another 30 to 60 minutes (depending on the type of cooling system) after your infusion finishes.

This can extend the time you need to be at the oncology centre by 2 or 3 hours.

While you are wearing the cap you need to sit by the machine. If you need to move, for example to go to the toilet, the cap can be disconnected for a few minutes.

Why some people stop scalp cooling 

About 50% of people choose to stop using scalp cooling at some stage during their chemo treatment. 

The main reason is because they have lost more hair than they would have liked. Others find it’s too cold and uncomfortable or takes too much time. 

You can choose to stop any time but restarting later is not helpful.

Tips to manage scalp cooling

Our members have shared what they did to make the scalp cooling more effective and comfortable:

• Wear thermal clothing to your chemo appointment, as it can make your whole body cold.
• Take a blanket or ask the nurses for a warm blanket while you have the cold cap on.
• Ask for paracetamol before the cooling starts or during treatment if you are uncomfortable.
• Wet your hair and apply conditioner before the cool cap goes on.
• Comb your wet hair back, to make sure there is no strong parting.
• Use a gentle treatment such as Argan Oil at home if your hair becomes dry.

If you’d like to learn more about scalp cooling and whether it would be suitable for your situation, talk to your medical oncologist or cancer nurse.