What is cold cap therapy?

Cold capping, also known as scalp cooling, is a technique used to minimize or prevent hair loss in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The process involves the application of a specialized gel cap to the patient's head before, during, and after chemotherapy sessions. This cap is cooled to a very low temperature, typically ranging from -30 to -32 degrees Celsius (-22 to -25.6 degrees Fahrenheit). It is imperative that cold capping be started with the first treatment infusion day.

The cold temperature constricts the blood vessels in the scalp, reducing the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicles. By limiting the exposure of the hair follicles to the drugs, cold capping aims to minimize the damage to the hair cells and prevent or reduce hair loss. The cooling process is usually initiated about 50 minutes before the start of chemotherapy and continues for a variable duration after the treatment session.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of cold capping can vary among individuals and depends on factors such as the specific chemotherapy drugs used, the dosage, and the individual's hair type. While cold capping can be successful in preserving some or most of the hair, it is not a guarantee, and some hair loss may still occur. In that case, you are still preserving the hair follicles, which has been shown to be helpful to hair regrowth.

The decision to use cold capping is often a personal one, and clients should discuss its potential benefits and risks with their healthcare team and support system. It's essential to consider factors such as the type of cancer, the specific chemotherapy regimen, and the patient's overall health when exploring the option of cold capping for chemotherapy-induced hair loss.