Hello I am due to start chemo soon and I am trying to find out if the cold cap is effective. I have been told by someone not a medical person that it is painful and my hair will get very thin. Is this true and is the cold cap effective in stopping hair loss or am I best to accept my hair will fall out. Would appreciate any advise or thoughts please thank you
Dear Pip26,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. on the Macmillan Support Line.
Preparing for treatment can often be an anxious time. Talking to you Cancer Nurse Specialist or team can often help to alleviate any concerns you may have but also give the answers to your questions.
Using a cold cap is a way of cooling your head that may help some people to reduce or prevent hair loss. However, it is only effective with certain chemotherapy drugs. Sometimes even for those who are suitable to use the cold cap, it may still not work. It is impossible to tell whether it will work for an individual until they try it. It’s useful to note, that not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss. Some don't cause any hair loss at all, or only slight thinning. We would encourage you to talk to your own team regarding this. If scalp cooling is available in your hospital, it usually starts prior to your first cycle of chemotherapy as this is when it is most effective.
Coping with hair loss can be extremely difficult. We have information here which you may find useful going forward if hair loss is a side effect of your chemotherapy.
We’d encourage you to get back in touch with your chemotherapy team or Clinical Nurse Specialist if you have one. They will be able to let you know if this a suitable option for you at this time.
You may find it helpful to talk to other people with hair loss. Our Online Community groups offer further support.
You can also find good information on Cancer Hair Care which is a leading support charity on hair loss.
The Macmillan Website has access to resources and information you may find helpful.
Accessing your local Macmillan Cancer Information and Support centres can also provide support and signpost you to local support networks.
Our Macmillan support line is open 7 days a week Mon to Sun 8-8 and if you need to speak to someone, please call us on 0808 808 0000. I hope that this helps, please don’t hesitate to contact us again if any further information or support is required.
Kind Regards
Paula L
Ref: PL/RH
