Scalp cooling maybe offered for some chemotherapy that can cause hair loss (alopecia). It can be used for both men and women who wish to try and prevent hair loss. This should be discussed at your pre-assessment appointments.
Scalp cooling can reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy. It works by reducing the amount of chemotherapy drugs reaching the hair follicles.
The scalp is cooled by the use of a cooling system. A ‘cap’ is placed on the head with this cap attached to a cooling system delivered by a machine. The scalp is cooled to just below freezing (this does not cause your hair or scalp to actually freeze) prior to the start of chemotherapy. The scalp cooling hat has to be on the head for 30 minutes before chemotherapy, during the infusion of the treatment and for up to 90 minutes afterwards depending on the drugs given.
Scalp cooling doesn’t work with all chemotherapy drugs and it’s not always possible to know how effective the scalp cooling will be.
You don’t need to make your mind up whether to try the scalp cooling until just before your treatment. Once you have received one treatment without scalp cooling you cannot change your mind after this, however if you want to try it with your first treatment you can stop at anytime if you find it too uncomfortable.
The chemotherapy team will discuss the pros and cons of scalp cooling.
Managing hair loss advice will be given and this includes washing hair with a gentle shampoo, not blow drying hair, gentle drying after washing, not to dye hair and to use a wide tooth comb or brush. A hair net can be used whilst in bed. You can also be put in touch with the hair loss support team for extra advice and support.