Posted: Friday, December 15th, 2017
Cold caps and scalp cooling systems are two methods that help prevent hair loss during chemotherapy. These non-invasive techniques both involve applying specially designed caps onto one’s head to cool the scalp for a set amount of time in order to help those who are going through chemotherapy keep more of their hair.
Both options involve tightly fitting hats that are made to strap on, helmet-style, one’s head. They’re filled with a gel that is chilled to approximately -14 to -40 degrees. Cold caps and scalp cooling systems are worn prior, during and after each chemotherapy session. The actual length of time is determined by the type of chemotherapy being administered.
The cooling produced from cold caps and scalp cooling systems acts as a type of hypothermia, which helps to constrict the blood vessels in the scalp. This, in turn, helps to reduce the amount of chemo that reaches the hair follicles and prevents hair in those areas from falling out. There are some slight differences between these two options that are discussed in turn below.
Cold caps work similar to ice packs in that they are cooled in a special freezer and end up thawing out over time. Typically, a cold cap lasts for about 30 minutes and needs replacement after that amount of time. These items can be rented by women who need cold caps. Some brands that make high quality cold caps include Penguin and Chemo Cold Caps.
By contrast, the cap is attached to a refrigeration machine that continuously circulates the coolant with scalp cooling systems. This means that the cap is fitted once and doesn’t need to be replaced during the chemotherapy session. Women who wish to use this option are charged to use the system during their chemo sessions by the cancer treatment center. Some brands that make high quality systems – and are FDA approved – include Paxman and DigniCap.
Total cost of using caps depends on the brand of the cap as well as the number of sessions and months you have the cap. Women who wish to use either option are encouraged to check with their insurance carrier to see if the cost of using the caps is covered.
Women who use cold caps or scalp cooling systems should dress warmly to their chemotherapy session since they can get cold while wearing the cap. They can also experience headaches due to how cold the caps are during use.
It’s been found that the effectiveness of cold caps and scalp cooling systems depends on a number of variables. Recent studies show that caps that fit very tightly are more effective than looser fitting caps. Other factors pertaining to the effectiveness of these options include the type of chemotherapy drugs used, the dosage of the chemo and how well one can tolerate the coldness since wearing the cap consistently can improve effectiveness.
Unfortunately, the results for using a cold cap or scalp cooling system aren’t guaranteed and some women find that they aren’t happy with the results. If you are one of these women, you have options. Our hair replacement experts are here to help educate you. We offer free private consultations so that you can come in to learn about the hair replacement options we have, including luxurious real hair wigs, hairpieces and toppers.
All of our hair replacement options are styled to ensure that the wave pattern, texture, and color of your hair replacement solution feels natural while looking and feeling undetectable. Our collection of wigs, hairpieces and toppers include:
Would you like to learn more about what The Salon at 10 Newbury offers women who have tried cold caps or scalp cooling systems with less than satisfactory results? Please schedule an appointment with one of our hair replacement specialists to learn more by emailing us at thesalonat10newbury@gmail.com.
We offer free private consultations so that you can come in to learn about cold caps and scalp cooling therapy. Please schedule an appointment with one of our hair replacement specialists to learn more by emailing us at thesalonat10newbury@gmail.com.
