Now, keeping your hair during chemo is up to you.
How the hypothermia hat works is one of the most common concerns among cancer patients preparing to undergo chemotherapy. This device, also known as scalp cooling cap, aims to protect the hair follicles the damage caused by cytotoxic drugs.
The mechanism involves applying localised cold to the scalp, which causes vasoconstriction, that is, a constriction of the blood vessels. This reduction in blood flow restricts the delivery of the medicine to the follicles. Furthermore, the cold slows down the cellular metabolism of keratinocytes, causing the cells to less active and, therefore, less vulnerable.
The combination of these effects has proven to be an effective strategy for preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss, particularly with drugs such as taxanes or anthracyclines【1】【2】【3】.
Key benefits of the hypothermia hat:
Reduced delivery of the chemotherapeutic agent to the hair follicle
Reduction in cell damage
Partial or complete preservation of the hair
Improved emotional well-being
The hypothermia hat acts at three physiological and cellular levels, creating a synergistic effect that protects the hair:
When the temperature of the scalp drops, the blood vessels constrict significantly. This vasoconstriction can reduce capillary perfusion up to 40%, thereby reducing the concentration of the drug in the follicular area【2】【3】.
The cold reduces the fluidity of cell membranes, which hinders the drug’s entry into the follicular cells. Furthermore, as kinetic energy decreases, the cytotoxic molecules are less effective at penetrating【2】.
Hypothermia also reduces mitotic and enzymatic activity of the cells. This means that the keratinocytes in the hair bulb enter a resting state, making them less susceptible to damage caused by chemotherapy【1】【3】.
Practical example:
Imagine that the follicle is a factory. If the flow of lorries (medication) slows down, the doors are half-closed (cold membranes) and the workers are on a break (low metabolism), the risk of damage is much lower.
In short, The hypothermic hat protects your hair by reducing the amount of drug that reaches the follicle and decreasing the cells’ susceptibility to damage. This is achieved by:
The cold-induced vasoconstriction
The reduced cell permeability
The slowing of follicular metabolism
For best results, it is essential to follow a strict protocol which includes:
30-minute pre-cooling
Continuous cooling during chemotherapy
Post-cooling for 60 to 120 minutes【5】【6】
At Criobella, we offer effective handheld devices that are ready to use at home or in the clinic. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, Ask your oncologist about the possibility of using scalp cooling.
Does the cap work with any type of chemotherapy?
Mainly with taxanes and anthracyclines. Not all drugs respond equally to cooling【3】.
Are there any side effects?
It may cause headaches, chills or discomfort due to the cold. These symptoms are temporary and tolerable【4】.
What percentage of hair is retained?
It depends on the protocol and the type of drug. In studies, More than 50% of patients retain some or all of their hair【3】【6】.
How does the beanie stay cool?
It should be replaced every 20–30 minutes with another one that has been frozen beforehand. Consistency is key【5】.
Select the length of your chemotherapy sessions to get your personalised cold cap recommendation, along with the price and details of the ideal plan for you.
