Now, keeping your hair during chemo is up to you.
Scalp cooling caps are a treatment designed to help reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy. They work by reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy. This decreases blood flow to the hair follicles, which reduces the amount of chemotherapy reaching this area, helping to preserve your hair during treatment.
It is normal to feel cold and uncomfortable at first. Many people describe the initial sensation as an intense cold that can be uncomfortable for the first 15-20 minutes. However, after that time, your scalp usually gets used to the temperature. While it can be a challenging experience, many people find that the benefit of preserving their hair outweighs this temporary discomfort.
Results vary from person to person. Some people manage to keep much of their hair, while others may experience partial hair loss. Effectiveness depends on several factors, such as the type of chemotherapy, the frequency of treatments and how your body reacts.
There is no guarantee that you won't lose some hair, but for many people, even a small reduction in hair loss helps them feel better about themselves during such a difficult time.
Cooling caps have shown good results, especially with certain types of chemotherapy. Studies indicate that they are most effective with taxane-based regimens (such as paclitaxel and docetaxel) and, in some cases, also with anthracyclines (such as doxorubicin). These drugs tend to have a higher chance of hair preservation with scalp cooling.
Some of the treatments where cooling has been shown to be most effective include:
Paclitaxel (weekly or fortnightly)
Docetaxel
Doxorubicin combined with cyclophosphamide
Carboplatin combined with taxanes
Combination regimens with Herceptin (trastuzumab) or Perjeta (pertuzumab)
It is important to remember that everyone is different, and results may vary. However, many people who use cooling caps with these treatments have managed to keep much of their hair.
For best results, it is important to follow these steps when using the cooling cap:
Although it may seem like a lengthy process, many people find it worth the effort to preserve their hair. Following these guidelines is essential to increase the likelihood of successful scalp cooling treatment. Remember, we're here to be with you every step of the way and make you feel as comfortable as possible!
The success of scalp cooling depends on the type of chemotherapy you are receiving. This method has been most studied in regimens that include drugs such as anthracyclines (e.g. doxorubicin and epirubicin) and taxanes (e.g. paclitaxel and docetaxel). However, effectiveness can vary from person to person, and it is not always possible to predict the exact outcome until you try it.
In some cases, especially in more complex chemotherapy regimens (such as those combining anthracyclines and taxanes given on the same day), there is not enough research to know for sure how well the cooling will work.
Some of the chemotherapy regimens where scalp cooling has been used include:
Paclitaxel (weekly and fortnightly)
Paclitaxel + Carboplatin (every 3 weeks)
Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide
Docetaxel/Carboplatin
Docetaxel/Carboplatin/Herceptin
Docetaxel/Carboplatin/Herceptin/Perjeta
Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide/Herceptin
Monotherapy with docetaxel (every 3 weeks)
Doxorubicin/Cyclophosphamide
Abraxano
Cytoxan/Methotrexate/5-FU
Eribulin
Other taxane-based regimens
Other anthracycline-based regimens
Remember that the best option is to talk to your doctor so that you can assess together whether this treatment is compatible with your chemotherapy plan.
Hair care is very important during this process. We recommend following these tips to minimise hair loss and keep your hair as healthy as possible:
Wash your hair less frequently and use gentle products, such as sulphate-free shampoos.
Avoid using hairdryers, irons or any heat tools.
Brush your hair gently and try not to manipulate it too much.
Avoid aggressive treatments such as dyeing, bleaching or perming during treatment.
Yes, you can start using cooling caps even if you have already started chemotherapy! Although the best results are obtained when used from the first session, wearing the cap at any time during treatment is still beneficial. You may not achieve exactly the same level of hair preservation as if you had used it from the start, but it is always better to use it, even if it is in the middle of treatment, than not at all.
The good news is that most people tolerate cooling caps very well! At first, it is normal to feel bitter cold or some discomfort in the first 15-20 minutes, but many patients quickly get used to it. In some cases, you may experience a slight headache or a prolonged cold sensation, but these effects are usually manageable and temporary.
Most importantly, any discomfort you may feel is temporary, and the potential to keep your hair can make it worth it! The medical team will be on hand to make sure you are as comfortable as possible and to help you cope with any discomfort.
Studies have shown that scalp cooling caps do not interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The aim is to reduce blood flow to the scalp, but this does not affect the ability of the chemotherapy to treat the cancer in the rest of the body. However, it is essential to discuss this with your oncologist, who can best guide you in your specific case.
The first patent for a specially designed scalp cooling cap to prevent hair loss dates back to 1980, marking the beginning of this innovative treatment. Over the years, the technology has evolved, and the scalp cooling system was approved by the FDA in 2017, allowing more patients worldwide to access this option to preserve their hair during chemotherapy.
In the following link you can find the original patent: https://www.criobella.com/primer-gorro-patente-de-1980/
It is important to know that although the cooling cap helps preserve your hair, you may still experience some hair loss. This is completely normal. However, it does not mean that the treatment is not working. Many people manage to keep a significant amount of hair despite losing a little at first. If you do start to see some loss, don't get discouraged and keep wearing the cap; you may find that the loss stabilises and helps you keep a lot more hair throughout the treatment!
In this introductory video, we explain how the Cryobella cold cap works to cool the scalp and help reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. Learn the correct placement of the cryotherapy cap and how it can make a big difference. Don't miss the videos below with more details on the process.
In this video we explain the exact times at which the Criobella cold cap should be in place to ensure maximum effectiveness of scalp cooling during chemotherapy treatment.
You will learn how long the cap should be worn before, during and after each chemotherapy session, as well as key technical facts such as ideal temperature and cooling time.
If you are looking for information about the times and conditions for the use of the Criobella cold cap in chemotherapy treatments, this video will give you all the answers you need.
In this third video, our specialist shows you how to correctly place the Criobella cold cap on a mannequin, following a clear and detailed step-by-step.
Learn the precise technique to ensure that the cap fits snugly, maximising scalp cooling and improving results during chemotherapy treatment. If you need a visual guide to fitting the cryotherapy cap, this video is perfect for you. Be sure to watch the other videos to get a full understanding of the use of the Cryobella cool cap.
This short video summarises everything you need to know about the use of the Criobella cool cap in chemotherapy treatments. We go over the key points about fitting times before, during and after chemotherapy, as well as the importance of following these times to maximise the benefits of scalp cooling.
Ideal for those looking for a quick and clear overview of cold cap times and procedures. Be sure to watch the other videos for more in-depth details on each phase of the hair cryotherapy process.
In this full video, we show you how the Criobella cool cap helps protect hair follicles during chemotherapy treatments. Cooling the scalp is a process that decreases blood flow to the scalp, limiting the follicles' exposure to the drugs. This helps to preserve hair health during treatment.
You will learn the ideal times to wear the cold cap before, during and after chemotherapy, as well as the recommended temperature to optimise its benefits. In addition, we offer a step-by-step guide to ensure that the cap is fitted correctly, guaranteeing the best fit and comfort throughout the process.
This video gives you everything you need to know about using the Criobella cooling cap and how it can help reduce side effects on hair during chemotherapy. Don't forget to check out our other videos for more details on the proper use of the hair cooling system.
