Now, keeping your hair during chemo is your choice.
Scalp cooling caps are a treatment designed to help reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy. They work by lowering the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during, and after chemotherapy administration. This reduces blood flow to the hair follicles, thereby decreasing the amount of chemotherapy that reaches this area and helping to preserve your hair during treatment.
It is normal to feel cold and discomfort 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 adjusts to the temperature. While it may 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 a large portion of their hair, while others may experience partial loss. Effectiveness depends on several factors, such as the type of chemotherapy, treatment frequency, and how your body reacts.
There is no guarantee that you won’t lose some hair, but for many, even a small reduction in hair loss helps them feel better about themselves during such a challenging time.
Cooling caps have shown good results, especially with certain types of chemotherapy. Studies indicate they are more effective with taxane-based regimens (such as paclitaxel and docetaxel) and, in some cases, also with anthracyclines (like doxorubicin). These drugs tend to have a higher likelihood of hair preservation with scalp cooling.
Some treatments where cooling has been shown to be more effective include:
- Paclitaxel (weekly or bi-weekly)
- Docetaxel
- Doxorubicin combined with cyclophosphamide
- Carboplatin combined with taxanes
- Regimens combined with Herceptin (trastuzumab) or Perjeta (pertuzumab)
It's important to remember that everyone is different, and results may vary. However, many people using cooling caps with these treatments have been able to retain a significant amount of their hair.
To achieve the best results, it's important to follow these steps when using the cooling cap:
Although this may seem like a lengthy process, many people find the effort worthwhile for hair preservation. Following these guidelines is fundamental to increasing the success rate of scalp cooling treatment. Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way and to make you feel as comfortable as possible!
The success of scalp cooling depends on the type of chemotherapy you’re receiving. This method has been most studied with regimens that include drugs like anthracyclines (such as doxorubicin and epirubicin) and taxanes (like paclitaxel and docetaxel). However, effectiveness can vary from person to person, and it’s not always possible to predict the exact outcome until you try it.
In some cases, especially with more complex chemotherapy regimens (like those combining anthracyclines and taxanes administered on the same day), there isn’t enough research to know for certain how well cooling will work.
Some chemotherapy regimens where scalp cooling has been used include:
- Paclitaxel (weekly and bi-weekly)
- Paclitaxel + Carboplatin (every 3 weeks)
- Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide
- Docetaxel/Carboplatin
- Docetaxel/Carboplatin/Herceptin
- Docetaxel/Carboplatin/Herceptin/Perjeta
- Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide/Herceptin
- Docetaxel monotherapy (every 3 weeks)
- Doxorubicin/Cyclophosphamide
- Abraxane
- Cytoxan/Methotrexate/5-FU
- Eribulin
- Other taxane-based regimens
- Other anthracycline-based regimens
Remember, the best approach is to discuss with your doctor so 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 minimize hair loss and keep it as healthy as possible:
- Wash your hair less frequently and use gentle products, such as sulfate-free shampoos.
- Avoid using hair dryers, straighteners, or any heat styling tools.
- Brush your hair gently and try not to manipulate it too much.
- Avoid harsh treatments like dyes, bleaching, or perms during treatment.
Yes, you can start using cooling caps even if you’ve already begun chemotherapy! While the best results are achieved when they’re used from the first session, using the cap at any point during treatment can still be beneficial. You may not achieve the same level of hair preservation as if you had started from the beginning, but it’s always better to use it, even halfway through treatment, than not to use it at all.
The good news is that most people tolerate cooling caps very well! It’s normal to feel intense cold or some discomfort during the first 15-20 minutes, but many patients adjust quickly. In some cases, you might experience a mild headache or a prolonged feeling of cold, but these effects are usually manageable and temporary.
The most important thing is that any discomfort you may feel is temporary, and the potential to keep your hair can make it worthwhile! The medical team will be by your side to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible and to help you manage any discomfort.
Studies have shown that scalp cooling caps do not interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The goal is to reduce blood flow to the scalp, but this does not impact chemotherapy’s ability to treat cancer in the rest of the body. However, it’s essential to discuss this with your oncologist, who can best advise you based on your specific case.
The first patent for a cap specifically designed for scalp cooling to prevent hair loss dates back to 1980, marking the beginning of this innovative treatment. Over the years, the technology has evolved, and scalp cooling systems were FDA-approved in 2017, allowing more patients worldwide to access this option for preserving their hair during chemotherapy.
You can find the original patent at the following link: https://www.criobella.com/primer-gorro-patente-de-1980/
It's important to know that while the cooling cap helps preserve hair, you may still experience some hair loss. This is completely normal. However, it doesn't mean the treatment isn’t working. Many people manage to keep a significant amount of hair despite losing a bit at the start. If you start to notice some shedding, don’t get discouraged and keep using the cap; you may find that the loss stabilizes and helps you retain much more hair throughout the treatment!
In this introductory video, we explain how CrioBella’s 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 upcoming videos with more details about the process.
In this video, we explain the exact timing for when CrioBella’s cold cap should be worn to ensure maximum scalp cooling effectiveness during chemotherapy treatment.
You’ll learn how long the cap should be worn before, during, and after each chemotherapy session, as well as key technical details, such as the ideal temperature and cooling time.
If you’re looking for information on the timing and conditions for using CrioBella’s cold cap during chemotherapy treatments, this video will provide all the answers you need.
In this third video, our specialist demonstrates how to correctly fit CrioBella’s cold cap on a mannequin, following a clear and detailed step-by-step process.
Learn the precise technique to ensure a proper fit, maximizing scalp cooling and enhancing results during chemotherapy treatment. If you need a visual guide for placing the cryotherapy cap, this video is perfect for you. Be sure to watch the other videos to gain a complete understanding of using CrioBella’s cold cap.
This brief video summarizes everything you need to know about using CrioBella’s cold cap during chemotherapy treatments. We review key points on cap timing before, during, and after chemotherapy, as well as the importance of following these timings to maximize the benefits of scalp cooling.
Ideal for those seeking a quick and clear overview of cold cap timings and procedures. Be sure to watch the other videos for more in-depth details on each phase of the scalp cryotherapy process.
In this comprehensive video, we show you how CrioBella’s cold cap helps protect hair follicles during chemotherapy treatments. Scalp cooling is a process that reduces blood flow in this area, limiting the follicles’ exposure to drugs, which helps preserve hair health during treatment.
You’ll learn the ideal timings for wearing the cold cap before, during, and after chemotherapy, as well as the recommended temperature to optimize its benefits. Additionally, we provide a step-by-step guide to ensure the cap is properly fitted, guaranteeing the best fit and comfort throughout the process.
This video gives you everything you need to know about using CrioBella’s cold cap and how it can help reduce side effects on your hair during chemotherapy. Don’t forget to check out our other videos for more details on the proper use of the scalp cooling system.
consultas@criobella.com