Does scalp cooling help with hair loss from cancer treatment?

A cooled cap lowers the temperature of the scalp around the time chemotherapy is given. Cooling narrows local blood vessels and may reduce how much medicine reaches hair follicles, which can lessen follicle injury. Hair may still thin or shed, and the effect can vary with the medicine, dose, schedule, cap fit and hair characteristics. Scalp cooling is mainly discussed with selected chemotherapy plans; it is not a general protection against every treatment-related change in hair.

Ask the oncology team before treatment starts whether cooling has been used with your exact regimen and whether the service is available. Discuss how long the cap is worn before and after treatment, how cold-related discomfort is handled, and how to care for fragile hair. Do not delay cancer treatment or change medicines to preserve hair. A soft head covering, gentle washing and emotional support may help if shedding occurs.

Tell the treatment team promptly about severe scalp pain, skin injury, blistering, marked headache, dizziness or distress that makes cooling difficult. Seek urgent help for breathing trouble, facial swelling or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, whether or not they occur during cooling.

Could scalp cooling be used with my treatment plan? What will the appointment involve? How should I wash, brush and style my hair? What signs of scalp injury should I report? What support is available if hair loss affects my wellbeing?