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Scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients
Some chemotherapy patients are able to have scalp cooling, a technique to reduce hair loss.
When you have chemotherapy, the drugs travel all round the body in the bloodstream. When they reach the scalp they may damage the cells that make the hair, causing it to fall out.
Cooling works by narrowing the blood vessels that supply the scalp. Less blood flows through them, so that less of the chemotherapy drug reaches the scalp cells.
To have scalp cooling you wear a close-fitting cap which is filled with a chilled gel or a liquid coolant. Your scalp is cooled just before you have your chemotherapy.
The technique isn’t suitable for everyone. It depends on the type of cancer you have, and the drugs being used to treat you. Your oncologist or chemotherapy nurses will be able to give you more advice.
Macmillan Cancerbackup has information on its website about scalp cooling.
Taking care of your hair
Often, hair loss can't be avoided - but it is always a good idea to be extra gentle when you care for your hair. For example...
- don’t perm or colour your hair until a few months after your treatment has finished
- don’t use hair rollers, curling tongs, hot brushes or straighteners
- be gentle when you brush or comb your hair
- don’t wear your hair in a plait or a tight pony tail
- use a mild shampoo (eg baby shampoo)
- let your hair dry naturally if you can. If you do need to use a hairdryer, put it on the cool setting
- before you start your treatment you might like to have your hair cut in a new style that will be easier for you to look after.
For further information on looking after your hair and scalp during treatment, please see our page on 'where can I get more information?'
