Tips for Managing Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

I had shoulder length and ahead of chemo cut to pixie cuts . I did cold caps and still have pain in my follicles . Shorter hair helped me as the hair chunks that came out were less . I have a wig that helps me on days I am at office or big crowds . I use wig grip above a net to keep on place

I had 12 rounds of chemo and used Arctic Cold Caps with great success. My fiancé had to manage the capping for me , I used ice gloves and socks to decrease the risk of neuropathy. If the hospital has the cold cap available take advantage of it.

I’m doing cold capping. I will say the first 8-10 min is probably the hardest. My caps are at -25F….( my caps are cold with dry ice not cold water) I use mole skin on forehead, cotton makeup pads on my ears, and if you have a part use surgical gauze along part. I am about to have treatment #8 and have not lost any of my hair (at least on my head)😂 Another young lady has hair past her waist, and the same for her. I wish you lots of luck and hope this info helps!

I hired a cold capping specialist who is using Penguin Caps. I didn't have any of the severe pain others reported. It tingled a bit on the first cap. She started me 30 minutes before treatment using a warmer cap to ease me into it. I also did the mitts and booties to prevent neuropathy. I just finished my first round. I noticed a couple of other folks trying the booties and mitts and taking them off after 5 minutes or so. I guess I have a high pain tolerance.

The regiment I was given from Penguin Cold caps was very specific. Start 50 min before chemo given with caps that are min of -25F. The purpose is to freeze hair follicles otherwise chemo will kill them. Cap is changed every 20min to maintain correct temp and continue 3 1/2 hrs after chemo. Once red devil is given same except 5 1/2 hrs after chemo treatment. First cap is worst, after that head is numb and it’s just cold. Good luck and hope you’re doing well!

I have thick coarse hair. Used the Artic cold cap. After 3 cycles I have lost over 80% of my hair and it's still falling out. I wouldn't recommend people with thick hair using these. The hair probably acts as an insulator so the cold doesn't reach your scalp as well.

Is MM having my fourth infusion Friday. I’ve lost a little but enough to notice. I take 10000 of Biotene and vitamins. I don’t know if it helps.

I used Paxman machine supplied by the hospital. I have a lot of thick hair and I've lost about 60% of it. I just heard you should leave the cap on 45 min to 1 hour for thick hair before chemo. Nurse was only leaving it on for 30 min. I have enough hair at the front and back to cover my bald patch if I tie my hair up.

I've only had 2 cycles of Chemo so far

I use the Paxman cap and have lost probably 20% of my hair which isn’t to noticeable to others, but I do wear a wig for a few special occasions I have gone too. I try to only brush my natural hair in morning and then braid it (it’s long, but not super thick). The first 10 minutes is worst but then my head is frozen and I don’t feel it. I wish you all the best 💕

I used the Penguin cold capping system and had great success. I hired a technician to manage the capping, a four hour process during the chemo treatment. She then came home with me for the last four hours. She was fabulous. I lost some hair- the rest was dried out, so I cut off the bad ends. 10 months later, my hair is growing in thicker than ever and back to normal. Cold capping was a great choice for me.

I haven’t started chemo yet so not familiar with some of the terminology, what exactly is cold capping, do they train you to do it yourself, when do you do it etc?

Cold capping freezes your hair follicles which may reduce hair loss. It’s not a guarantee. But I will say I’m on treatment #9 and have had little to no hair loss. I’m using the Penguin Cold Cap system. It’s online, they provide you with all the tools you need (dry ice you need to get yourself) and very detailed instructions on how to use them. Videos and personal helpers are available in certain areas. My husband helps me with mine. It’s not that difficult once you get routine down. Just time consuming. Very strict routine and hair care regimen. i.e. only wash hair once a week on specific day, no conditioner, no oils, only use wide tooth comb, etc. Again…they are very good with tools and instructions! A young lady I met in treatment is also using this system…she’s had 4 red devil, and now on taxol….her hair is past her waist and no significant loss. Hope this helps and answers questions.

Thank you if this is only used to prevent hair loss no worries as long as they stop my aggressive cancer I don’t care if I go bald really 😊 thank you the information

My hair is basically gone after 3 Arctic Cold cap treatments. I paid for 4 at 800 a pop and I'm basically done using it. Very expensive lesson for me.

Thanks Cheryl good to know

With the Penguin Cold Caps, you rent them for as long as you need. My insurance covers it as it’s a medical device for cancer treatment.

I have no health insurance

Talk to the social worker where you get treatment to help sign you up for whatever coverage you are eligible for. (Medicaid, Medicare, etc). Good luck.

I agree with the concept that caps May or may not work depending on the chemo and dose needs for your cancer type and treatment regime. I have an aggressive triple neg cancer with BRCA gene and hair loss was inevitable. I needed over a year of chemo, and my hair is growing back well now but I’m using good acrylic wigs and am very recognizable by friends. I wish you the very best. If you desire a wig, it’s best to get one by a professional before hair loss, as mine was gone within 3 weeks.

Where can you find a reasonable price wig

Cold caps can be helpful for preserving hair during treatment, and it's thoughtful to consider comfort strategies for your work environment. For wigs, look for ones with soft, breathable cap materials and adjustable sizing to minimize scalp irritation, while shorter styles or loose braids might feel gentler on sensitive areas between treatments.