There’s no denying that going through chemotherapy is going to be one of the hardest things you will have to do, but one of the things that can make it a bit easier is the option to cold cap—a method that can help preserve your hair during treatment. If you’re considering cold capping, or just curious about the process, here’s everything you need to know, based on my own experience.
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WHY I CHOSE THE COLD CAP ROUTE
The moment I found out there was a way to potentially save my hair, I knew I had to try it. One of my oncologists told me, “Don’t bother,” but I wasn’t going to let that discourage me. My other oncologist was actually shocked that I still had hair after my second infusion. It was moments like these that fueled my determination and made me a huge advocate for cold capping. You’ve got to be prepared for the journey—it’s not guaranteed, but the odds are good. I went into it fully mentally prepared to lose my hair, but I sure as hell wasn’t banking on that outcome.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLD CAP BRAND
The brand I chose came highly recommended by my sister, who had seen someone with curly hair on TikTok using it. Although that person ended up losing a significant amount of hair by the end of their journey, the success percentages were still higher compared to other options. Once I got the hair care guidelines, I knew I had to do things differently to give myself the best chance. Don’t forget, you know your hair best.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR COLD CAPPING?
All brands are different but when it comes to cold capping, you typically have two main options:
- Cold Capping: Manual cooling. Basically they are ice packs in helmet form that need to be changed out every 25 minutes. You can choose either a volunteer service (meaning someone you know will apply the cap) or a white glove service (a tech from the company will accompany you and do all the leg work), depending on your needs and budget.
- Scalp Cooling: Machine operated. This is another method to protect your hair, though the approach and technology might vary slightly from traditional cold capping and most likely does not need assistance.
Brands To Check Out
HOW I PREPARED BEFORE STARTING COLD CAPPING
Before I started treatment, I made some significant changes to my hair care routine. I donated all my old hair products and switched to all-natural, vegan products. I also stocked up on the tools and products I’d need throughout the process (check out my Amazon link for my go-tos).
One thing I wish I had done differently? Not getting a haircut (or waxing my eyebrows) before treatment. About a week before I started treatment, I trimmed my hair but, with curly hair, it ended up being cut too short. If you have curls, be mindful of how much you trim before starting treatment and communicate with your hairstylist that this isn’t a big chop – this is for YOU. As far as the eyebrows go, mine thinned out quite a bit so I wish I had kept them wild going in and now that I am a year post treatment, I haven’t touched them. Embrace the wild now 🙂
PREPERATION FOR EACH TREATMENT
The night or day before each treatment, I’d wash and clean my hair. The official protocol recommended washing two days before treatment, but my hair was so dry that I found washing the night before worked better after my second treatment. After washing, I wrapped my hair in a dew rag. Depending on the timing of your infusion the next day, you’ll need to let your hair out to air dry completely. Remember, your hair cannot be wet before cold capping! Scalp cooling may be different – be sure to consult with your chosen providers.
MY IN-BETWEEN HAIR CARE ROUTINE
In between treatments, I only washed my hair every 72 hours (think liver cleanse for your scalp). Cold water works best but I did do flashes of warmth, as long as your scalp doesn’t get hot and steamy throughout this journey – you should be fine. Hydration was key—both inside and out. I’d wet my hair with filtered water and comb it through with a wide-tooth comb while applying Daily Dose conditioner. Anytime my hair felt dry, I moisturized with filtered water (I used the filter for my shower head below) and Daily Dose to keep it soft and hydrated. I worked out but I tried not to get too sweaty and when I wore hats, I made sure they were very breathable and/or satin lined.
"Stay ahead of the matting" is your new mantra!
(more on that below)
WHAT I DID AFTER MY TREATMENTS
By the time I reached my fourth infusion, I started to ramp up the frequency of wetting and moisturizing my hair. I picked up the Daily Dose and made sure to hydrate more often to keep my curls healthy. Get a couple of travel sizes so you have them handy.
Products I Used During Cold Capping
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A COLD CAP COMPANY
When you’re selecting a cold cap company, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Here are some that I found helpful:
- Can you take me through the entire process of white glove service vs. volunteer training and cost for both?
- What is your success rate?
- How long do each sessions take?
- (FOR POC) Have you worked with Black clients? If so, what temperature did you use for the density of their hair?
TIPS FOR THOSE CONSIDERING COLD CAPPING
If cold capping is an option for you, I say go for it! There are circumstances where cold capping or scalp cooling might not be viable, but if it’s on the table, fight for it. It’s imperative that you advocate for yourself—don’t let anyone talk you out of it if it’s something you want to do. Trust me, both of my oncologists had different opinions, but I made the choice that felt right for me.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE STARTING COLD CAPPING
Looking back, I wish I had protected my peace and environment more by carefully vetting the customer service technicians I worked with. It’s important to work with people who truly care and understand what you’re going through. I also wish I knew that there were other people in the company who loved their work—it could have made a difference in my experience.
SPECIAL TIPS FOR CURLY HAIR
If you have curly hair, there are a few extra steps you should consider:
- Stay Ahead of the Matting: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate—inside and out. This is crucial for keeping your curls healthy and avoiding matting.
- Follow Your Intuition: You know your hair better than anyone else. Yes, there are skilled curl professionals out there, but no one knows every inch of your crown like you do. Trust yourself and your instincts.
WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID
- Don’t Cut Your Hair Before Treatment: Maybe a light dusting on the split ends, but nothing more. Communicate with your hairdresser and ensure they don’t cut past a light trim—if anything at all.
- Scolding Hot Water: The last thing you want is to dry out your hair. Hot water can not only do that but also dry out your sensitive skin.
- Harsh Hair Products: You want to avoid anything that is not organic, or loaded with chemicals. These will not only weigh down your hair but also could clog your follicles or worse dry your hair out even more.
- Don’t Give Up: No matter how tough it gets, keep going.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON COLD CAPPING
One last thing to keep in mind: your hair will shed. It sheds every day, whether you’re going through chemo or not. Focus on what’s still on your head and keep it hydrated. Cold capping is high maintenance, but I wholeheartedly believe it works if you put in the effort. Stay committed, stay strong, and remember—you’ve got this.
