What is a cold cap?

At Nicola Jane, we know that hair loss can be one of the most challenging side effects of chemotherapy. It’s not just about appearance - it’s about identity, confidence and feeling like yourself. That’s why many people explore scalp cooling to reduce hair loss during treatment.

A cold cap is a specially designed headpiece that helps reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss. It works by restricting the blood vessels beneath the skin, which limits the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicles. This process helps protect the follicles from damage, potentially preventing hair loss.

Typically, cold caps are worn before, during and after each chemotherapy session - the duration can range from two to four hours.

There are two types of cold caps:

• Manual cold caps are filled with gel and pre-cooled in a freezer which have to be changed by a nurse every 20-30 minutes to maintain the correct temperature.
• A machine-based cold cap has a continuous cooling system, this keeps your scalp the correct temperature throughout treatment.

Vicky said: "I chose to wear the cold cap as my children were too young to understand the full cancer diagnosis and I wanted to feel and look as normal to them as possible."

What are the benefits of cold caps?

For those who choose to try scalp cooling, the benefits can be significant:

• Reduces hair loss – While people experience different results, this method can be effective when reducing hair loss.
• Boosts confidence – Many experience a loss of confidence during treatment because of hair loss. Scalp cooling cooling can be a way to lift your spirits and confidence during treatment.
• Sense of control – Having the choice to keep your hair can be empowering, especially when you're going through something which is completely out of control.
• Allows for a more gradual change – Although scalp cooling doesn't guarantee you won't lose your hair, it still slows down the process, which can give you the chance to adjust.

Vicky said: "It did save most of my hair. I got a very small bald patch right on the crown of head but just wore a wide Head scarf/alice band across it. Nobody noticed I’d lost hair. It made me feel less like a cancer sufferer and my children never asked where my hair had gone. I was confident going out and about having still got my hair."

Elements to consider:

Cold caps can be an effective option, but they’re not for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Effectiveness depends on the chemotherapy type – Some drugs cause more hair loss than others, speak to your oncologist about whether scalp cooling is likely to work for you.
• It requires extra time – Cold caps need to be worn before and after each chemo session, meaning longer treatment days.
• The cold can be uncomfortable – Some people find the initial cold sensation difficult, but this can improve with time.

Vicky said: "It was quite possibly the hardest part of my chemo experience. You have to arrive over an hour before the chemicals are infused to allow for your head to get cold enough. It’s very very cold and at my last session I nearly fainted due to my frozen head. I used to sit there with blankets and hot water bottles all round me!"

Overall Experience:

Everyone is different and choosing whether to try a cold cap is a personal decision, it’s important to consider the pros and cons. Some people find it ideal for preserving confidence during treatment, while others decide it’s not for them and that’s okay.

At Nicola Jane, we believe in feeling good in your own skin, whatever that looks like for you. Whether you choose to try scalp cooling or embrace hair loss, what matters most is that you feel comfortable, confident and supported.

Vicky said: "You do need to consider the amount of extra time it all takes at the hospital for your chemo session. You also have to realise your hair won’t look quite the same - It will fall out a bit. I would still recommend trying it."

Follow the link below to read about Selin's experience using a cold cap: