I used a paxman one.  Did four rounds of TCHP and aI lost about 40% of my hair, but I'm glad I persevered with it because it meant 6 months after treatment I had hair extentions put in and nobody could tell because they blended well. Not sure if this is any good to you, but this is the the link for paxman: paxmanscalpcooling.com 

Thank you so much. Fingers crossed. Ceyenne. 

Hi there,

Hope you're doing well.

I was just wondering how you found you cold capping experience?

I am due to start chemo this Wednesday and plan to use the cold cap but have so many questions!!

I plan to use a low ph Kerastase shampoo and conditioner, should I take my own conditioner to the chemo session? Should I take a water spray bottle and comb too? Should I go to the session with wet hair to ensure it's completely wet?

Did you tie your hair up between sessions or wear it loose? 
Did you wash your hair over the bath tap or in the bath?

What brand shampoo and conditioner did you use?

I've bought a silk pillow case and a bamboo soft beanie hat but not sure what other things I should think about buying! Do I need to take a hair towel?

Sorry for the questions! Just trying to get organised this weekend before my first session - doesn't help that most shops are shut at the mo so it's all online orders!

Any tips would be great xx

Hi Fifi

Hope you don't mind me joining you on this thread -  for what it's worth my advice is take your own conditioner.  I had my first chemo session (EC) using the Paxman cold cap last Tuesday 10th November, I had all the same questions as you and been trying to get as much info as possible.  At my pre-info session the ONC nurse told me they used the proper Paxman conditioner, so I decided not to take my own.  I had bought the Kingsley pure one (grey and white) but when I got there they actually used Cien conditioner which is apparently the LIDL brand, I think I must have been quite sedated as I didn't pick up on that, so next time - (also being a dedicated Kerastase fan), I shall take my own conditioner.  So, this is day 5 and I've washed my hair only twice since then at home using kerastase.  The only thing I've noticed so far is that my hair is much drier than usual.  I have the silk pillow case and that seems to help.  The first hair wash I used lots of conditioning oil and let it dry more or less naturally, it didnt look great bit flat, so the second time I looked for help on the cancerhaircare site and Yasmin advised keeping it styled but using cooler hairdryer setting and nozzle, which I did and it looked better.  One of the consultants assistants, I spoke to on the phone about something else,  told me that she had the same chemo treatment abut 3 years ago and that the cold cap definitely helped, as she kept around 50% of her hair.  I do think it depends on your hair type though, I have fine blonde bobbed hair and so did she, highlighted (in normal times) for volume! Been told thicker hair means the cold cap doesnt get such a close fit and hence more hair loss.  Time will tell, I've got a wig which my hairdresser cut a fringe into and thinned out before lockdown, I also like to be prepared, it helps me feel a little bit in control, the wig is actually a better version of my own hair, so I'll be ok to wear it.  It is weird waiting for something to happen, got the bamboo sleep cap to avoid hairloss in the bed, I will keep you posted and love to hear how you get on, all the best.

Thanks so much for your message, it's so helpful to have some tips and advice. Really hope you have success with the cold cap and I hope you're feeling well after the first session? Do you wear a headband at all while the cold cap is on?

thanks again x

Yes, I had a headband just to go round the front to prevent any dripping, I took one in butdidnt use it, nurse used a disposable one which they just throw out afterwards.  I feel fine, I've just finished the 3 days of steroids they gave me dexamethasone and was told I would crash and burn for two days aftr stopping that but so far ok...now just taking domperidone for anti-nausea.  Apparently better to avoid starting vomiting by using these and I did feel a bit sick this morning.  I have a banana by the bed and some ginger oatmeal biscuits with a large bottle of water, so any time I wake up, take the medication and eat something. Small and often seems to be mantra and told it was important to flush it all through by drinking at least 2 litres of water day, which I am doing.  Also prunes and some bran seem to help as told not to let constipation get a hold and manage it myself!  But it is early days...

Hi all, I've just finish my chemo

I used a cold cap and managed to keep a lot of hair. As for regime I used olaplex. I always used no 3 treatment with the shampoo and conditioner the night before treatment. Once I had chemo I never really washed it for a few days. (To Ill, couldn't be bothered.) 

I then only really washed it once a week with olaplex after. If I did need to wash it more often I just used tresseame. (I found I had a reaction to elvie).

I also found using a hair syrum kept the knots out and stopped the pulling in my hair. My scalp was really painful through the second week. 

Hope this helps 

Gentle hugs

Tried coldcap Wednesday managed 20 mniutes. Ghastly! Prospect of three and a half hours of that for vanity just not acceptable

 I'd guess devised by a man and never tested on one - they'd crumble under such a horrid contraption

I had the best fitting cap which came down to my eyebrows so frozen face; ears covered in gauzes to protect from burning; unable to put on specs so not able to read; and ear buds too uncomfortable to listen for any length of time. 

Fortunately wigs amazing. A superbly clean gift from survivor friend- blessed!

I just wanted to add to this threat as my experience has generally been good and there are a couple of points which haven't been shared above.

I was persuaded by my oncologist to give a coldcap a go, I was all set to just shave it all off in advance. I am 6 sessions in (out of 12 weekly sessions of Paclitaxel) and so far it has been a success. I don't think I've lost any hair on my head, whereas my pubes are now thin and wispy.

I have thick, straight, european hair and the oncologist thought there was a good chance it would just thin a bit. I was forewarned by the chemo nurse in no uncertain terms that it could trigger migraines and that I needed to fit all my hair under it so my husband cut off my ponytail with my sewing scissors the night before my appointment. It is not necessary to cut it completely short, but it's good to cut off any serious lenght as it can pull on the hair.

It is uncomfortable for the first 5-10 minutes, and I always worry that it will continue to be uncomfortable, but my scalp is numbed after then and I honestly can't feel it. It does not trigger headaches for me at all. The most unconmfortable bit is the chin strap which is very tight and makes slightly difficult to speak. It also make mask wearing and putting in ear pods a bit tricky but nothing too difficult. I don't use a headband because I wouldn't be able to use my ear pods, but sometimes they put gauze between the cap and my skin. This is not always necessary. I don't know if the fact that I use the large size cap has anything to do with it, maybe it is not so tight on the skin?

I bring my own conditioner (nothing fancy, the 3-minute miracle one) and use my usual shampoo. Today I leant that I shouldn't wash my hair for 24 hours after the session, but until now I've tended to wash my hair the following morning. I was also advised today not to blowdry or use straighteners on my hair, but I've not done that anyway.

I also bring a hot water bottle which the nurse fills, that and a blanket really helps me feel warm and comfortable, particularly if I use it on my hands during treatment.

I have the coolcap on for 30 minutes before the chemo starts, basically they put it on before they do my pre-meds, which have to work for 30 minutes before chemo anyway. Then it has to be on during chemo (which for me takes between 2 and 4 hours) and then for 1 hour afterwards. Finally it is switched off and you have to wait 15 minutes for it to defrost before it can be removed. So yes, it does add some time to the treatment but since it seems to work I've simply resigned myself to the fact that chemo is an all-day experience!

I am not particularly vain, and as I said at the beginning I was all set to shave it all off rather than having big clumps fall out. The fact that I have cancer is not a secret. However, I really appreciate that people can't see what I'm going through and I can choose myself who I want to share my journey with.

I hope this helps somebody, I certainly wasn't well adviced about the details of the treatment prior to 'living through' it.

Such a helpful read and a very helpful thread.

I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will be starting chemo in a couple of weeks time. I spoke to my nurse today about the possibility of using a cold cap, she did advise that it can be unplesant. I'd still like to give it a go. I unfortunately have waist length hair that i'd been growing for years, going to my hairdresser tomorrow for an extreme cut. 

I am just wondering how short people had their hair cut before chemo?