Hi, I’m cold capping and it’s too early to say if it’s worked yet but wearing the cold cap itself I didn’t find too bad despite all the horror stories. The cold did not bother me at all; the worst part is that it has to be fitted really tight with a chin strap which sort of squishes your face a bit. It also adds a couple of hours to the treatment time. Not that I have anything better to do ;)

I had shoulder length hair but had it cropped before chemo into a bob to make it more manageable. (Im only allowed to wash my hair twice a week and have to be gentle with it).

I would say it’s definitely worth a try. The oncologist said it was 50/50 whether it works but the chemo nurse quoted 80% success. The definition of success varies though...I’ve seen people who said they lost anywhere between 0 and 80% of their hair, though many said they kept enough hair to get by with a well placed scarf rather than a wig. I do think a lot is down to the fitting. We shall see...

I think if it wasn't going to look good then I'd prefer to shave it off and go hairless! I also don't think I'd be able to manage only washing my hair twice a week. I have scalp problems and use coal tar shampoo. If I don't wash my hair daily, I get scabs and all sorts on there. 

I love the idea of being able to keep my hair but really unsure if the cold cap will work for me...

How many treatments have you had so far [@Mrsfingers]‍ ?

I think if it wasn't going to look good then I'd prefer to shave it off and go hairless! I also don't think I'd be able to manage only washing my hair twice a week. I have scalp problems and use coal tar shampoo. If I don't wash my hair daily, I get scabs and all sorts on there. 

I love the idea of being able to keep my hair but really unsure if the cold cap will work for me...

How many treatments have you had so far [@Mrsfingers]‍ ?

I’m having my second round next week. I’m now apparently reaching the point where I can expect to see hair loss. I’ve lost some ahem, body hair, but nothing from the scalp...yet!

[@Mrsfingers]‍  I don't mind the thought of loosing other hair on my body... saves on waxing!! Hopefully it works for you x

Hello, hello,

I just came across this thread while researching about cold caps. I'm due to start my 1st chemo session this Friday and had planned to try the cold cap. Did you have much success in the end? 

It's hard to decide whether to just shave my hair off and use my wig. Or attempt the cap, I suppose I'm worried I will feel let down if it falls out anyway after getting up hopes up ‍♀️

Any advice would be fantastic, Thank you xx

Carrie. Good luck for Friday....I had second cycle last Thursday of fec....to cold cap or not....a difficult one....I did loads of reading on it and as it's not an exact science I decided against, the thought of being in the chemo unit any longer than I need to be was a nogo.....I was a hairdresser for 30 years and my hair my crowing glory....and boy is it hard to look at your bald head, but I have a fantastic wig and some lovely turbans, and I try my hardest not to look too closely in the mirror! 

Good luck with making the right decision for you...let us know how you get on? Xxx

Argh, sorry I’m late replying. I had my first zolodronic acid infusion and ended up in hospital! I stuck with the cold cap and although I lost quite a lot of hair and had a big bald patch on top it has started to grow back quickly after chemo. I can send you some pics if if helps. If in doubt I’d say try the cold cap. You can always decide to stop using it but you can’t not use it and then decide to start x

Hi, 

When you lost quite a bit still could you fit a wig on top of remaining hair? 

Hello just wandered what ur success rate was with the cold cap in the end ?