Scalp cooling tips

Hi everyone. I’ve just finished 6 months of chemo (4AC, 12 taxol) and I have a full head of hair thanks to scalp cooling.

I wanted to share my scalp cooling tips:

HAIRCARE

• Wash once pw
• I used A'kin by alchemy - rosemary shampoo and unscented very gentle conditioner
• Lightly pat hair when shampooing don't vigorously massage
• Use cool water only to wash hair. If chemo during winter easier to wash hair in sink so you don't get cold. Ensure you wear a shower cap in the shower in case the water is too hot
• No other hair products are to be used - no dry shampoo, mousse, colour etc
• No blowdrying no straightening
• Leave to air dry then brush with childrens detangling brush once hair is dry
• Tie in low ponytail with soft scrunchie or cut a hair tie from old pantyhose
• If hair is oily wear cap/ hat. Don't be tempted to wash again.
• If you have an important function, stretch out washing your hair until that day.
• On day after chemo don't comb don't wash. Leave the conditioner from scalp cooling on, don't wash out even though it feels yukky. Wash hair 2 days after your chemo session.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase
• Brush only once per day in morning, that's it
• Cut hair shoulder length before starting chemo so ends are healthy and less resistance when combing
• During chemo if you need a trim ask hairdresser to not pull tight with a comb - just to comb and cut gently. Doesn't matter if not even
• When chemo is complete continue to care for your hair as you were for 2-3 weeks. Then when you notice hair not falling out as much you can gently dry with a hairdryer and step up washing to every couple of days
• Avoid colouring/straightening etc for 6 months

COOLING CAP TIPS

• Morning of chemo have 2 panadol osteo (stronger panadol) at least an hour before cap is on
• Strap of cooling cap should be tight enough so you can't open your mouth wide but it shouldn't be so tight that you can't talk
• For the first 15min close your eyes and meditate. After 15 mins you won't feel it as bad. Ask a friend to time it for you and give you updates and encouragement eg "only 5 mins left" ask them to otherwise not talk to you at all as you are getting through the first 15 mins
• Keep conditioner in your chemo bag in case the hospital runs out
• Ask nurse about their cooling cap experience to make sure they know what they are doing. If in doubt get a second opinion once the cap is on
• Cap needs to be on the hair line and the crown needs to be completely covered with no gaps. Better to have a larger inner cap and a smaller outer cap. My inner cap was medium and the outer one was small.
• To help them you can hold the inner cap in place at the front of your head while they bring down the outer cap
• Ask nurses to put the star clips on to keep it even firmer on your crown
• It's easier if you pull the strap down under your chin rather than the nurses
• Cap is cold there is no way to sugar coat it. Your whole head is freezing, it's worse in winter months and better in summer. First one is not as bad as you don't know what to expect so your adrenaline gives you strength. It's worse for the second, third and forth cause you know what to expect. Once I moved to weekly chemos I got used to it.
• You can't chew when cap is on so just have soft foods - yoghurt, custard etc
• Bring a hand towel extra to tie around your neck to keep it dry as your wet hair will make your neck cold
• Your body will be cold! Bring a warm blanket and socks in your chemo bag
• Also bring a beanie to wear home after treatment as your hair will take a while to thaw out
• It's not easy! Chemo would have been much easier and quicker without scalp cooling but to me it was worth it as nothing is as bad as being bald. Scalp cooling saved my hair and gave me anonymity as a chemo patient

Having a go at arctic cold caps, second round of TC, 4X/3weeks. On the 20th day was shedding more than usual, 21st day second round, we will see what this brings...