Locations:
Search IconSearch

What Does Cold Capping Do During Chemo?

Chemo cold caps may help you keep more of your hair during therapy

Person receiving chemotherapy, wearing a cold cap

Hair loss can be a big concern for people going through chemotherapy. And while hair typically grows back after treatment, hair loss can be distressing — like an outward reminder of just one more way cancer has changed you.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

“It becomes about more than hair. It can feel vulnerable, like a loss of normalcy and a blow to your self-confidence,” recognizes oncologist Megan Kruse, MD.

So, when you hear about cold capping for chemo and the promise of (maybe) retaining your locks, it’s natural to want to learn more. Dr. Kruse shares how it works.

What is cold capping?

Cold capping, also called scalp cooling, is a treatment that uses cold to constrict the blood vessels in your scalp. It can help you retain more hair while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The cold helps keep the cell-killing chemo away from the hair follicles (where hair is produced) to protect your hair.

“The idea is that when you expose the scalp to cold, the blood vessels in your scalp clamp down,” Dr. Kruse explains. “That means less chemotherapy is delivered through the blood vessels to the hair follicles.”

Before you get your hopes too high, know that cold capping isn’t a guarantee that you won’t lose some of your hair.

“Some people go in thinking they’re going to keep all of their hair and that it won’t look any different,” she adds. “But that’s usually not true. Typically, you’ll still have some hair loss, and it can be more pronounced at the top of your head. But it should grow back after you’ve completed chemo treatment.”

Advertisement

Types of cold caps

There are two kinds of cold caps:

  • Automated caps use a hose hooked up to a machine that circulates cold water through the cap during treatment. They’re regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medical devices and may be covered by your insurance.
  • Frozen gel caps don’t hook up to machines. Instead, you store them in dry ice and rotate them throughout treatment to keep them cold. They’re not regulated by the FDA and may not be covered by your insurance.

The type you use is a personal decision and may be influenced by things like cost and convenience. Some medical facilities may even provide cold caps.

Keep in mind that frozen gel caps need to be rotated regularly during treatment, so it can help to have someone with you to help change them.

How does cold capping work?

If you choose to use a scalp cooling system, expect to wear it during each chemotherapy treatment, as well as 30 to 60 minutes before and after each session.

Using it consistently, starting with your first treatment, is key, Dr. Kruse notes: “The effects of chemo, in terms of hair loss, will set in after that first treatment.”

Is cold capping right for you?

Cold capping isn't right for everyone. And whether it will work for you depends on factors like the type of cancer you have, your medical history, and the chemotherapy medications and dosages you receive.

“Some chemotherapy medications are so potent that if even a little bit gets up to the hair follicles, they’ll probably die off, even if you’re using a cold cap,” Dr. Kruse clarifies.

Your cancer care team may advise against cold capping if you:

Cold capping side effects

While wearing the cold cap, your head will be ... well, cold. And that could feel uncomfortable. The circulating cooling fluid that cools the scalp is set to just about freezing — 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius). The goal is for your scalp temperature to be between 64 F and 72 F (18 C to 22 C).

The cooling cap may feel constricting. It should fit tightly on your head, and there will likely be a strap that goes under your chin to keep it secure.

Some reports suggest that about two-thirds of people who used cold caps during chemotherapy reported discomfort, like:

  • Headaches
  • Scalp pain
  • Neck pain
  • Discomfort from the cold
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness

If you’re a candidate for cold capping, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Some people will tell you the discomfort isn’t worth it. Others will tell you that cold capping helped them keep their dignity and feel some sense of control at a time when so much is out of their hands.

Advertisement

What you choose is a matter of personal preference. There’s no right or wrong answer.

“Often, people tell me they feel better about themselves when they can keep more of their hair. They feel more like themselves. It can help normalize this experience for them,” Dr. Kruse shares. “But it’s not right for everyone. And that’s valid, too.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Health Library
Chemotherapy Side Effects

Related Articles

Healthcare provider going over test results with patient
Rising Rates of Cancer in Young Adults — What You Need To Know

Rates of early-onset breast, colorectal and GI cancers are increasing, but preventive care and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk

Woman wearing cancer head scarf, being held by her partner
Navigating Cancer and Sex

The side effects of cancer and treatment can impact desire, sexual function and intimacy, but there are ways you can keep the flame going

Person taking a break from bike riding, eating a salad
February 20, 2025/Cancer Care & Prevention
How To Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

Decisions you make regarding smoking, alcohol use, meal choices and exercise can make a big difference

Hand holding fork, with scrambled eggs and red peppers on plate, with cucumber slices
September 25, 2024/Cancer Care & Prevention
Cancer Patient Diet Tips and Recommendations

When you’re living with cancer, eating enough protein and a variety of colorful foods can help you keep up your strength and energy

Two people hold hands in a comforting way across a wooden table.
August 15, 2023/Cancer Care & Prevention
9 Best Ways To Support Someone Who’s Going Through Cancer Treatment

Practice meditation together, make a unique-to-them care package and embrace emotions

person researching on laptop
Coping With Fear of Cancer Recurrence

Taming fear and reclaiming your future after treatment

Microscopic view of cancerous cells in the body.
Carcinoma vs. Sarcoma: What’s the Difference?

Carcinomas are the most common and affect skin and organs

someone giving another a care package at front door
What To Get Someone Going Through Chemo

From a thoughtful note to a special pillow, these items are a win

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad