Successful scalp cooling depends on many factors. One very important factor is how you treat and look after your hair. Chemotherapy can cause hair to become dry and brittle, therefore whatever treatment is being received, special attention needs to be paid in caring for hair to treat it as gently as possible. The following advice can be very helpful in achieving a successful outcome:

• Don't be afraid to brush or comb your hair daily but remember do it gently using a wide-toothed comb or a soft hairbrush, such as one for a baby.
  
  
• If you usually tie your hair back, use ribbons or soft scrunchies rather than elastic type bands which can easily damage the hair.
  
  
• Don't plait your hair as this may damage it.
  
  
• Don't perm your hair.
  
  
• Don't subject your hair to excessive heat, for example hair dryers, hair straighteners, heated rollers etc.
  
  
• Don't use hair products that contain harsh chemicals, such as hair dyes, perms, gels and sprays.
  
  
• Only use natural ph balanced herbal or vegetable based products which nourish and encourage healthy hair.
  
  
• Sleep on a pillow fitted with a silk/satin type pillow case.
  
  
• If you have long hair use a silk/satin hair net to sleep in to avoid your hair getting tangled.

Washing Your Hair

• When washing your hair always use ph neutral or natural herbal type shampoos and conditioners that help nourish and encourage healthy hair.
  
  
• Avoid products higher in acids or alkaline such as baby shampoo (alkaline).
  
  
• Always wash your hair with tepid not hot water.
  
  
• Gently apply shampoo and conditioner to your hair - do not be aggressive.
  
  
• Let your hair dry naturally if possible or pat your hair dry using a soft towel - do not rub it.
  
  
• If using a hair dryer use the cold air setting only and avoid rubbing your hair as you dry it.
  
  
• Try and limit the number of times you wash your hair to twice a week if possible.
  
  
• When having chemotherapy/scalp cooling treatment it is recommended to wash your hair 24 to 48 hours before treatment.
  
  
• Try to not wash your hair for at least 24 hours following chemotherapy/scalp cooling treatment.  

Colouring Your Hair

Although it is not recommended to colour your hair while having scalp cooling a number of patients have used a nonpermanent natural vegetable-based colouring product, which usually last from 3-6 weeks. (Try to avoid some Henna products which can contain ammonia and peroxide). This type of colouring product can be obtained from high street outlets or natural health stores.

If you do decide to colour your hair it is recommended that you initially colour your hair at least one week before starting your first chemotherapy/scalp cooling treatment cycle, ensuring to use only a non-permanent natural vegetable based product.

Thereafter for patients receiving 3 weekly cycles of chemotherapy further colouring of your hair should again be done the week before receiving your chemotherapy/scalp cooling treatment. For patients on weekly cycles of chemotherapy it is recommended that colouring your hair is done 4/5 days after receiving your chemotherapy/scalp cooling treatment.

Hairdressers

Visiting your hairdresser while receiving chemotherapy/scalp cooling treatment is not advisable. However if you feel you do need to go to the hairdresser, maybe to have your hair cut, make sure they are fully aware that you are receiving chemotherapy and scalp cooling treatment. Provide them with this information leaflet as it may help minimise any potential hair loss.

Please be advised that should you choose to colour your hair or visit your hairdresser this may affect the success of the scalp cooling treatment and lead to increased hair loss.

The key factor to help achieve a successful outcome is to be as gentle as possible with your hair. Remember do not subject your hair to any stress, aggression, pressure or heat during your chemotherapy/scalp cooling treatment. It is advisable to continue with the same practices for a period of 6 - 8 weeks following your last treatment cycle.

For more information you can view/print our patient hair care leaflet as a PDF™ by clicking the image to above or by clicking here.