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Getting ready for scalp cooling

Getting ready for scalp cooling and chemotherapy can feel overwhelming, but it is important that you put some time aside to get yourself prepared for scalp cooling.

Getting ready for scalp cooling

Getting ready for scalp cooling and chemotherapy can feel overwhelming, but it is important that you put some time aside to get yourself prepared for scalp cooling.

Now that you have made your decision, there are some key bits of information that you will need to familiarize yourself with.
1. Get to know the cap and practice putting it on
Putting the cap on properly is the most important thing you can do to get the most from scalp cooling. Our ‘How-To’ videos (which we will take you to shortly) will show you exactly how to achieve this. One of your clinical team will help with putting the cap on, though many patients choose to take responsibility for putting on their own caps as it is such an important part of the process - no-one will be more invested in getting the cap on properly than you are.
2. Think about your hair preparation
Particularly if you have curly or coily hair. Practicing in advance will make things easier on the day. We have another ‘How-To’ video that will walk you through your hair preparation.
3. Get to know about scalp cooling haircare
It won’t make a difference to the amount of hair you might retain, but it will make your day-to-day care experiences easier, and make sure your hair is in the best condition possible. You’ll find everything you need to know in the haircare section of this website and the haircare booklet in your Cap Kit.
4. Get to know what a realistic outcome will be for your regimen
Seeing what you are likely to face can be a little scary, but it is also a fundamental part of being realistic in your expectations. More on this on the realistic expectations page.

Your Cap Kit

You will receive your Cap Kit before you begin your treatment. The Cap Kit contains everything you will need to scalp cool and you will need to bring it with you to every chemotherapy session.

Getting to know the contents of the kit is an important part of scalp cooling preparation and will help to take away some of the uncertainty from your first treatment day.
  • Your cooling cap – this will be the size decided upon at the fitting session with your clinician. It is made up of two sections – a blue silicone inner cap and a grey neoprene outer cover
  • Hair preparation kit – this includes a brush and comb, a spray bottle, a small towel, and a bottle of conditioner. You will need these items to prepare your hair ahead of scalp cooling
  • Education materials – this includes a patient manual which will give you advice and guidance on your scalp cooling treatment, a haircare guide, and information on how to care for your cap
Practicing putting on your cap ahead of your treatment is one of the most important things you can do to get the most from your treatment.

Watch the ‘How-To’ videos all the way through and practice putting on your cap three times. This will allow you to be confident with the cap and achieving a close and consistent contact between your scalp and the cap by the time you arrive at the hospital for your first treatment.

Have a conversation with your clinical team to establish what they will take responsibility for in the scalp cooling process, and what you will need to do yourself. This can vary depending on where you are being treated. Your clinical team will be there to support you throughout scalp cooling, but the more responsibility you can take personally, the more confident and in control you can feel about scalp cooling.
Watch our How-to videos
Choosing to become informed about the scalp cooling process can give you a feeling of confidence and control. Start your treatment positively by becoming as familiar as you can with the guidance on this website, particularly the How-To videos. The videos will give you confidence that you know what a good cap fit should look and feel like, and that you feel empowered about the care you need to give yourself between treatment days.

What to expect

For most people, the first day of chemotherapy treatment can be scary. There are a lot of things to think about and often lots of unanswered questions that can cause a feeling of anxiety. While it is important to remember that every hospital does things a little differently, we hope the following video will at least help to explain the scalp cooling process, what you can expect, and help you to feel a little more prepared for what is coming.
If you have any questions about your chemotherapy treatment or the scalp cooling process, get in touch with your clinical team. They will be able to give you specific information about what you should expect.
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I was determined to learn as much as I could about scalp cooling in the spirit of saving my hair.

Angela
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