How Does It Work
On chemo days, you rotate among five different caps keeping your head at -38 degrees celsius. The idea is that the caps freeze the hair follicle, preventing the chemo drugs from penetrating, thus reducing/preventing hair loss. Caps are changed every 25-30 mins and are worn for one hour prior to chemo, during the entire infusion, and then after for between 3 and 5 hours (depending on the type of chemo).
Capping Supplies
- Temperature gun
- Cooler
- 80 lbs Dry Ice (40slabs/40pellets)
- 8 XL Ziploc Freezer Bags (for pellets)
- 5 Cold Caps
- 1 Velcro Strap
- Moleskin & Scissors
- Ear Muffs
- Electric Blanket
For Best Results
Remove Unnecessary Chemicals From Your Routine (Sulphates/Parabens/SLS/Fragrances)
- Natural Toothpaste
- Natural deodorant
- Shampoo & Conditioner
Stay Hydrated!
Hair Care
Do not colour, cut, or chemically treat your hair for 3 weeks before chemo. For best results, wait for 3 months after chemo before returning to your normal haircare routine.
Wash your hair 3 days before chemo & not again until 3 days after chemo.
- Use cool water & low pressure shower head or a cup for rinsing
- Use a wide-tooth comb; start at the bottom and hold the root while combing
- Sleep with a satin or silk pillow case to reduce pulling at night
- Do not blow dry, straighten, or curl your hair
- Be as gentle as you possibly can!
What To Expect On Chemo Day
You will need to purchase the dry ice either the night before or the morning of chemo. Caps must be packed in the cooler with dry ice 3 hours before they go on your head.
Always use special gloves when handling the dry ice.
To Pack The Cooler:
- Be sure a slab is cut to fit in the very bottom.
- Divide the pellets into 8 XL Ziploc Freezer Bags (do not close bags completely - they will pop!)
Time it so that you are able to put the first cap on 1 hour prior to chemo. Remember that your pre-meds and vitals usually take about an hour so putting your first cap on just prior to this usually works well.
You will need at least ONE person to help you for the entire day.
Be sure to temp the cap to confirm it is below -38 degrees celsius. Once your first cap goes on, set a timer for 25 minutes. When the timer goes off, pull out your next cap in preparation for the change. Again, temp the new cap at each change.
After the new cap has sat for 5 minutes, exchange the two caps.
In Between Changes
Be sure to exchange the caps quickly. The change should ideally happen in under 1 minute. Once the exchange has happened, set your 25 minute timer and restock the cooler.
Restocking The Cooler
Restocking the cooler is done after each cap change. Check out the video for the easiest way!
Does cold capping work 100% of the time?
How long do I need to wear the caps for?
If I've already had one round of chemo, could it still work?
Does cold capping hurt?
Tanya
Tanya was diagnosed with triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma.
She did 4 rounds of TC (docetaxel & cyclophosphamide).
2019 Abbotsford Regional Hospital & Cancer Centre.
Nastasia @nastasia.genova
Nastasia had Stage 1, Triple Negative and did 4 rounds of TC (docetaxel & cyclophoshamide).
2019/2020 Lions Gate Hospital.
Looking For More Resources?
Shortly after finishing treatment I put together Thriving Through Cancer: the road map I wish I had when I started my journey. Inside, you'll find answers to questions you didn't even know to ask! Plus meditations, cancer beauty hacks, even yoga classes.
This is exactly what you need to π―π½ππΎππ π―π½πππππ½ ππΆππΈππ.
Curious What Caps We Use?
While there are a few different ways of getting caps in Canada, we have chosen to go with a company called Polar Cold Caps. The caps are available for purchase only - but it ends up costing less than renting from other companies!
Where To Purchase Dry Ice
In Vancouver, the only company that supplies dry ice in pellets is PRAXAIR. Contact them and let them know you are cold capping with us! They have been incredible enough to bring the cost down to $30 per capping session.
Request a FREE Set with our #Kindesscures Capping Program
We believe that keeping your hair during treatment should be FREE. Our goal is to lend our sets to as many women as we can and to help raise awareness about our options through treatment!
*We will do our best to accomodate as many requests as possible!
Request a FREE Set
If you live in the Vancouver, BC area and are interested in our #Kindnesscures Capping Program, complete the form below.
Looking For A Stylist In Vancouver?
Tamara is the owner of Honey & Ash in Pitt Meadows. She was my stylist BEFORE cancer and then after I was diagnosed, this beautiful soul stepped up for me. If you're looking for the best care for your hair - check her out.
